Davido
By Victory Oghene
Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, seems to have bitten more than he chew as
Nigerians on social media have lambasted him over a cryptic and controversial post that many believe is tied to cultism.
Davido on Monday took to X (formerly Twitter) to post the phrase: “Happy METAL”, a statement that immediately drew widespread condemnation and backlash, with many accusing him of subtly promoting cult-related activities, particularly on July 7 (7/7), a date some associate with cult symbolism in Nigeria.
The singer has remained silent since the controversy erupted.
Some netizens have have described the post as irresponsible, dangerous, and a bad example for the youths who regard him as a role model.
A user with the handle Digicent did not hold back, writing:
“As a public figure, it’s wrong to promote cultism. Davido, do better. You have many young people looking up to you, don’t mislead them. Gambling, scamming, rug pulls, cultism………. You mustn’t always be on the wrong side of the divide.”
Another user, Ghetto, added fuel to the fire, stating: “If you think Davido, one of the biggest artists in Africa is not in a cult, then you’re living under a rock lmao.”
The post also drew criticism from Preacher, who questioned the singer’s priorities in 2025:
“Una still dey celebrate wetin no dey give person money for this 2025? Really?”
A user identified as Mervin reacted sharply to the phrase “Happy METAL”, writing: “‘Happy METAL’? Really? Is that how we are starting today? Is this a cult signal, OBO? Or is it an echo to engage with a ballistic missile? 30BG deserves an answer, not a cryptic vibe.”
One of the harshest reactions came from Xperience, who accused Davido of being complicit in several societal issues affecting Nigeria.
“Almost every crime you can think of that’s destroying the poor citizens of Nigeria your hands dey inside. Petty scam oo, you dey. Online fraud, you dey. Ponzi Scheme oo, you dey like mad. Crypto scam oo, you dey. Political scam oo, you dey. Even to visit Tinubu, a President
that his government is destroying the country, you dey like werey. Even down to you put body dey promote am.
You make it hard for even your die-hard fans to defend you. Is not a coincidence that your name is boldly written in a lot of these problems.”
Another user, Alexanda, compared Davido unfavourably with his music rivals, writing:
“What is even wrong with you, at your age you are celebrating 7/7. Can never be Wizkid or Burna Boy.”
Taiwo offered a blunt warning: “Very foolish boy. Very soon you celebrities would become victims of this cult violence.”
A user named Mezie advised the singer to reflect on his current status as a married man and father.
“At this age? Davido, you’re now a married man with children who are looking up to you and learning from you. Cultism should be the least of the things that should occupy your mind at this age. If you’re too less busy, then enter the studio and come up with something productive and profitable. Peace .”
Ruth did not mince words either: “Why you dey promote cultism??? Osakpolor you fok up o.”
Despite the backlash, the singer has yet to issue a clarification or take down the controversial post.
