Many Nigerian musicians are recognizing that money and popularity aren’t enough; having a strong background and power are equally crucial aspects.These two factors are what distinguishes hip-hop artist David Adeleke, better known as Davido, from others.
I had listened to both Davido and Wizkid’s music, and I think they are both fantastic. But what distinguishes David Adeleke (Davido), is his desire to make Nigeria a better place and his affection for his fellow Nigerians.
He once traversed the country to help those who had less privilege. In 2021, the artist donated about ₦200 million after disclosing his bank account details on Twitter.
In July 2023, he stated that the charity had provided over 200 million to orphanages around the country, benefiting 13,818 youngsters.
So, if someone like Davido speaks about Nigeria, I believe people should listen to him. Has he held any post in Nigeria? Does he have a track record of plundering public funds, unlike many who have brought the country backward while pretending to be Nigerian? It is not only during protests against the Nigerian government that artists may express their views. They should be a part of nation-building, using their songs to awaken the country’s sleeping younger generation.
Davido will never stop being attacked by fellow industry members. He has an uncle who is the current Governor of Osun State, and his family is the first in Osun State and Nigeria to produce two brothers as Governors.
I believe that this should inspire other Nigerian artists to use their fortune for more than just pleasure. I believe many of them should emulate Bobi-wine in Uganda. If we have those who are wealthy enough among Nigerian music artists and have leadership experience, even if they cannot front the struggle, what makes younger Nigerians feel colonized by those who are not ready to serve the country, if they have a strong campaign against vote buying and remind this generation that they have no structure to win any political. We will not be intelligent and suffer.
If we look at the development of Nigerian youth, we can see that each individual is fighting not to be wasted; many have talent, but the system can crush dreams, which is why people are looking for ways to showcase themselves because collective struggle is dead; activists are surfing papers, and those they want to confront are aware of what many of them represent.
Back to Davido, the fact that he doesn’t always respond to individuals who criticize him in the industry demonstrates maturity. If we’re fighting and people witness you objecting, doesn’t that suggest I’ve given you a knock? I hope they would quit bickering and find other ways to contribute to the country.