Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has called for the establishment of dedicated therapy centres for celebrities and other highly successful individuals, saying the intense pressure that comes with fame can take a serious toll on mental health.
Speaking during a recent interview, the award-winning singer said public figures often struggle with the emotional burden of maintaining success while facing relentless criticism, making professional psychological support increasingly necessary.
Davido said one of the biggest challenges of celebrity life is the reality that public admiration can quickly turn into criticism, regardless of past achievements.
According to him, even individuals who have reached the highest levels of success remain vulnerable to public scrutiny, creating emotional and mental strain that many people fail to understand. He argued that the experience of rising to the top and dealing with expectations afterwards can be overwhelming for many entertainers, athletes, and other prominent figures.
“If there is one thing I could build, I would build a therapy centre for people who were popular and very successful people. Because it is crazy to be on top of the world and the next moment you are not,” he said.
To illustrate his point, the singer referenced Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the global icon continued to receive criticism despite an extraordinary career filled with major trophies and personal achievements.
Davido noted that Ronaldo was mocked by some fans following Portugal’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite his long-standing contribution to football and years of excellence at the highest level.
According to Davido, such reactions demonstrate how quickly public opinion can shift, even against individuals who have built remarkable careers. He suggested that the emotional impact of these changing perceptions is often underestimated, particularly by people who have never experienced life in the public eye.
The singer also reflected on his own career, admitting that protecting the reputation he has spent years building remains one of his greatest concerns. He said he constantly thinks about making the right decisions to avoid actions that could damage everything he has worked hard to achieve.
Davido explained that he regularly prays for wisdom and guidance, asking God to help him recognise the right opportunities and avoid mistakes that could negatively affect his legacy. He described preserving his career as a daily responsibility that requires careful choices and discipline.
Expressing concern over the limited mental health support available to public figures, the Afrobeats star proposed the creation of specialised therapy centres designed specifically for people who have experienced fame and exceptional success. He believes such facilities would provide a safe environment where celebrities and other high-profile individuals can receive professional support while coping with the unique pressures associated with public life.
Davido said the psychological challenges of moving from the peak of success to periods of criticism or declining popularity can be difficult to manage without proper support. He stressed that many successful individuals silently battle emotional struggles because of the constant expectations placed upon them by fans, the media and the public.
