PROFILE DETAILS
NAME: David Banda Mwale Ciccone Ritchie
REAL NAME: David Banda Mwale
AGE: 20 years old
Gender: Male
weight: Approx. 145 lbs (66 kg)
Height: 5’10” (178 cm)
Birthdate: September 24, 2005
Birth Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lipunga, Malawi
NET WORTH: Estimated $1.5 Million (Independent of family wealth)
Salary: $200 per guitar session; Variable modeling contracts ($20,000–$100,000 per campaign)
MAIN INCOME SOURCE: Modeling, Music, and Private Music Instruction
Profession: Model, Musician, and Creative Artist
RELIGION: Raised with Kabbalah and Christian influences; current personal practice is private.
FAMILY: Yohane Banda (Biological Father), Marita Banda (Biological Mother, deceased); Madonna (Adoptive Mother), Guy Ritchie (Adoptive Father)
PARENTS: Madonna and Guy Ritchie (Adoptive)
SPOUSE: None
CHILDREN: None
CAREER: High-fashion modeling (Off-White, etc.), Professional Guitarist, Former Soccer Player (Benfica Academy)
Nationality: Malawian-American
SOCIAL PROFILES: Instagram (Active, verified)
What is David Banda Net Worth and salary?
As of 2026, David Banda’s personal net worth is estimated at $1.5 million. While his mother, Madonna, possesses a fortune exceeding $850 million, David has made a public point of establishing financial independence. His income is derived from:
- Modeling: Following his high-profile debut for Off-White’s Spring 2025 collection, David has secured several luxury brand partnerships.
- Music: He earns a steady income through private guitar lessons, reportedly charging $200 per session, and royalties from performances during Madonna’s global tours.
- Social Media/Brand Endorsements: Leveraging his status as a fashion icon, he collaborates with boutique and high-end labels.
Early Life
David Banda was born in the village of Lipunga, Malawi. His biological mother passed away shortly after his birth due to childbirth complications. His biological father, Yohane Banda, placed him in the Home of Hope orphanage to ensure he received medical care while battling pneumonia and malaria. In 2006, he was adopted by Madonna and her then-husband, Guy Ritchie, a move that drew significant international media attention and sparked debates regarding Malawian adoption laws.
Before fame
Before becoming a fixture in the fashion and music industries, David was a dedicated athlete. He moved to Lisbon, Portugal, in 2017 so he could train at the prestigious Benfica Youth Academy. He spent several years pursuing a professional soccer career, showing immense promise as a midfielder before shifting his focus toward his creative passions in New York City.
Awards
- Fashion Recognition: Named one of the “Best Dressed” by various fashion publications (2022–2025).
- Runway Debut: Recognized for his “Electrifying Debut” at New York Fashion Week (2024/2025).
- Philanthropic Acknowledgments: Recognized for his ongoing support of Raising Malawi, the charity founded by his mother.
Personal Life and Relationships
David is currently in a long-term relationship with Maria Atuesta, a Colombian-born model. The couple moved into an apartment in the Bronx, New York, in 2024 to pursue an independent lifestyle. David has been vocal about the “fun of being young” and the reality of living on a budget, famously joking about “scavenging” for food when funds were low to emphasize his distance from his mother’s wealth.
Family life
David is part of a large, multicultural family. His siblings include Lourdes Leon (half-sister), Rocco Ritchie (half-brother), Mercy James (sister), and twins Stella and Estere (sisters). He maintains a very close relationship with Madonna, often describing her as his greatest inspiration. He also remains in contact with his adoptive father, Guy Ritchie, and has visited his biological father in Malawi on several occasions.
Associated with
- Madonna: His mother and frequent creative collaborator.
- Guy Ritchie: His adoptive father and renowned film director.
- Maria Atuesta: His partner and fellow model.
- Off-White: The fashion house that launched his professional runway career.
- Stella McCartney: A family friend and designer whose clothes he frequently models.
Real Estate
David currently resides in a modest apartment in The Bronx, New York. Unlike the multi-million dollar mansions of his parents, this residence reflects his commitment to a self-made lifestyle. He does not publicly own any significant real estate holdings as of early 2026.
Net Worth History
- 2022: $500,000 (Initial earnings from minor modeling and soccer-related stipends).
- 2024: $800,000 (Increased income from the Celebration Tour and early fashion gigs).
- 2025: $1.2 Million (Major runway contracts and brand ambassador roles).
- 2026: $1.5 Million (Stabilized income from music instruction and high-fashion campaigns).
Trivia
- Fashion Fluidity: David is celebrated for his gender-fluid style, often wearing dresses and avant-garde pieces, stating that clothes have no gender.
- Musical Talent: Beyond the guitar, he is a skilled singer and dancer, often performing alongside Madonna on stage.
- Linguistic Skills: Having lived in Lisbon, David is fluent in Portuguese.
- DNA Connection: Madonna once stated in an interview that David is the child she has the most in common with, saying he “gets her” more than anyone else.
BIOGRAPHY
Executive Summary
David Banda Mwale Ciccone Ritchie has successfully transitioned from being “Madonna’s adopted son” to a respected independent artist and fashion icon in his own right. Born in 2005 in Malawi, his life was marked by a high-profile adoption that changed the landscape of international celebrity philanthropy. After a childhood spent in London and New York, and a teenage stint as a rising soccer star in Portugal, David relocated to New York City to find his own voice.
By 2026, David has become a symbol of Gen-Z independence. Despite his proximity to immense wealth, he has chosen to live a grounded life in the Bronx, earning his living through music and modeling. His 2024/2025 runway debut for Off-White solidified his place in the fashion industry, where he is praised for his fearless, gender-neutral aesthetic. Musically, he continues to evolve, balancing private teaching with his own creative projects. David remains a bridge between his Malawian heritage and his global upbringing, frequently using his platform to advocate for children’s rights and education in his home country. His journey is a testament to the power of self-definition in the face of overwhelming public scrutiny.