Erigga Fires Back at Davido in Heated Exchange Over Family Wealth

Nigerian rapper Erigga has responded to Afrobeats star Davido following a heated exchange between the two entertainers over wealth, privilege and the struggles of artistes who built their careers without family money. The controversy began after Erigga shared a post on X, formerly Twitter, giving recognition to musicians who did not come from wealthy families and had to work their way up in the music industry. Although Davido was not mentioned in Erigga’s initial post, the singer reacted to it, arguing that artistes from wealthy backgrounds also deserve recognition when they work hard to build successful careers. Davido wrote that those who started with family money could still “continue to work their way up,” setting off a back-and-forth between the two musicians. The singer later criticised Erigga’s message, describing it as “useless motivation” and directing an insult at the rapper. Erigga has now responded directly, questioning why Davido appeared to take offence at his original message. In a series of posts, the rapper sarcastically asked whether celebrating people who had achieved success without family wealth was enough reason for Davido to react. “Na shoutout to the ones wey get it out the mud without family money dey make David crash out? From where to where?” Erigga wrote. He continued by suggesting that people born into wealthy families should focus on motivating themselves rather than taking offence at people celebrating their own struggles and achievements. Erigga then took a more direct swipe at Davido, referring to the singer as the “Ambassador of RICH KIDS.” “Big man pikin dey cry say poor men children dey hail dem self??? Motivate your self naw. Ambassador of RICH KIDS,” he wrote. The exchange has since generated significant reactions among social media users, with fans divided over the arguments presented by both entertainers. While some users sided with Erigga, arguing that artistes who rise from difficult financial circumstances deserve recognition for their struggles, others supported Davido’s position that coming from a wealthy background does not automatically eliminate the need for hard work. Davido, whose father is Nigerian billionaire businessman Adedeji Adeleke, has frequently spoken about his career, achievements and efforts within the music industry despite his privileged upbringing. Erigga, on the other hand, is known for his storytelling and frequent references to life, poverty and the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians. The disagreement has therefore evolved beyond a personal exchange, touching on a wider conversation about privilege, family wealth and whether success should be judged differently depending on an individual’s background. For now, neither artiste has indicated that the exchange has moved beyond social media, but their comments have continued to generate debate among fans and followers. The online dispute also comes shortly after Davido suggested that he could eventually leave music to pursue other financial ambitions, adding another layer to the ongoing conversation surrounding wealth and success.