Grammy-winning artist Usher is known for his dynamic career, spanning from acting in films and Broadway performances to coaching on The Voice. Yet, amidst his professional achievements, Usher’s most cherished role is undoubtedly that of a father. This article delves into the world of the Usher Family, exploring his journey as a parent and the unique personalities of his four children.
The Super Bowl 2024 halftime show headliner proudly parents four children: sons Usher “Cinco” V and Naviyd Ely from his previous marriage with Tameka Foster, and daughter Sovereign Bo and son Sire Castrello with his current wife, Jenn Goicoechea. Usher has openly shared how his own experiences with his father shaped his approach to parenting. In a 2008 interview with Essence, he reflected on his desire to give his children the unwavering acceptance, importance, and care he felt he lacked in his own childhood. This commitment to his Usher family is a cornerstone of his life.
Usher’s children are not just a personal priority; they also serve as a profound source of inspiration for his music. His 2020 song “I Cry,” for instance, was directly inspired by his eldest sons’ reaction to seeing him cry for the first time, revealing a vulnerable and relatable side of the superstar dad.
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Both of Usher’s younger children with Goicoechea were born during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking on The Late Late Show with James Corden in September 2020, Usher highlighted the pandemic’s silver lining: the opportunity to reconnect with family. He emphasized the importance of cherishing loved ones, a sentiment that deeply resonates with his focus on the Usher family.
As Usher geared up for his monumental Super Bowl 2024 halftime performance, he revealed a relatable aspect of his fame – his kids sometimes prefer to keep him at a distance during their events. In a conversation on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast Club Shay Shay, Usher shared that his children occasionally seek to avoid the spotlight that naturally follows him. He understands that their upbringing is vastly different from his own, acknowledging the unique challenges and perspectives his children navigate as part of the Usher family. He hopes to instill in them the value of hard work and humility, even amidst their privileged circumstances.
Let’s take a closer look at each member of the Usher family: Usher V, Naviyd, Sovereign, and Sire, and explore their individual stories.
Meet the Usher Family
Usher “Cinco” Raymond V, 17
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Usher Raymond V, affectionately known as “Cinco,” is Usher’s eldest son, born on November 27, 2007, to Usher and his former wife, Tameka Foster. Even before Cinco’s arrival, Usher expressed his hopes for his first child in an interview with PEOPLE, wishing for a healthy and energetic son.
Parenting Cinco prompted Usher to reflect deeply on his own father’s presence in his life. He graced the cover of Essence with Usher V in 2008, discussing his commitment to being a more present and supportive father. He emphasized the importance of active involvement in a child’s life, prioritizing his son’s needs above personal ego, a testament to his dedication to the Usher family.
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At the young age of 5, Usher V experienced a near-fatal drowning accident, getting his arm trapped in a pool drain. Usher publicly expressed his gratitude for the prayers and support during this harrowing time, acknowledging it as one of the most challenging periods of his life, comparable to the tragic loss of Foster’s son, Kile, in a boating accident. This event deeply impacted the Usher family.
Adding to the family’s challenges, Usher V was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 6 in 2014. Usher has spoken about his immense pride in his son’s bravery in managing his condition. He also openly discussed the complexities of co-parenting with Foster while navigating Cinco’s diabetes, emphasizing the crucial need for clear communication and unwavering commitment to ensure their son’s well-being. The health of the Usher family is clearly a top priority for Usher.
In recent years, Usher has shared insights into how his eldest sons perceive his fame. He noted that Cinco prefers to be called by his nickname, seeking to establish his own identity apart from his famous father, a common experience for children in the spotlight.
Naviyd Ely Raymond, 16
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Naviyd Ely Raymond, Usher’s second son with Tameka Foster, was born on December 10, 2008. The following year, in June 2009, Usher initiated divorce proceedings from Foster, which were finalized in November. Usher was granted primary custody of both Usher V and Naviyd, solidifying his role as the central figure in the Usher family dynamic.
Even at a young age, Naviyd was involved in his father’s world, attending the 2011 premiere of the Justin Bieber documentary Never Say Never with Usher and his older brother. Usher famously mentored Justin Bieber early in his career.
In 2016, after filming Hands of Stone, Usher prioritized his Usher family, taking a break to spend quality time with his children. He recounted a memorable hot air balloon trip in Italy with Usher V and Naviyd, highlighting the joy of shared family moments.
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Later that year, Usher V and Naviyd proudly supported their father at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, posing together for photos on the red carpet, a public display of Usher family unity.
Usher has described Naviyd as having a keen interest in entertainment, unlike his older brother. Naviyd reportedly enjoys watching his father’s performances and even offers critiques, showing a deep engagement with Usher’s professional life and a unique bond within the Usher family. Naviyd and Usher V recently showed their support for their father at the BET Awards in June 2024, further emphasizing their close-knit family ties.
Sovereign Bo Raymond, 4
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Sovereign Bo arrived on September 24, 2020, about a month earlier than expected. She is Usher’s first daughter and his first child with his now-wife, Jenn Goicoechea. Usher announced her birth with joy on Instagram, sharing a photo of her tiny hand and revealing they were playing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” on repeat, a sweet introduction of the newest member of the Usher family.
The name Sovereign Bo carries special meaning. Usher explained that “Sovereign” represents a supreme ruler, fitting for his daughter who definitely “rules the household.” The moniker “Bo” adds a playful touch, creating “reign-bo,” a charming nickname for his little girl. The thoughtful name reflects the love and care within the Usher family.
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Usher humorously noted that Sovereign was born knowing her own mind, arriving ahead of schedule and embodying Libra traits. He embraced being a “girl dad,” even incorporating pink into his wardrobe. Being a father to Sovereign has brought a new dimension to the Usher family dynamic.
Even as a baby, Sovereign joined the growing Usher family, as Goicoechea and Usher soon announced they were expecting again. In Halloween 2022, Usher shared an adorable photo of Sovereign dressed as Mirabel from Disney’s Encanto, showcasing the fun and loving family environment.
Sire Castrello Raymond, 3
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Sire Castrello, the youngest member of the Usher family, was born on September 29, 2021. Usher announced Sire’s arrival on Instagram with a black-and-white photo and a playful caption, revealing his full name and nickname “Ra Ra.”
Determined to improve upon his music selection for Sovereign’s birth, Usher curated a playlist for Sire’s arrival, ultimately choosing 50 Cent’s “In Da Club” as his entrance song. This humorous anecdote highlights Usher’s lighthearted approach to fatherhood within the Usher family.
Usher frequently shares glimpses into his special bond with Sire, describing him as “something special” and different from his other children. He celebrated Sire’s third birthday with a Cars-themed party in September 2024, sharing photos and videos on Instagram, showcasing the joyful celebrations within the Usher family.
Usher: A Family Man at Heart
Usher’s journey as a father is a central theme in his life, as evidenced by his deep involvement and love for his four children. From navigating the challenges of co-parenting and childhood illness to celebrating milestones and embracing the joys of having a daughter, Usher’s commitment to his Usher family is unwavering. His children inspire his music, shape his perspectives, and ground him amidst his extraordinary career. The Usher family story is a testament to the artist’s dedication to fatherhood, proving that his most important role is indeed being a dad.
