Davido and Rarara clash after the singer used the FIFA World Cup stage to spotlight abducted Oyo schoolchildren, sparking a heated social media exchange
A fresh controversy has erupted between Afrobeats star Davido and popular Hausa singer Dauda Rarara. The disagreement started after Davido used a global stage to highlight Nigeria’s insecurity crisis.
During the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles on June 10, Davido wore a customised jacket. The jacket carried the message “Bring Them Home.” It also displayed the names of more than 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15.
While some victims were killed, others are still being held captive. As a result, many Nigerians praised Davido for drawing international attention to their plight. Among those who applauded the gesture was Peter Obi.
However, Rarara strongly disagreed with Davido’s action. In a video shared on his verified Facebook page, the APC-aligned singer described the move as “barbaric.” He argued that the Afrobeats star damaged Nigeria’s image before the international community.
According to him, “How can you promote Ansaru terrorists or insecurity-related issues to the whole world? 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?” Rarara also questioned Davido’s motive and suggested politics may have influenced the decision.
The singer went further with a controversial comparison. He said, “What Davido did is similar to removing his own mother’s wrapper, taking a photograph of her and travelling to America to display it for the whole world to see.”
Rarara maintained that security matters require caution. He claimed the kidnappers acted after some terrorists were arrested and warned that public campaigns could affect ongoing efforts by security agencies.
Davido did not stay silent. Reacting on X, he quoted Rarara’s post and replied with “Debidooo,” a playful jab at the Hausa pronunciation of his name. Rarara fired back with “Kashiga taitayinka.”
The exchange became even more heated when Davido responded, “Da ace kana da ilimi da na tsaya nayi magana dakai. Ama komai baka sani ba, sakarai kawai,” meaning, “If only you had knowledge, I would have stopped to speak with you. But you know nothing, just a fool.”
