Entertainment
Maleek Berry Recalls Davido’s Humble Beginnings Despite Wealthy Background
Afrobeats singer and producer, Maleek Berry, recently shared an interesting story about his early interactions with fellow artist Davido during their early careers as rising stars.
Speaking on the ’90s Baby’ podcast, Maleek Berry, best known for his hit song ‘Kontrol,’ revealed how Davido, despite coming from a wealthy background, initially gave the impression of being less fortunate when they first met and worked together in the studio.
Berry recalled that during their early days in the industry, Davido behaved as if he was struggling financially, which left Berry shocked when he eventually discovered Davido’s true financial status.
“I remember when Davido only had four thousand views on YouTube,” Maleek Berry said. “When he came to London, I used to take him to the studio in Bermondsey, where we would record music together.”
He went on to explain that their connection was made through one of Davido’s cousins, who had reached out to Maleek Berry on social media. At the time, neither of them had achieved mainstream success, and they were simply two Nigerian music lovers working to make a name for themselves.
“He wasn’t even famous back then. We were just two guys passionate about music who got linked up,” he explained.
Maleek Berry mentioned that Davido acted like he was one of the “struggling” kids, blending in seamlessly with other young artists who were trying to make it in the industry.
However, everything changed when Berry visited Davido’s father’s mansion. “I was completely taken aback,” Berry admitted. “When I pulled up to his dad’s house, it hit me—there’s money, and then there’s real money! My mind was blown.
I wasn’t thinking along the lines of Davido being rich because he fit in so well with us. But after seeing the mansion, I realized just how wealthy they were.”
Berry further revealed that, years later, it was Davido who introduced him to another Afrobeats heavyweight, Wizkid, paving the way for more opportunities and collaborations in his music career.
This recollection highlights the humble beginnings of two major stars in the Afrobeats scene and the unexpected twists in their journeys to stardom. It also shows the power of connections and how significant relationships helped shape their individual careers.
The long-awaited trial in the murder case of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has reached a major development, with Duane “Keffe D” Davis sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13, 2026.
Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August 2026 for his role in orchestrating the 1996 killing. Tupac was shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
During the sentencing, the judge addressed Davis, rejecting his claims that he had changed his life and moved on from his past. “Mr. Davis, for three years, I’ve heard you say some variation of the same thing to law enforcement, [in interviews], in your book, and it’s something like, ‘Yeah, I was involved in this, but I’m different. I’ve moved on. I got out of Compton. I’m a grandfather now.’ I’m here to tell you that’s not how this works,” the judge said.
She continued “You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.
“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. It took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on Sept. 7, 1996.”
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has reflected on how his perception of YouTube movies has changed over the years. The actor recalled that there was a time when he looked down on movies released on YouTube.
However, he now appreciates the opportunities they have provided for his career and joked that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss them.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Egbuson wrote “Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now.”
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has advised young people who are still living with their parents not to rush into moving out because of peer pressure.
The singer encouraged young people to focus on their personal circumstances rather than compare their lives with those of others. He noted that there is no need to leave their parents’ homes simply because they want to feel independent.
Sharing his advice, Dakolo said “No hurry, leave your papa house because of peer pressure. Forget all that, ‘I don’t have my freedom here.’”
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
