By Prisca Sam-Duru

Nigeria’s highly influential and  successful artiste, David Adeleke  aka Davido, has got social media users talking and arguing over his recent interview. The afro beat sensation had in the interview on the Big Homies House Podcast, decried the state of the nation, advising against Blacks’ relocation to the country.

He said, “Go where? It is not cool back home. The economy is in shambles. I do my part, I am an ambassador. When I go home and I am filming, I am not going to show the bad parts.

“I am talking about the situation in the country. Now the exchange rate is messed up, a lot of stuffs are not going well. The economy is just not good enough. The oil price is too high. Imagine the country that produces oil, paying more for it than a country importing oil.”

Even Davido’s facial expression during that interview speaks eloquently of a concerned citizen. It’s an indication that he is in touch with reality despite his wealth. Now, lets face it; did he say the fact about our economy? Is home cool? Is the exchange rate cool? Is Nigeria producing crude oil and yet the citizens are purchasing the finished products at an exorbitant rate?

Except for those seriously benefiting from the government, you know the right answers to the above questions. So why crucify Davido? Oh! Because he is a celebrity, he does not have right to his personal opinion on crucial matters. What about few other celebrities like the actor that is still advertising this present government as if campaign is still on, telling us that the president will fix Nigeria. Has he been stoned?

In fact Davido, you shouldn’t have warned those whinning about relocation because their candidate lost an election. Let them come and let’s see how they’ll cope after leaving behind a system that works. 

The interview has set social media users against each other. Some are more pained with additional tweets from Davido – “Dem say dem go cancel my show cus of that interview…lol…” and “The way my accent be for that interview day sweet me. Very demure.”

Take a look at those hailing the afro beat Superstar for speaking out.

Felix replied, “Note Davido, only patriots with a conscience can do what  you did and Nigerians are proud that you spoke out despite the fact that you are an advantaged man in Nigeria. It was best said the way and manner you served it.  You only spoke one aspect of the Nigerian malaise. You did not touch insecurity, dirty politics, Judiciary, legislature, corruption, etc. Yet they are in a panic mode. What a shameless and hypocritical country.”

Dr Ken on @drkenon2 replied, “You don’t intend to perform in Nigeria. Of course, I absolutely agree. I love this interview Davido. Thank you for being very honest. God bless you more.”

Oyindamola @dammiedammie35 wrote, “Over them all OBO, speak your truth, speak on it !!”

Seun wrote, “You did the right thing, first time I’ll agree with you.”

Another X user shared a previous interview where Davido said ‘The best doctors in America are Nigerians’ and then wrote, “This is Davido marketing Nigeria with his whole might but they will pretend not to see this one because it doesn’t align with their agenda.”

Abazz wrote, “You be educated artist normally. Me, I love your voice and how you told them the truth.”

David of Fct wrote. “Dem dey cry say you no defend Nigerian economy for that interview but na your accent dey sweet you, this man.”

Dr Farouk @Dr_pharouk wrote, “Very sleek OBO, we plenty weh dey your back abeg. I don change the record to my ringtone because e too sweet.”

Asorockdiva @asorockdiva wrote, “They would have dragged his ass if he had lied. They will say he’s an asslicker because Seyi Tinubu is his friend.”

Some other supporters of the government have  however been bashing the music icon for being blind about how bad the Nigeria’s economy is. Here are some of their comments.

Daniel Regha wrote. “Davido I couldn’t tell if that was semi-British, America, or refined Nigerian accent; feels like u were forcing it. But anyways that’s not the point. In the future people will remind you of that interview, all you said, it’s only a matter of time.”

Replying to Daniel Regha’s comment, Gbemusola CFC wrote, “Yes people should remind him of the truth he put out. Would you have preferred Davido to have lied?”

Ruth @it_ruttie wrote, “But no be so your accent be for your songs.”

Ijaya wrote, “You downgraded Nigeria. Shame on you.”

Okadrle wrote, “Your mumu na follow come.”