A public war of words has erupted between Afrobeats superstar Davido and popular Hausa musician Dauda Rarara over the singer’s decision to spotlight the plight of abducted schoolchildren during a FIFA World Cup event in the United States.
The disagreement began after Davido appeared at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles wearing a customised jacket bearing the message “Bring Them Home” alongside the names of dozens of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State.
The singer used the global stage to draw attention to the victims, many of whom were abducted on May 15 in Oriire Local Government Area, while some reportedly remain in captivity.
While the gesture was praised by several Nigerians, including presidential candidate Peter Obi, Rarara strongly criticised Davido’s actions.
In a video shared on Facebook, the APC-aligned singer accused Davido of portraying Nigeria negatively before the international community.
“What Davido did was barbaric. In my opinion, Davido and those who share his way of thinking are only behaving foolishly,” Rarara said.
He questioned why the singer chose to showcase a sensitive security issue on an international platform.
“How can you take a sensitive national security issue and project it to the world in a way that could damage the country’s image? What exactly do you stand to gain from doing that?” he asked.
Rarara further alleged that Davido’s actions may have been politically motivated due to his family’s political interests.
“Is it because his uncle is contesting an election on Accord Party and Tinubu is in APC? Is that why insecurity must become a campaign tool?” he said.
The singer also argued that insecurity matters should be handled with caution and not turned into public campaigns.
Davido, however, did not let the criticism slide.
Reacting on X, the Afrobeats star quoted Rarara’s post and simply wrote:
“Debidooo.”
Rarara responded with a Hausa phrase telling Davido to return to his senses.
The exchange escalated further when Davido fired back with a stronger response in Hausa.
“Da ace kana da ilimi da na tsaya nayi magana dakai. Ama komai baka sani ba, sakarai kawai.”
The statement translates to:
“If only you had knowledge, I would have stopped to speak with you. But you know nothing, just a fool.”
The online exchange has since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with supporters of both entertainers debating whether Davido’s World Cup advocacy was a humanitarian effort or an action that could affect Nigeria’s image abroad.
