Davido's Heartbreaking Losses: Remembering 7 Close Friends Who Died Too Soon
Nigerian Afrobeats megastar Davido has faced a series of devastating personal tragedies over the years, mourning the untimely deaths of several close friends and associates from his inner circle. The singer's journey has been marked by profound grief alongside his musical success, with each loss leaving a lasting impact on his life and career.
The Tragic Death of Tagbo Umeike in 2017
One of Davido's closest companions, Tagbo Umeike, popularly known as Tagbo, passed away on his birthday, October 3, 2017. Reports indicated that Tagbo allegedly consumed approximately 40 shots of tequila during a night of heavy drinking. Nollywood actress Caroline Danjuma, a friend of Tagbo, publicly announced his death and initially accused Davido and his crew of responsibility.
However, subsequent investigations by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department revealed that Davido had actually ordered Tagbo to be taken to the hospital after he became unconscious from excessive alcohol consumption. Medical personnel at the hospital confirmed that Tagbo had already passed away before arrival.
DJ Olu's Mysterious Passing Four Days Later
Another tragedy struck just four days after Tagbo's death when Olugbenga Abiodun, known professionally as DJ Olu, died on October 7, 2017. The disc jockey and his associate Chime Amaechi, both members of Davido's crew, were discovered deceased inside a BMW car parked in a garage on Banana Island, Lagos.
The Ikoyi Police Division reported finding both men with blood coming from their noses and mouths, with substances suspected to be drugs reportedly present in their systems. DJ Olu was the son of prominent businessman and politician Dapo Abiodun. Davido later shared an emotional tribute on social media, expressing how much he missed his friend and how they had dreamed of taking over the world together.
Obama DMW's Sudden Demise in 2021
Habeeb Uthman, one of Davido's closest associates and business partners known as Obama DMW, died on June 23, 2021. Reports stated that he complained of breathing difficulties and was rushed to a hospital in Lekki, where he was later pronounced dead. Davido reacted to the news with heartbreaking posts on Instagram, simply writing "Obama, why? Obama, what?" reflecting his shock and grief.
King Jhaffi's Untimely Passing in 2020
Ahmed, popularly known as King Jhaffi, was another close friend and associate of Davido who reportedly died in April 2020 after a brief illness. The singer and members of his circle were devastated by the news, with Davido openly expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss. He shared a video on Instagram with the caption "RIP KING JHAFFI!!!!! WtTF MAN… my boy has gone… F*** 2020." The exact cause of King Jhaffi's death has never been publicly confirmed.
Bodyguard Tijani's Death in December 2020
Davido's personal bodyguard, Tijani Olamilekan, popularly known as TeejayDMW, reportedly died on Tuesday morning, December 8, 2020. The singer shared photos of TJ on Instagram while mourning him, revealing that he passed away in the early hours of the day after a brief illness. He was reportedly 36 years old at the time of his death.
Photographer Fortune's Tragic Drowning in 2021
Davido's official photographer, Fortune, died on September 22, 2021. Reports suggested that he drowned while trying to get a better position during a photoshoot. In an emotional online tribute, Davido revealed that the photographer went from being a stranger to one of his closest confidants within weeks, noting that Fortune was "all about me like nothing else mattered" and followed him everywhere with his camera.
Recent Loss Amid Legal Dispute
Davido was recently struck by another wave of grief following the reported death of his close friend and socialite, Denisi. This development came shortly after the singer became involved in a reported N1 billion legal dispute linked to Sophia Momodu. News of Denisi's death surfaced after his associate, Joel Heugh Boyseen, shared an emotional farewell post on Instagram. Although the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, the tribute reflected the shock and grief felt by those who knew the late socialite.
These seven tragic losses represent just a portion of the heartbreaking moments Davido has endured throughout his career. Each death has left a void in his personal and professional life, reminding fans and observers that behind the glamour of celebrity life lies genuine human suffering and loss. The singer's public mourning and tributes to his departed friends demonstrate the deep bonds he formed with those in his inner circle.
