In recent developments within the Nigerian music scene, award-winning singer Ayodeji Balogun, better known as Wizkid, has come under fire for directly criticizing his colleague, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido. Wizkid labeled Davido as "talentless" following a teaser for Davido’s upcoming collaboration with YG Marley, which prompted his ironically disdainful comment on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He expressed skepticism about Davido’s current music projects, saying “P***y boys dropping mid again,” followed by a call for his peers to take a break. This social media spat seemingly initiated a fresh wave of public commentary regarding the long-standing tension between the two artists, which has often bubbled to the surface over the years.
Wizkid’s comment provoked a reaction from fans, with one user suggesting that his need to insult Davido was merely an attempt to garner attention. The fan pointed out that if Wizkid didn’t have a feud with Davido, it could negatively impact his album sales. Wizkid responded, reiterating his disdain for what he termed “wack niggas,” and unambiguously implying that Davido falls into that category. Despite the significant public attention generated by this spat, Davido has yet to respond directly to Wizkid’s provocations, though their history suggests that further exchanges are likely inevitable.
The animosity between Wizkid and Davido has a storied history, apparently dating back to 2014. This ongoing rivalry has seen numerous public spats and subliminal jabs exchanged via social media. Notably, in May 2024, things escalated when Wizkid disparaged both Davido and prominent record producer Don Jazzy. In contrast to Wizkid’s criticisms, Davido has previously remarked on the state of Wizkid’s career, taking a more aggressive stance that included calling it "dead." Instances of competitive rivalry between their fan bases have fueled much of the conflict, as evidenced by previous remarks from Davido in which he indicated that the tension largely stems from the fans’ expectations and engagements.
Despite the turbulence, there have been moments of solidarity between the two artists, underlining the complexity of their relationship. Both singers have appeared at each other’s events, showcasing a level of respect amidst their rivalry. For instance, in December 2023, they shared the spotlight at the ‘Even In The Day’ event, and previous interviews indicated attempts to quell the beef, such as when Davido attributed the ongoing conflicts to fan base aggressions. However, their more amicable gestures have often been overshadowed by biting comments and social media confrontations that reignite speculation about their relationship status.
In the past, events such as the tragic passing of Davido’s son Ifeanyi in November 2022 led Wizkid to delay his album release as a sign of condolence, which was viewed by fans as a potential turning point in their rivalry. Additionally, in January 2023, Wizkid announced a potential joint tour with Davido, igniting conversations about a possible reconciliation, albeit temporarily. These instances illustrate that both artists are aware of the impact they have on one another’s careers and the potential for their collaboration, yet the tension perpetually looms.
The origins of their contention can be traced back through a series of perceived slights over the years. Past incidents include Wizkid’s dig at Davido’s vocal abilities and critiques related to musical styles, with both artists taking to social media platforms to voice their opinions. For instance, allegations in 2017 suggest that Davido used Snapchat to mock Wizkid’s musical direction. At times, however, both artists have attempted to clarify that their statements were often misinterpreted, leading to further misunderstandings rather than resolutions. Certainly, this ongoing cycle of critiques and countercritiques ensures that their rivalry remains a focal point within the Nigerian music industry, captivating fans and critics alike as they navigate their dynamic and often contentious relationship.
