The makeup artist who appeared as the lead vixen in Davido's hit track 'Aye' has denied claims by the singer that she and the original model fell out after the video's success. Taking to her Instagram story to clear the air, Shanira Manny, the video vixen, stated that the original model remains her good friend and that they never had any disagreement.
Davido's Interview Sparks Controversy
Davido, speaking in an interview with Capital Xtra, revealed that the female model initially chosen for the role had to withdraw at the last minute because of contractual obligations with a beauty pageant. He explained that his team had already prepared for the shoot when they were informed she could not participate.
'The girl that was meant to be the main girl, she was in some pageant thing. So we were about to shoot and the manager said they called from the pageant that she's under contract and we can't use her for the video,' he said.
Last-Minute Replacement
With production set to begin and no chance to reschedule, Davido said they quickly decided to use the pageant queen's make-up artist instead. 'We couldn't reschedule, so we had to use her make-up artist,' he added. The singer noted that the unexpected switch ended up being part of the video's success story.
The 'Unavailable' hitmaker added that the make-up artist fell out with the original model afterwards. 'And then the video became so huge, and they fell out. It was so crazy,' he said.
Video Vixen Sets the Record Straight
Reacting to the interview, the make-up artist who stepped in as vixen, identified on Instagram as Shanira Manny, dismissed the claim that she and the original model had any disagreement. She wrote: 'Never fell out with my friend oooo, she is one of the best humans in my life right now …'
Nigerians React to the Controversy
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of netizens below. Fans shared different opinions about the situation between the video vixen and the singer.
@creative_dafe commented: 'That one concern her and her friend.' @Zarmani_vybz wrote: 'No one should blame him. They might have fallen out then and he has retracted the post so why the panic' @its_Miguel04 reacted: 'Na so makeup artist take turn real-time model and bagging all kind of gigs' @EntBuzzNaija wrote: '? Always better to hear both sides before judging' @_ikofficial said: 'Lmaooo They definitely fell out,it's not deep plus it's been 12 years ago.. Just post the video alone and enjoy free clout ?️' @kuti_money reacted: 'Nah why them no dey help people for this life be this, U no even mention runtown that wrote the song for you nah obo u just dey thank throughout interview' @a_reece_ wrote: 'If you know girls, they definitely did but later settled'
Davido Reacts to Tony Elumelu's Announcement
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Afrobeats superstar Davido reacted to billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu's announcement that he will step down as Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa. The banking executive disclosed that he would retire on August 21, 2026, after completing his 12-year tenure limit, and announced Emmanuel N. Nnorom as the incoming Chairman. Taking to the comment section to acknowledge Elumelu's milestone, Davido dropped a short message to express his admiration for the billionaire.
