Grammy-nominated Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has defended his decision to use his high-profile performance at a 2026 FIFA World Cup event to highlight Nigeria’s security challenges. The singer wore custom pins bearing the names of 39 abducted children and seven teachers during his set, drawing global attention to the crisis.
National Image vs. Human Lives
In an interview with BBC’s Focus on Africa host Waihiga Mwaura, Davido addressed criticisms that his demonstration could negatively impact how Nigeria is viewed on the international stage. The singer argued that preserving a pristine national image should never take precedence over the lives of citizens.
“A lot of people don’t really want to talk about what goes on in my country simply because they want to protect the image, but there’s no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped,” Davido stated candidly.
The Power of the Global Stage
While Davido noted that he was deeply honored to perform at the World Cup, he stressed that his massive platform comes with a responsibility to advocate for the vulnerable. He believes artists should leverage their international reach to raise awareness about ongoing domestic issues.
“As much as I was happy to do the World Cup, we also have to understand that there are things going on back home in our country, which we have the power to let the world know through our own means,” he explained.
The singer further explained that his live performances and music serve as his primary tools for advocacy, particularly for victims who have yet to be rescued.
“When I say our own means, where’s my power? My power is in music, performances. We have these students that have been missing, still not found. So yeah, I use my platform to project what’s really going on,” Davido concluded.