Davido Defends Tribute To Abducted Nigerian School Children

Afrobeats superstar Davido has opened up about the powerful message behind the customised jacket he wore during his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert, saying he chose to use one of the world's biggest stages to draw attention to the abduction of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers from Oyo State, Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Focus on Africa host Waihiga Mwaura, the singer stressed that the safety of innocent children is more important than protecting the country's public image.

Responding to criticism over his decision, Davido said, "There's no image to protect if little kids are being kidnapped."

He explained that while performing at the World Cup was a proud career moment, he felt a responsibility to use his platform to spotlight the security challenges facing Nigeria.

The singer noted that many people avoid discussing the country's issues in an attempt to preserve its reputation, but insisted that silence is not an option when children remain missing.

Davido added that music and live performances are among the most powerful tools he has to amplify important issues, saying, "My power is in music performances."

His symbolic tribute has been widely praised by many fans and public figures, who commended him for using his global platform to keep attention on the victims and renew calls for their safe return.

The customised jacket, emblazoned with Bring Them Home and the names of the abducted pupils and teachers, has become one of the defining images of the World Cup's cultural celebrations.