Usher, renowned for his multifaceted career, has ventured into acting, Broadway performances, and coaching on The Voice, yet he considers his most important role to be that of a father.
As the performer for the Super Bowl 2024 halftime show, Usher is the proud parent of four children. He shares his sons, Usher “Cinco” V and Naviyd Ely, with ex-wife Tameka Foster, while his daughter Sovereign Bo and son Sire Castrello are from his marriage to Jenn Goicoechea.
Usher’s youngest son, Sire Castrello, arrived with a roar, and the singer’s determination to improve his music selection for the birth shows his playful side as a dad
In a 2008 interview with Essence, he reflected on his own father’s absence, expressing his desire to ensure his children felt valued and supported. Usher committed to providing them with the nurturing environment he lacked growing up.
His music has also drawn inspiration from his children. He mentioned that his 2020 track “I Cry” was influenced by the moment his eldest sons witnessed him crying for the first time. “There was a scene between a father and son that moved me to tears,” Usher recounted. “When my kids saw me crying, they were surprised, but I reassured them that it’s okay to show emotions.”
The births of both of Usher’s children with Goicoechea occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020, he shared insights about this time on The Late Late Show with James Corden, emphasizing the importance of family during challenging times. “This period has allowed everyone to pause and recognize what truly matters: family and appreciating loved ones,” he stated.
As he prepares for his Super Bowl performance, Usher noted that his children sometimes shy away from public events due to his celebrity status. “My kids often prefer I not attend their games or recitals. They like to keep things low-key to avoid the spotlight,” he explained to football analyst Shannon Sharpe on his podcast, Club Shay Shay.
He further acknowledged the unique challenges his children face compared to his own upbringing, emphasizing the importance of understanding the value of hard work. “Their reality comes with certain expectations that I can’t reverse.
My journey was about paving the way for them, and they must recognize the importance of the effort that went into it,” he said. Learn more about Usher’s four children below.
Usher “Cinco” Raymond V, 16
Born on November 27, 2007, Usher Raymond V is the artist’s eldest son with Tameka Foster. Prior to his birth, Usher shared his hopes for him during a PEOPLE interview, prioritizing health and well-being above all.
“I want him to be aware and healthy first and foremost. I wish for him to embody the same zest for life I had, while hoping he might be a bit more grounded,” he expressed.
In 2008, both Usher and Cinco graced the cover of Essence, where the singer reflected on how parenthood prompted him to reconsider his father’s influence on his life.
He aimed to become a better role model for his son, emphasizing the importance of active involvement in his child’s life. “Being present for your child, whether it’s reading together or supporting their development, is paramount,” he advised.
At just five years old, Usher V faced a traumatic near-drowning incident when his arm got caught in a pool drain while attempting to retrieve a toy. “I am grateful that my son is recovering and doing well,” Usher remarked, expressing gratitude for the support received during this difficult time.
More than a decade later, he described the day as one of the most challenging moments of his life, likening it to the grief Tameka experienced when she lost her son Kile in a boating accident in 2012.
“I can relate to the pain of potentially losing a child and empathize deeply with what both she and her ex-husband endured, as I’ve faced a fraction of it myself,” he shared.
In 2014, Usher V was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at six. At the JDRF’s Promise Ball the following year, which aimed to raise awareness for diabetes research, Usher expressed pride in his son’s courage. “His daily challenges and the responsibility he bears exemplify a bravery we should all aspire to,” he remarked.
Following the diagnosis, Usher indicated that co-parenting with Foster became increasingly complex due to the need for careful management of his son’s health. “Adjusting to life after the diagnosis was necessary for all of us. We had to find new ways to communicate effectively,” he noted in a 2023 interview with PEOPLE.
In November 2022, he discussed how his older sons perceive his fame, revealing that Usher V prefers his nickname to differentiate himself from his father. “Cinco doesn’t want to be called Usher; he actively tries to distance himself from that identity,” Usher explained to Tamron Hall.
