Renowned Hausa praise singer Dauda Adamu Kahutu, known as Rarara, has slammed Afrobeats superstar Davido for tarnishing Nigeria's reputation on the world stage.
Rarara's attack came after Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 countdown concert wearing a jacket inscribed with "Bring Them Home" and the names of abducted Oyo State schoolchildren and teachers.
Gunmen had raided three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, abducting 39 students and seven teachers in the process.
After his performance, Davido posted on social media that he remained grateful for the opportunity. He added that he'd continue representing his people with pride while praying for the lost souls and their families.
But Rarara wasn't having it. In a video posted to his verified Facebook page, the praise singer called Davido's actions barbaric and reckless.
"What Davido did was barbaric," Rarara declared bluntly. He went on to describe the singer's thinking as foolish and misguided.
According to Rarara, Davido had essentially paraded Nigeria's security challenges before the entire world. He questioned what the artist hoped to achieve by such a move.
"How can you take the names of abducted schoolchildren, write them on the Nigerian flag and display it in America?" Rarara asked rhetorically. His tone made clear he saw no legitimate purpose in Davido's actions.
Rarara then pivoted to what he suggested was the real motivation behind Davido's stunt. He alleged the singer was pushing a political agenda tied to his uncle's election campaign.
"Is it because his uncle is contesting on the Accord Party platform while Tinubu leads the APC?" the praise singer questioned. He accused Davido of weaponizing insecurity for political gain.
In Rarara's view, anyone who campaigns using security issues demonstrates profound ignorance. Such people, he suggested, don't truly grasp the gravity of the situation.
Rarara drew a crude but pointed comparison to illustrate his frustration. He likened Davido's approach to stripping one's own mother naked, photographing her, flying to America to display the images, then asking foreigners for help covering her up again.
"What kind of thinking is that?" Rarara demanded, his exasperation evident.
According to the praise singer, security matters demand careful, informed handling. Ordinary citizens often lack crucial facts and circumstances behind such incidents, he noted.
Rarara pointed out that the Oyo abductions had followed security operatives' arrest of some terrorists. This context matters, he insisted, and shouldn't be glossed over by grandstanding celebrities.
"Insecurity is not something people should casually jump into," Rarara stressed firmly. Before speaking on such delicate matters, one must fully understand the ground realities involved, he argued.
His message was unmistakable: Davido had crossed a line. The singer had prioritized personal or political considerations over Nigeria's national interests, Rarara concluded.
