Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, known professionally as Davido, has officially released his first solo single of 2026, titled I Know Who I Be. The track dropped on Friday and features South African artists Jazzwrld and GL_Ceejay, marking Davido’s first collaboration with Jazzwrld. The song is now available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
Davido Announces New Era
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Davido announced the release on his social media pages, sparking excitement among fans worldwide. “I Know Who I Be. The new era starts here. Song out at midnight. Watch the ‘I Know Who I Be’ full video premiere on my YouTube tomorrow at 5pm Nigeria / BST and get ready for more news soon,” Davido said while unveiling the song. The high-energy anthem blends Nigerian and South African sounds, and YouTube Music responded to the release with a comment: “let's go, IT'S TIMEEE ?.”
Davido’s Public Advocacy and Criticism
Davido’s return to music comes amid his ongoing public advocacy for abducted schoolchildren in Oyo state. During the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Davido wore a customised black jacket bearing the names of 39 kidnapped schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities. The back of the jacket read “Bring Them Home,” while his white shirt displayed “Nigeria.”
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri criticised Davido’s approach, arguing that publicity may embolden kidnappers. Quoting former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Omokri stated that “publicity is the oxygen of terrorism.” He suggested that while Davido’s intentions were noble, the public campaign could inadvertently give abductors the recognition they desire. Davido responded indirectly by sharing multiple images from the concert on his social media pages.
Davido Clashes with Praise Singer
In a separate incident, Davido engaged in a heated exchange with northern praise singer Dauda Kahutu on June 16, 2026. Kahutu accused Davido of politicising insecurity and embarrassing President Bola Tinubu on an international stage. The exchange generated buzz on social media, highlighting the singer’s willingness to confront critics.
Davido’s Feud with Reno Omokri
Legit.ng also reported that Davido took a fierce shot at Reno Omokri over Omokri’s reasons for not resuming his duty as Nigerian ambassador to Mexico. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Omokri blamed his delay on the ongoing World Cup hosted by the United States and Mexico, and claimed that the opposition was engineering narratives of rejection. Davido responded via his Instagram story, calling Omokri a “dog and fowl” and referencing “Umu Bingo.”
Conclusion
Davido’s first single of 2026, I Know Who I Be, marks a significant return to solo music. The track is expected to dominate charts and streaming platforms, while the singer continues to balance his music career with social advocacy and public feuds.
