Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has found himself at the center of a heated debate following his recent remarks about Nigeria’s economy during an international podcast interview. The singer’s candid critique of the country’s economic challenges, including the declining value of the naira and the difficult investment climate, sparked widespread reactions, particularly from Nigerian television presenter Nyma Akashat Zibiri of TVC.
Nyma expressed her disappointment in Davido’s statements, arguing that his comments might deter foreign investors and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s economy. She specifically praised the administration’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, labeling it a crucial step towards economic recovery, and implied that Davido’s remarks failed to acknowledge the complexities of the reforms.
Davido, known for his unfiltered opinions, did not remain silent. In response to the viral clip of Nyma’s critique, the singer boldly called out TVC, accusing the station of misinterpreting his statements and stoking unnecessary controversy. His reaction ignited a wave of reactions on social media, with fans and critics taking sides.
Supporters of Davido defended his right to highlight the challenges Nigerians face, arguing that his platform allows him to bring attention to issues affecting everyday citizens. Critics, however, suggested that such public criticism on international platforms could harm the country’s image and efforts to attract foreign investment.
The situation has opened up broader conversations about the balance between free expression and national responsibility for influential figures. While Davido has yet to provide further clarification, the incident continues to generate significant attention, with many Nigerians debating the implications of his remarks and the response from TVC.
In a recent set of tweets on Elon Musk’s X, Davido teased TVC:
“Lmao @tvcnewsng nah today ?? Yall mad cus we the Real AMBASSADORS!! 🇳🇬🌎.”
In another tweet, he praised his accent from the viral media conversation:
“The way my accent be for that interview Dey sweet me 😍 very demure.
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