Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has tackled rapper Erigga over his praise for musicians who built their careers without financial support from wealthy families.
Davido responded on X after Erigga, whose real name is Erhiga Agarivbie, praised artistes who had to work for every dollar they earned, arguing that musicians from affluent families could also deserve recognition for their efforts and achievements.
Erigga had written, “Shoutout to all the musicians who don’t come from family money and had to grind for every single dollar they earn.”
Although he did not mention any artiste, the post triggered reactions online, with some interpreting it as a subtle reference to musicians who came from privileged backgrounds.
Davido subsequently quoted the post, offering a different perspective on the debate.
He wrote, “No be we say make your pops no guard o. Shoutout to the ones that came from family money and still grind to the top.”
The exchange, however, soon became heated.
Davido described Erigga’s message as “useless motivation” and referred to the rapper as an “imbecile”.
The ‘Unavailable’ crooner also appeared to suggest that he could eventually leave music and concentrate on his other business and financial interests.
“No worry o I go soon leave their music for una go make my billions… then that shit gonna be boring AF,” he wrote.
Davido also questioned the perception surrounding poverty, asking, “Deep down, who like poverty?”
The social media exchange has since divided opinions among users.
While some backed Erigga’s emphasis on artistes who built their careers without family wealth, others agreed with Davido that being born into affluence does not automatically erase an artiste’s hard work.
For the latter group, access to family wealth may provide an advantage, but sustaining success in the highly competitive music industry still requires talent, discipline and relentless effort.
The controversy has consequently reopened the familiar debate over privilege, self-made success and the extent to which an artiste’s family background should influence public perception of their achievements.