A resurfaced video from over a decade ago has captured the hearts of Nigerian music fans online, showcasing a moment of profound respect between two of Afrobeats' biggest stars.
Emotional Moment at AfroNation Detroit
The clip, which originally dates back to 2013, captures singer Davido during a performance at the AfroNation Festival in Detroit, USA. In the middle of his high-energy set, Davido made a sudden and heartfelt request. He asked the DJ to stop the music, bringing the vibrant atmosphere to a quiet halt.
Addressing the crowd, Davido spoke about the recent passing of his colleague Wizkid's mother. He urged everyone present to join him in observing a minute of silence as a mark of respect. The footage shows the festival-goers immediately complying, transforming the space from a party to a solemn gathering.
Davido's Personal Words of Condolence
In his address to the audience, Davido connected the loss to his own personal experiences. "Personally, I have lost many loved ones, people close to me, so I understand how Wizkid is feeling right now," he said. He concluded his tribute with a prayer, saying, "May his mother, our mother, because she was dear to me, rest in peace."
The timing of the video's resurgence is poignant. Fans have been quick to recall that years later, when Davido tragically lost his son, Ifeanyi, in 2022, it was Wizkid who reportedly reached out to him daily. This history of mutual support during times of grief adds a deeper layer of context to the 2013 tribute.
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The viral throwback has sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms, highlighting the ongoing narratives surrounding the two artists.
Some users praised Davido's gesture as a sign of genuine character. User @hardeclarkss commented, "You see this and you tell me Davido is the bad person here? Forget music o, Wizkid can never lace Davido’s shoes when it comes to genuine love and respect." Another user, @Dennyagbebor, noted, "Davido loves his enemies even while they hate him."
However, others viewed the public tribute with skepticism. User @chidozie_odini questioned, "He could send the condolence directly to the bereaved. Why make a show of it. This is a sign of People pleasing syndrome." Some comments also referenced the current state of the artists' relationship, with @UniqueGeoffrey making a critical remark about Davido.
The re-emergence of this clip comes amidst recent online friction. Davido recently clashed with Jubril A. Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over social media posts concerning Wizkid's upcoming concert at Tafawa Balewa Square. This contrast between past solidarity and present tension has fueled much of the online discussion.
The 2013 AfroNation clip stands as a powerful reminder of a moment of humanity and respect that transcended the typical bounds of industry rivalry, a moment that continues to resonate with fans years later.
