A social media exchange involving Nigerian superstar Davido has stirred widespread conversation about ethnicity, identity, and unity in Nigeria. The incident began when a Twitter user criticized Davido, questioning his decision to frequently associate with people of Igbo heritage despite being Yoruba by ethnicity. The user made controversial claims, suggesting that Igbos are difficult to satisfy and warned Yoruba individuals to avoid surrounding themselves with Igbos, insinuating a likelihood of betrayal.
In a swift and pointed response, Davido clapped back with a simple yet powerful statement:
“lol I AM IGBO by blood,”
This brief tweet carried significant weight, as Davido not only rejected the divisive rhetoric but also affirmed his personal connection to both the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups. His response was a direct rebuttal to tribalist narratives, and it underscored his pride in his multicultural heritage. Though Davido is widely known to be from the Yoruba ethnic group, his statement suggests he also has Igbo ancestry, a fact that may not have been widely known to some of his fans.
The tweet has been widely celebrated by many Nigerians across social media platforms for promoting unity over tribalism, especially in a country where ethnic tensions have historically influenced politics, business, and social dynamics. Davido’s stance is being seen as a call for inclusivity and national cohesion, especially coming from someone with a massive platform and influence in the Nigerian music industry.
In a country with more than 250 ethnic groups, public figures like Davido taking a stand against ethnic division is being lauded as both courageous and necessary, particularly in the digital age where harmful narratives can spread rapidly.
