From Errand Boy to Afrobeats Giant: Davido’s Humble Throwback Will Inspire You

Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, better known as Davido, recently shared a nostalgic gem from his early days in music, and it's one of those stories that reminds you just how far determination and passion can take a person.

In a now-viral video, Davido revealed how he used to run errands for Don Jazzy and D’Banj back in the day not in an ordinary car, but in his father’s luxurious Rolls-Royce. According to him, during the period between 2007 and 2009 in Atlanta, he would freestyle for the duo in his father’s house, and in between, run to McDonald's in a Rolls-Royce to get them food.

 “In Atlanta, 2007 or 2008 or 2009… In my father’s house, I was freestyling for Don Jazzy and D’Banj. He sent me to go and buy McDonald’s with my papa car — Rolls Royce,” Davido recalled.

This heartwarming story highlights Davido’s humble beginnings; a young man with big dreams, rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in Nigerian music before his own breakthrough. While many know him today as one of the biggest Afrobeats exports globally, few realize that he started out doing background errands and freestyles, using every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with the greats.

What stands out even more is his willingness to serve, despite coming from a wealthy background. He wasn’t too proud to run errands. Instead, he used those moments as stepping stones to build relationships and understand the game. It’s a powerful lesson to every young creative: no opportunity is too small when you’re chasing greatness.

Today, Davido is not only a multi-award-winning artist but also a symbol of consistency, charisma, and generosity. But behind the glitz is a story that many can relate to — a story of dreaming big, starting small, and staying hungry for success.