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Davido publicly confirms his Igbo roots after tribal comment online : “I AM IGBO by Blood”
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has reaffirmed his Igbo roots while boldly confronting a tribal comment on social media. The exchange, which has since gone viral, has reignited conversations around unity, heritage, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The controversy began when an X user, @Yakbel, posted a divisive comment on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, criticizing Davido for his visible connections with the Igbo community. The post read:
“Davido just dey carry Ibo full body, until when dem betray am before e rest. Yoruba boy dey frolick with Ibos in 2025, they want your head and everything you have to belong to them. You can never satisfy Ibos ooo. IBOs are not people you surround yourself with as a Yoruba man.”
In a swift and pointed response, Davido dismissed the tribal rhetoric, stating:
“Lol, I AM IGBO by blood.”
lol I AM IGBO by blood https://t.co/WyN0V6rzk7
— Davido (@davido) May 20, 2025
His statement has been met with overwhelming support across social media platforms, with many commending him for embracing his heritage and rejecting ethnic division.
Supporters praised the singer for using his platform to promote national unity and cultural respect, especially at a time when ethnic tensions occasionally color public discourse.
Davido’s affirmation came shortly after he welcomed veteran highlife legend Bright Chimezie to his Lagos residence on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Their meeting followed an earlier video call in which Davido credited Chimezie’s 2018 classic “Because of English” as the inspiration behind his new single “With You,” a collaboration with Omah Lay.
Beyond his musical connections, Davido’s personal ties to the Igbo community are well documented. His wife, Chioma Adeleke (née Rowland), is from Imo State, and his late paternal grandmother, Esther Nnena Adeleke (née Akparah), was also of Igbo descent.
By proudly acknowledging his multi-ethnic background, Davido continues to embody the spirit of unity within Nigeria’s diverse music scene. His response has been hailed as a powerful reminder that art, culture, and heritage transcend tribal lines.