Madonna was very much a proud mother when she took to Instagram on Saturday to share a heartfelt tribute for her adopted son David Banda on his 16th birthday.
The Queen of Pop, 63, shared snaps of David throughout the years, and recalled meeting him at an orphanage when he was just 13 months, prior to his adoption.
‘Who knew when I met you at Home of Hope Orphanage in Malawi, drinking coke out of a baby bottle and wearing no diaper that you would become this force of nature?’ the hitmaker penned online.
Celebrations: Madonna shared a heartfelt tribute for adopted son David Banda (pictured) on his 16th birthday in an Instagram post on Saturday – as she recalled him drinking ‘coke out of a baby bottle’ at 13-months-old at a Malawi orphanage when they first met
Madonna posted a recent shot of David cutting a stylish figure in a vibrant blue vest, matching trousers, and with statement jewellery including a layering of necklaces.
Another particular snap sees David in a head-to-toe Gucci ensemble cozying up to Madonna, who dons a tribal-inspired frock and leopard print fedora hat.
Other photos capture David showing off his flair for fashion in a number of ensembles, including a suave black tuxedo and bow tie, as well as African clothing.
Designer style: The Queen of Pop, 63, shared a photo of David in a head-to-toe Gucci ensemble. Madonna embraced him, donning a tribal-inspired frock and leopard print fedora
Slew of fun snaps: Madonna shared this playful photo of David lounging across a pool table
Polished: The Vogue hitmaker also captured David showing off his flair for fashion in a number of ensembles, including a suave black tuxedo and bow tie
The Vogue chart-topper also included a gorgeous snap of herself cradling David as a baby on her hip, with daughter Lourdes Leon, now 24, by her side.
Madonna captioned the gallery of birthday images: ‘David Banda!! I cannot believe you have grown into This Young Man! This Artist. This Athlete. This Articulate and Charismatic Human.
‘Who knew when I met you at Home of Hope Orphanage in Malawi, drinking coke out of a baby bottle and wearing no diaper that you would become this force of nature?
Sweet tribute: Madonna captioned the gallery of birthday images: ‘David Banda!! I cannot believe you have grown into This Young Man! This Artist. This Athlete. This Articulate and Charismatic Human’
She continued: ‘Who knew when I met you at Home of Hope Orphanage in Malawi, drinking coke out of a baby bottle and wearing no diaper that you would become this force of nature?’
Doting mother: ‘Happy Sweet Sixteen! Im so proud of you!’ Madonna added
‘Happy Sweet Sixteen! Im so proud of you!’ she continued.
Madonna adopted David when he was just 13 months, with then-husband, Guy Ritchie, 53.
The former couple share son Rocco, 21, and Madonna is also a mother to Lourdes, with ex-boyfriend Carlos Leon, 55.
Madonna also adopted Malawi orphans Mercy James, 15, and nine-year-old twins Stella and Estere.
One of six children: Madonna adopted David when he was just 13 months, with then-husband, Guy Ritchie, 53
Family: Madonna is pictured with David as a baby, and daughter Lourdes Leon, now 24
The Papa Don’t Preach artist recently marked Stella and Estere’s birthday with a lavish celebration, with Madonna’s boyfriend Ahlamalik Williams, 27, also attending.
Madonna revealed what motherhood has taught her in an interview with the Today show in 2019.
‘[Having children has] reminded me how precious time is, and how each child requires attention and vigilance and guidance in a different way,’ she said.
Her team: Madonna is pictured with Lourdes, son Rocco Ritchie, 21, who she shares with ex-husband Guy Ritchie, David, and her adopted children, daughter Mercy James, 15, and twins Estere and Stella Ciccone, nine
![Motherhood: Madonna revealed what motherhood has taught her in an interview with the Today show in 2019. '[Having children has] reminded me how precious time is, and how each child requires attention and vigilance and guidance in a different way,' she said](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/08/17/14/46776659-0-image-a-6_1629208564182.jpg)
Motherhood: Madonna revealed what motherhood has taught her in an interview with the Today show in 2019. ‘[Having children has] reminded me how precious time is, and how each child requires attention and vigilance and guidance in a different way,’ she said
Life lessons: ‘Really, you have to be ready for anything. They teach you to stop being obsessed with yourself, ’cause they’re always there to throw a wrench into the works… self-obsession is not allowed with children,’ she continued. Pictured: Estere and Stella
‘Really, you have to be ready for anything. They teach you to stop being obsessed with yourself, ’cause they’re always there to throw a wrench into the works… self-obsession is not allowed with children.’
Madonna likened motherhood to writing songs, in that the more you practise, the better you get.
‘The more kids that you have, the better you get at being a parent… yeah, definitely,’ she said.
Her love: Madonna is dating professional dancer and choreographer Ahlamalik Williams (pictured), 27