Afrobeats superstar Davido has publicly clashed with rapper Erigga after a tweet celebrating musicians who built careers without family wealth was widely read as a jab at artistes from privileged backgrounds.
How it started
Erigga, whose real name is Erhiga Agarivbie, ignited the row late Tuesday when he posted on X: “Shoutout to all the musicians who don’t come from family money and had to grind for every single dollar they earn.” He did not name any artiste, but many social media users interpreted the post as a subtle dig at wealthier peers.
Davido, whose father Deji Adeleke is a prominent businessman, responded on Wednesday night, arguing that success achieved despite privilege deserves equal recognition.
“No be we say make your pops no guard o,” he wrote. “Shoutout to the ones that came from family money and still grind to the top. Comot here with that your useless motivation … imbecile.”
Erigga fires back
Erigga followed with a series of posts rejecting the accusation and accusing Davido of trying to silence artistes without his advantages.
“Big man pikin dey cry say poor men children de hail dem self???” he wrote, adding: “Motivate your self naw. Ambassador of RICH KIDS.”
He continued: “SHAPE THE NARRATIVE HOW YOU WANT BUT NOT EVERYONE IN THIS SPACE IS SLOW … Streets is calling!!!!”
In a further post, the rapper wrote: “Because ur papa get money make we no happy again for our small wins??? I’m disappointed IN YOU SLOVIDO. NA ME U WAN BULLY? NA ME U WAN OPPRESS?”
Disability remark draws separate criticism
Erigga also took issue with Davido’s use of the word “imbecile,” framing it as a slight against people with disabilities.
“Big love to everyone on the spectrum, Down syndrome, autism, etc … it can never be cool to insult people with a disease,” he wrote.
Neither artiste had issued a follow-up statement clarifying the dispute as of press time.
