© JEFF KRAVITZ/FILMMAGIC
Donald Glover, known by his stage name Childish Gambino, has announced plans to retire the moniker after over a decade of critically acclaimed work. In an introspective discussion with The New York Times, Glover opened up about what led to this creative change and how fatherhood played a role in this transition.
The decision came to Glover in a sudden moment of clarity, saying simply “Oh, it’s done’.” While Childish Gambino gained remarkable success over 6 albums and 5 Grammys, Glover no longer saw the need to prove himself through this construct. “It’s not fulfilling. And I just felt like I didn’t need to build in this way anymore,” he shared.
No longer the 25 year old determined to take on the world, Glover acknowledged how becoming a parent shifted his priorities. “When I put my son on my shoulders, I feel deep joy,” he reflected. Rather than chase accolades or avoid being “cringe,” Glover’s focus is now on simple pleasures like family time.
Glover’s definition of success also matured beyond chart positions or metrics. For his upcoming and final album as Childish Gambino, “Bando,” dropping this Friday, his aim was music that fills a room with togetherness. If the album becomes the soundtrack of people’s summers, fueling memories a year later, that is the true reward for Glover now.
Interestingly, “Bando” was crafted in tandem with a film Glover made about an artist alone on an island recording during global turmoil – reflecting Glover’s own questioning of purpose.
