Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has raised concerns over the severe mental health toll of fame, stating that the continuous pressure to remain relevant can be overwhelming for successful public figures.
Speaking in a recent interview, the award-winning musician explained that the rapid shift from peak success to intense public criticism can have significant psychological effects on individuals.
To illustrate his point, Davido referenced international football star Cristiano Ronaldo, noting that despite an illustrious career filled with numerous trophies, the athlete still faced heavy public criticism following Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup.
“Even in football, you win the World Cup, the Champions League, and other trophies, and people still don’t think it is enough. For instance, look at my good friend Ronaldo: after everything he’s done for football, they still laughed at him for exiting the World Cup,” Davido said.
The artist also admitted that protecting his own career and legacy remains a constant source of concern, adding that he prays daily for direction to avoid making mistakes that could ruin years of hard work.
To address these mental health challenges, Davido suggested the establishment of specialized therapy centres specifically designed for individuals who have experienced high levels of fame and success. He emphasized that such facilities are necessary to help public figures manage the unique pressures that come with global visibility.
“If there is one thing I could build, I would build a therapy centre for people who are popular and very successful. Because it is crazy to be on top of the world and the next moment you are not,” he concluded.
