Popular Hausa praise singer, Dauda Adamu Kahutu, widely known as Rarara, has criticised Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, over his recent appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert.
Rarara accused the singer of portraying Nigeria negatively before a global audience after Davido appeared on stage wearing a jacket bearing the inscription “Bring Them Home” alongside the names of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The incident stems from the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers by gunmen who attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
Following his performance, Davido took to social media, writing:
“From Nigeria to the world I will always represent my people with pride 🇳🇬
“Grateful to perform on this stage for the #FIFAWorldCup2026 pre-show but still praying for the souls we’ve lost, their families, and for peace. We carry our people everywhere we go. ❤️🙏🏾”
However, reacting in a video shared on his verified Facebook page, Rarara condemned the gesture, describing it as harmful to Nigeria’s image and national security interests.
“I do not usually reply or react to issues like this, but what Davido did was barbaric. In my opinion, Davido and those who share his way of thinking are only behaving foolishly.
“How can you promote Ansaru terrorists or insecurity-related issues to the whole world? How can you take a sensitive national security issue and project it to the world in a way that could damage the country’s image? What exactly do you stand to gain from doing that?
“Davido took the names of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, wrote them on the Nigerian flag and displayed it in America. What was the purpose? What did he hope to achieve? Or was it because he had turned the matter into politics?”
Rarara further alleged that Davido’s actions were politically motivated and linked to support for his uncle’s political ambition.
“Is it because his uncle is contesting an election on Accord party and Tinubu is in APC? Is that why insecurity must become a campaign tool? Anyone who campaigns with insecurity is insane, because he does not fully understand what it entails.
“What Davido did is similar to removing his own mother’s wrapper, taking a photograph of her and travelling to America to display it for the whole world to see, only to ask people to help cover her up again. What kind of thinking is that?”
The singer also cautioned against making public pronouncements on security matters without understanding the complexities surrounding such incidents.
“Insecurity is not something people should casually jump into. There are facts and circumstances that ordinary members of the public may not know. Before speaking on such matters, one should understand the situation properly.
“Did Davido know the reason behind the abduction of those schoolchildren? Some terrorists were arrested. When efforts to secure their release failed, the kingpins kidnapped innocent people in an attempt to force the authorities to negotiate.
“The President and security agencies had vowed that the terrorists would not be released and that the children would be rescued. It was during this delicate period that Davido chose to embarrass us on a global stage.”
Rarara concluded by arguing that some content creators unknowingly amplify narratives that could aid criminal elements or damage the country’s reputation.
“You cannot go to China and promote issues the authorities do not want promoted. The same applies in many other countries. There are limits. But some of our content creators continue to promote narratives that, in my opinion, end up helping terrorists.
“Some content creators do not understand the implications of what they are doing, while others do. Some are sponsored by politicians, while others are simply chasing engagement and followers.”
