Davido has responded to Hausa singer Dauda Rarara's criticism with a single, mocking word: "Debidooo."
The Afrobeats superstar quoted Rarara's video on X Wednesday and replied with the playful jab at how Rarara pronounced his name. The exchange started after Rarara accused Davido of embarrassing Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles on June 10.
Davido wore a customised jacket at the event with "Bring Them Home" and the names of over 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, on May 15. The gesture drew international attention to the victims' plight and earned praise from figures like former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
But Rarara, who regularly performs at APC events, posted a video on his verified Facebook page Tuesday calling the move "barbaric."
"How can you promote Ansaru terrorists or insecurity-related issues to the whole world?" Rarara said. "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?"
He also questioned Davido's motives, alleging the singer was politicising insecurity because of his family's political interests. "Is it because his uncle is contesting an election on Accord Party and Tinubu is in APC?" Rarara asked. "Is that why insecurity must become a campaign tool?"
Davido's "Debidooo" reply went viral, with many interpreting it as a lighthearted mockery of Rarara's Hausa accent. But Rarara didn't let it slide.
Davido then escalated further, replying directly in Hausa: "Da ace kana da ilimi da na tsaya nayi magana dakai. Ama komai baka sani ba, sakarai kawai." Translation: "If only you had knowledge, I would have stopped to speak with you. But you know nothing, just a fool."
The back-and-forth has split opinion online. Some Nigerians back Davido's right to use his platform to highlight the abduction crisis. Others side with Rarara, arguing that airing the country's security problems on a global stage harms Nigeria's image.
Davido's uncle, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Osun State. He faces incumbent Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC in the July 16 election. Rarara's ties to the APC have led many to see his criticism as politically motivated.
This isn't the first time Davido has used his fame to draw attention to social issues. In 2021, he raised over ₦200 million for orphanages across Nigeria through a birthday fundraiser. He's also spoken out against police brutality during the #EndSARS protests.
The Oriire abduction remains unresolved. The victims were taken from their school in May, and no group has claimed responsibility. Security in Oyo State has been a growing concern, with banditry and kidnapping spreading from the North-West into the South-West.