A heated public exchange has erupted between Afrobeats superstar Davido (David Adeleke) and prominent Hausa musician Dauda Adamu Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara, after Davido used his platform at a major international event to highlight the plight of abducted schoolchildren from Oyo State.
During his headline performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert in Los Angeles, Davido wore a custom jacket with the message “Bring Them Home” and the names of victims abducted on May 15 from schools in Oyo State’s Oriire area. The incident involved at least 39 pupils (some as young as two years old) and seven teachers, sparking local strikes and protests.
Rarara sharply criticized the gesture in a widely shared video, accusing Davido of embarrassing Nigeria internationally by “airing dirty linen” on the global stage and potentially promoting insecurity. He described the action as unpatriotic and damaging to the country’s image.
Davido responded on X (formerly Twitter) by quoting Rarara’s remarks and replying with “Debidooo,” a light-hearted jab at the Hausa pronunciation of his name. The exchange has sparked intense debate across Nigerian social media, with divided opinions on celebrity advocacy versus national image.
This clash highlights ongoing discussions in Nigeria about the role of entertainers in addressing insecurity, balancing public advocacy with patriotism, and the power of celebrity influence.
Davido has a history of speaking out on issues of insecurity and injustice, both locally and in international forums.
As the situation unfolds, demands for the safe return of the abducted children and teachers continue, with authorities reporting active efforts toward their release.