Naviyd Ely, 15
Usher’s second son, Naviyd Ely, was born on December 10, 2008. Following his birth, Usher filed for divorce from Foster in June 2009, finalizing the separation in November, which resulted in him receiving full custody of both boys.
At just three years old, Naviyd joined his father and brother at the 2011 premiere of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, where Usher was mentoring the young pop star.
After wrapping up his film Hands of Stone in 2016, Usher paused his career to concentrate on his children and personal matters. He reminisced about a memorable hot air balloon ride in Italy he took with both sons when they were 8 and 7. “We shared a magical moment, floating 3,000 feet above the ground together, surrounded by family,” he recalled.
Naviyd and Usher V attended their father’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on September 7, 2016, where they posed for pictures alongside Usher’s star.
In a November 2022 interview with Tamron Hall, Usher noted that unlike his older brother, Naviyd has a genuine love for entertainment and often critiques his father’s performances. “He’s very engaged with my work and offers feedback on what I could improve,” Usher stated.
The brothers showed their support for their father at the BET Awards in June 2024, where Usher emphasized the purpose of fatherhood during his acceptance speech. “Everything revolves around my children, and I want them to understand that dreams can materialize if you’re truly dedicated,” he conveyed.
Sovereign Bo, 4
Sovereign Bo made her arrival about a month early on September 24, 2020, becoming Usher’s first child with Goicoechea. “We are overflowing with love and gratitude for our beautiful daughter, Sovereign Bo Raymond,” he shared on Instagram, accompanied by a touching photo of her tiny hand. “We have ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ by Stevie Wonder on repeat,” he added, expressing his joy.
Usher announced Goicoechea’s pregnancy a few weeks earlier on September 2, stating, “The arrival of a baby brings immeasurable joy to a family, and I am thrilled about my little one joining us.”
In a May 2021 interview with Extra, Usher elaborated on the meaning behind his daughter’s name. “Sovereign signifies a supreme ruler, which I find beautiful. She certainly rules our household. The addition of Bo is playful — it reflects her being my ‘reign-bo,'” he explained.
As Usher’s only daughter, Sovereign was born with a strong sense of self. “She arrived early, indicating she had her own plans,” he remarked, noting her Libra traits.
Reflecting on his Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace in July 2021, Usher expressed pride in being a “girl dad.” “I’ve even started wearing pink and other colors I enjoy,” he quipped.
Sovereign was not the only baby in the household for long; she was still an infant when Usher and Goicoechea announced their second pregnancy. In October 2022, he shared a cute photo of Sovereign dressed as Mirabel from Encanto for Halloween.
Sire Castrello, 2
The arrival of Usher’s youngest son was announced the following month on Instagram with a black-and-white photo and the caption: “Hi, my name is Sire Castrello Raymond. I am the newest member of the Raymond family, born on September 29, 2021, at 6:42 PM, weighing 7 lbs 13 oz. Hear me roar… a.k.a. Ra Ra.”
Usher humorously admitted that he did a “terrible job” picking music for Sovereign’s birth and was determined to do better for Sire. He chose “In Da Club” by 50 Cent for Sire’s entrance, ensuring he was fully prepared this time.
“I came with my Mophie, speakers, backup batteries, and a playlist I crafted over two weeks. It was quite the experience,” he shared during his appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
As Sire approached his first birthday, Usher posted a series of joyful photos capturing their bond. “We have a special relationship, and he is unlike any of my other kids,” Usher remarked. “The way we communicate creates a unique understanding between us.”
In October 2022, Usher celebrated both Sire’s and Sovereign’s birthdays, sharing adorable suit-themed photos inspired by The Boss Baby 2: Family Business.
Both toddlers donned matching outfits styled with slick hairstyles. Usher also shared a casual snapshot with Sire, captioning it: “#1 in the building. HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY Sire Ra!! My Biggie Boy.”
