Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has criticised rapper Erigga following a social media post in which the rapper praised musicians who built successful careers without coming from wealthy families.
Erigga, in a post shared on his social media page, applauded artistes who had to work hard to achieve success without depending on family wealth.
He wrote, “Shout-out to all the musicians who don’t come from family money and had to grind for every single dollar they earn.”
The post was interpreted by some as a subtle reference to Davido, who comes from a wealthy family, prompting a response from the singer.
Davido hit back at Erigga, saying he had never suggested that the rapper’s father should not have been wealthy.
He also praised artistes from privileged backgrounds who had nevertheless worked hard to establish successful careers on their own.
Taking a swipe at Erigga, Davido described his message as “useless motivation” and called the rapper an “imbecile.”
Davido tweeted, “No be we say make your pops no guard o. Shout-out to the ones that came from family money and still grind to the top. Comot here with that your useless motivation. Imbecīle.”
The exchange has since attracted reactions from social media users, with several people weighing in on the disagreement between the two artistes.
@KinqKudos commented; “This guy have a problem with almost everyone, from his fellow artistes to influencers & even politicians, it is always one disagreement and fallout after another. Take it or leave it, there is something sleazy about you Davido.”
@NurseVictoria01 uttered; “There’s no award or glory for suffering. When are you ever going to act your age? Stop throwing unintelligent shade. No one stopped your ancestors or your father from securing the bag. You can chase X money without hating on the rich.”
@only1yaqub reacted; “Aswear David too mumu, person go twitt, you take am personal say the person de talk to you. Same thing u did to wiz 2014.. This guy wan get issue with everybody for industrial.”
@Temytee__ shared; “Why do some Nigerians hàte it when you come from a wealthy home, and still work hard and grind to achieve more in life. Must everyone have to suffer or have a poverty background history, before their success stories are seen as something impressive or worthwhile?. I don’t know, I believe its Jealousy and Envy,😂 Someone is rich, you’re angry. He is grinding and working, you’re still angry and jealous This life ehn, just do you.”
@ONLY1EMIZO wrote; “If no be mumu wey Davido mumu, Shey na only him be nepo baby for industry or this Nigeria? Well, I’m not surprised cuz na clout chasing be the only thing him sabi for this life.”
The online reactions have added to the debate over privilege, family wealth and the meaning of being a self-made artiste in the Nigerian entertainment industry.