Popular Hausa political singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara has come under intense criticism from many Northern Nigerians after condemning Afrobeats superstar Davido for wearing a shirt bearing the images of kidnapped schoolchildren during a performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Key highlight:
- Popular Hausa singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara criticized Davido for wearing a shirt displaying images of kidnapped Northern Nigerian schoolchildren during a performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Rarara described Davido’s action as unpatriotic, arguing that showcasing Nigeria’s insecurity challenges on a global stage could damage the country’s image and reputation.
- His comments sparked widespread backlash, with many Northern Nigerians accusing him of lacking empathy for kidnapping victims and prioritizing the government’s image over the suffering of affected families.
- Supporters of Davido defended the gesture as a humanitarian appeal aimed at drawing international attention to Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis and demanding greater action to address insecurity.
- The controversy has reignited debate about whether celebrities should use their global platforms to spotlight humanitarian crises or avoid actions that may portray their country negatively before the international community.
Davido recently attracted international attention after appearing at the global football tournament in a customised shirt featuring photographs of children abducted by bandits from different parts of Northern Nigeria. The gesture was widely interpreted by supporters as a tribute to victims of Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis and a call for stronger government action to address insecurity.
Reacting to the development, Rarara on his social media handles on Tuesday described Davido’s action as unpatriotic, arguing that it portrayed Nigeria negatively before the international community.
Speaking in Hausa, the singer likened the act to “stripping one’s own mother naked in the marketplace,” insisting that displaying photographs of abducted schoolchildren on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages was embarrassing and exposed the country’s shortcomings.
According to Rarara, although insecurity remains a serious national challenge, such issues should not be showcased before a global audience in a manner that could damage Nigeria’s reputation.
His remarks, however, sparked widespread backlash across social media, particularly among Northern Nigerians, many of whom accused him of showing little empathy for victims of mass abductions and their families.
Reacting on Facebook, Itz Real B Auwal wrote: “Rarara is the real animal. What exactly is Davido’s offence? He only wanted America and the rest of the world to know that we need help because Nigeria’s leaders have failed us.”
Another commenter, Anas Muazu, accused the singer of ignoring the suffering of Northern communities.
“You are the real animal because you can see what is happening to people in Northern Nigeria, including Muslims, yet you remain silent,” he wrote.
Shettima Lawan also defended Davido, posting: “Rarara doesn’t understand what he is doing. Davido, continue with your good work.”
Similarly, Bello Karofi faulted the singer for placing the government’s image above the plight of ordinary citizens, saying he appeared more concerned about defending the country’s reputation than speaking out against the insecurity devastating communities across Northern Nigeria.
The controversy has reignited debate over the role of celebrities in using their international platforms to spotlight humanitarian crises and demand greater accountability from governments.
Rarara, one of Northern Nigeria’s most influential political musicians, played a prominent role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s successful 2023 presidential campaign. Through campaign anthems such as “Jagaba Shine Gaba” and later “Omo Ologo,” he became one of the administration’s most recognisable cultural ambassadors, helping mobilise grassroots support across the North.
Since President Tinubu assumed office, Rarara has remained a vocal supporter of the administration. He has frequently defended government policies, performed at official state functions, attended high-profile political events and maintained close relationships with leading figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Seyi Tinubu.
His continued proximity to the political establishment has attracted public attention, with his social media posts and public appearances regularly showcasing an increasingly lavish lifestyle. Rarara has been seen driving luxury vehicles, wearing designer clothing, expensive wristwatches and jewellery, and spending time in high-end residences and exclusive locations.
While some supporters describe his success as the reward for years of work in the entertainment industry and political campaigns, critics argue that his visible closeness to those in power has made him less willing to publicly criticise the government over the deteriorating security situation affecting millions of Nigerians, particularly in the North.
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The debate has sharply divided public opinion. Critics of Davido argue that highlighting Nigeria’s security challenges on the global stage could damage the country’s international image and discourage tourism and investment. His supporters, however, insist that humanitarian advocacy should take precedence over concerns about national image, especially when innocent children continue to be abducted and communities remain under constant threat.
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in mass kidnappings in recent years, particularly across the North-West and North-Central regions, where armed groups have repeatedly attacked schools, highways and rural communities. The attacks have left hundreds of families traumatised, with many victims spending months in captivity before regaining their freedom through military operations or negotiated releases.
For many of Davido’s supporters, his World Cup appearance was not an attempt to embarrass Nigeria but a humanitarian appeal intended to ensure that the suffering of kidnapped children and other victims of insecurity is not forgotten on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.
