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Davido: Much Ado about Jayelo

Artists use the power of creativity and expression to interact with people from various walks of life and it is their social responsibility to be mindful of the impact of the work especially within cultural and religious, space which is highly sensitive and can be provocative.

This being said it is somewhat relatable to the present controversy between Davido and the Muslim community especially of the Arewa extraction. There is a perceived grievance of abuse of Islam in the new music video of Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) newest act, Logos Olori-Jayelo.

Having seen the video, I still find it hard to figure out where and how specifically the abuse was perpetrated. The reaction has made Davido lose about 100,000 followers. It appears like it is a religious war going.  Besides, if it were just some random artiste, would the same actions be taken?

It would be worth it if Muslims concerned or Islamic scholars pinpoint where particular they got it wrong. Thus, it won’t be repeated.

Also, this particular instance unveils further the dichotomy between Northern Nigeria and Western Nigerian practice of Islam. Oftentimes, the former views the latter as practising the religion wrongly and committing haram. The reaction has taken a wider reach where it drifting towards the East. Funny, accusing fingers pointing at the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. This further reveals the bias.

For many years, it appears that Islam began in Northern Nigeria and they are the dictate of its practice. Islam should be for all without any abuse or misuse and no group of people should feel entitled to how it practise. It is from Allah through Prophet Muhammed. And even at that, the contrast between Arabization and Islamization may appear blurry but can be clarified by Muslim ummahs.

This is not a religious war and shouldn’t be treated as one. Where they got it wrong in the music video, Jayelo should be specifically called out, else let Davido breathe.