Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has publicly declared his Igbo heritage, stating, "I am Igbo by blood" in response to criticism over his association with Igbo people.
The revelation came after a social media user on X (formerly Twitter) cautioned the singer about his relationships with Igbo associates. The user, identified as Yakbel, warned Davido that he could face betrayal, writing: "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. Ibos are not people you surround yourself with as a Yoruba man."
In a succinct response that has since generated significant attention, Davido replied: "Lol. I am Igbo by blood."
While Davido is widely known to be from a prominent Yoruba family in Osun State, with his father being business magnate Adedeji Adeleke, his maternal lineage appears to have Igbo roots, though he has rarely discussed this aspect of his heritage publicly before now.
The exchange highlights ongoing conversations about ethnic identity and inter-ethnic relationships in Nigeria, a country with over 250 ethnic groups where the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa-Fulani constitute the largest populations.
Davido, who recently made headlines for his emotional reaction at his manager's wedding and his collaboration with Omah Lay on the song "With You" (which he revealed was inspired by Bright Chimezie), continues to be one of Africa's most influential music artists.
The artist has previously mentioned that if he hadn't pursued a career in music, he would have become a journalist, showing his interest in communication and media beyond his musical talents.
