Sharon Adeleke speaks on Davido’s luxury lifestyle claim as she credits the Afrobeats star for popularising flashy culture in Nigeria’s music industry

Sharon Adeleke, sister to Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has credited the singer with pioneering a bold luxury culture within Nigeria’s music industry.

Also read: Davido reveals music was his true calling despite wealth

Sharon Adeleke says Davido’s luxury lifestyle remark was made during a live Apple Music Radio session held to mark Davido’s 15th anniversary in the industry, where family members and close associates reflected on his career and influence.

Sharon Adeleke said the singer played a defining role in making flamboyance and public displays of wealth widely accepted and aspirational among Nigerian artists.

“I think that David is one of the people that started all this being flashy and showing off and making it cool, in Nigeria,” she said.

Davido responded by acknowledging earlier influences, pointing to the role of the now-defunct Mo’Hits crew, led by Don Jazzy and D’banj, in shaping elements of group identity and artist branding.

“When we came to Nigeria, Mo’Hits did it with having a crew, but you see how in America, every successful musician has a crew, his guys and all that,” Davido said.

Sharon Adeleke, however, maintained that her brother elevated and mainstreamed the culture locally, insisting that the level of visibility and style he introduced was unprecedented at the time.

“You brought that. Nobody used to do that,” she added.

Davido has previously spoken about the profound influence of Mo’Hits on his musical journey, revealing in earlier interviews that his passion for music was partly inspired by the group.

He also recounted spending time at the Mo’Hits mansion during his early years, after defying his father’s wishes to pursue a career in music, an experience he has described as transformative.

Also read: Davido reflects on past mistake, confesses cheating on Chioma

The discussion highlights the ongoing conversation around influence and evolution within Nigeria’s music industry, with Davido widely regarded as one of the figures who helped shape its modern global image.