Afrobeats megastar Davido has defended his decision to use the 2026 FIFA World Cup stage to highlight the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Nigeria. He said protecting the country’s image should not come before the safety of innocent children.

The singer made the remarks in a new BBC interview after performing at one of the side events of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada.

During the performance, Davido wore a black leather jacket covered with the names of schoolchildren kidnapped in Oyo State. The outfit was meant to draw global attention to the country’s growing insecurity.

Mixed reactions to his message

Davido’s action received both praise and criticism. Many Nigerians applauded him for using his platform to speak for the victims and their families.

Others disagreed with his decision. Popular Hausa praise singer Dauda Adamu Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara, accused the singer of damaging Nigeria’s image before the world.

Davido rejected that criticism.

“A lot of people don’t really want to talk about what goes on in my country (Nigeria) simply because they want to protect the image, but there’s no image to protect if the little kids are being kidnapped,” Davido said, strongly communicating his stance.

Using music to speak out

Davido said he believes entertainers should use their influence to raise awareness about important issues.

“As much as I was happy to do the World Cup, we also have to understand that things are going on back home in our country, which we have the power to let the world know through our own means. My own means is music and performances, so I used my platform to project what is going on.”

The singer has spoken on national issues before. During the 2020 EndSARS protests, he joined demonstrations against police brutality. His hit song FEM also became an unofficial anthem of the movement.

His latest comments come as many Nigerians continue to hope for the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Orile in Oyo State. Celebrities and public figures have also continued to call attention to insecurity across the country.