By ABT News Desk | www.abtnews.net
A wave of euphoria and intense debate has swept through the Nigerian social media space after Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, famously known as Davido, publicly decried the worsening state of the nation. For millions of Nigerians grappling with economic hardship and insecurity, the vocal intervention of one of the continent’s biggest musical exports has been a welcome catalyst for national discourse.
However, his sudden foray into socio-political commentary has raised pressing questions: Has Davido’s newfound activism truncated his historically cozy relationship with Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu? And where does he stand with the controversial pro-Tinubu “City Boys” movement?
The Breaking of the Silence
The euphoria was triggered over the weekend when the Grammy-nominated artist took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his deep frustrations regarding the trajectory of the country. Admitting that celebrities had dropped the ball by staying largely silent during these trying times, Davido wrote, “I can’t lie, we entertainers… we dey fck up, I won’t lie, including me. We need to speak up. It’s too much injustice going on. Our country don go.”*
Fans and activists immediately lauded the singer for utilizing his massive platform to highlight the struggles of the masses, especially at a time when many public figures have opted to remain politically neutral.
The Pushback: Is Davido a ‘City Boy’?
Despite the widespread applause, Davido’s remarks were met with skepticism from some critics who accused him of performative activism. Highlighting his close ties to the corridors of power, a vocal X user, #princessluna237, challenged the singer’s sincerity, accusing him of hiding behind the “City Boys”—a popular moniker associated with the political supporters of President Tinubu.
The critic blasted the singer, telling him to take his grievances to his “City Boys group chat” rather than posturing online.
Setting the record straight, Davido categorically distanced himself from the political faction. According to reports cited by Vanguard News, the music icon swiftly shut down the rumors, declaring, “I no dey part of any city boy group.” He reminded his detractors that his history of calling out bad governance spans years, noting that he was previously attacked for criticizing the government on American media platforms.
What Happens to the Cozy Friendship with Seyi Tinubu?
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the saga is how this public outburst impacts his well-documented brotherhood with Seyi Tinubu. Has the relationship been truncated by Davido’s harsh verdict on the current administration?
The answer is no. Davido clarified that his friendship with the President’s son remains intact, emphasizing that their bond predates the current political dispensation and has absolutely no political implications. Far from severing ties, the singer revealed that he actively uses his access to speak truth to power behind closed doors.
“I’ve been friends with Seyi Tinubu for years and that’s where it stops, and I call and complain to him all the time, even in person,” Davido explained.
By drawing a firm line between his personal relationships and his political conscience, Davido has navigated a delicate tightrope. He has managed to maintain his long-standing friendship with Seyi Tinubu while independently amplifying the cries of ordinary Nigerians.
As the country continues to navigate these challenging times, the euphoria surrounding Davido’s bold stance serves as a reminder of the powerful role entertainers can play. Whether this will spark a broader wave of celebrity activism in 2026 remains to be seen, but one thing is clear is that Davido brooks no nonsense and is all for speaking out his mind without letting any “City Boy” labels box him in.
For more exclusive updates on this developing story and other top entertainment and political news, keep it locked on ABT NEWS at www.abtnews.net. All advertising enquiries should be sent to advertise@abtnews.net or +447918790290
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