Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido recently made headlines by fulfilling a significant N20 million promise to content creator Carter Efe, a gesture that quickly garnered widespread attention. However, the celebratory mood took a contentious turn when Davido’s aide, Israel DMW, posted a cryptic message on social media, widely interpreted as a direct jab at rival artist Wizkid regarding an alleged unfulfilled N100 million pledge from 2023. This latest development reignited long-standing discussions surrounding the two music titans’ public commitments and their respective fan bases.
The N20 million gift to Carter Efe stemmed from a casual promise Davido made weeks prior during a record-breaking Twitch livestream hosted by the comedian. Carter Efe, renowned for his vibrant online skits and music, expressed immense excitement and gratitude upon receiving the substantial sum, sharing immediate screenshots and dramatic reactions that swiftly went viral across various social media platforms. The act not only cemented Davido’s reputation for generosity but also significantly amplified Carter Efe’s burgeoning online presence, which had already seen him become Africa’s most-followed streamer on Twitch.
Davido’s consistent follow-through on such public declarations has long contributed to his “001” moniker among fans, signifying his perceived leadership in philanthropy and industry support. This particular act reinforced his image as a reliable and big-hearted figure, frequently extending support to emerging talents and close associates within the vibrant Nigerian music scene. His actions often set a benchmark for celebrity engagement and community support, further solidifying his connection with a broad audience.
The controversy began when Israel DMW, Davido’s long-serving logistics manager and confidant, took to X (formerly Twitter) with a pointed, albeit subtle, remark. “My oga don fulfill his 20M promise. Their oga never fulfill 100M wey he promise those kids for Surulere. Cut ur promise according to your net worth 😂,” Israel DMW’s post read. This statement explicitly praised Davido for his recent fulfillment while implicitly criticizing another prominent figure for a perceived failure to honor a much larger commitment, instantly drawing parallels to past events.
The “their oga” reference was immediately understood by many as targeting Wizkid, one of Afrobeats’ global icons and Davido’s long-standing industry counterpart. The specific mention of a N100 million promise to “kids for Surulere” directly recalled an announcement Wizkid made in December 2023. At that time, Wizkid had publicly pledged the substantial sum as a Christmas giveaway to children in Surulere and Makoko, Lagos, an initiative dedicated to honoring the memory of his late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun.
Reports from 2023 indicated that Wizkid was indeed seen distributing cash in these areas, often accompanied by heavy security, as part of his commitment. However, despite these initial public displays, questions have intermittently resurfaced regarding whether the entire N100 million sum was fully disbursed as promised. Online commentators and public figures, including activist VeryDarkMan, have periodically highlighted the pledge, suggesting it remained “unfulfilled” in its entirety, thereby keeping the narrative alive.
Israel DMW’s recent tweet capitalises on this lingering ambiguity, leveraging Davido’s prompt fulfillment to draw a stark contrast. His implication suggests that Wizkid’s promise might have exceeded his actual capacity or willingness to deliver, while simultaneously elevating Davido’s perceived integrity in keeping his word. This tactic is not new for Israel DMW, who has a history of publicly engaging in the often-heated rivalry between the two music superstars.
Historically, Israel DMW has been a vocal proponent of Davido’s camp, often using social media to challenge Wizkid on various fronts, including disputes over self-proclaimed titles like “001” of Afrobeats and critiques of music releases. His consistent public commentary fuels the intense competition and loyalty among their respective fan bases, ensuring that every perceived slight or triumph becomes a topic of widespread discussion.
The aftermath of Israel DMW’s latest post saw predictable polarization across social media. Davido’s ardent supporters, known as 30BG, quickly rallied behind Israel, commending him for defending their idol and celebrating Davido’s demonstrable generosity. Conversely, Wizkid FC, the dedicated fanbase of Wizkid, vehemently accused Israel DMW of unnecessary provocation and of deliberately resurrecting an old issue they contend had already been addressed and fulfilled. This ongoing dynamic underscores the passionate loyalty and fierce protectiveness exhibited by both fan groups.
The incident highlights the potent influence of social media in shaping celebrity narratives and amplifying industry rivalries within the Nigerian entertainment landscape. Public pledges by high-profile figures, whether fulfilled or questioned, are often scrutinised intensely, with their perceived integrity becoming a significant component of their public image. This latest exchange further solidifies the enduring, often dramatic, competitive dynamic between two of Africa’s most influential musical artists.
