Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has called on top Nigerian artistes including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, and Asake to perform in Northern Nigeria, following Davido’s successful concert in Yola, Adamawa State.
In a post on X on Friday, Ahmad said Davido’s decision to take his 5ive Alive tour to the North was a bold move that helped dispel negative stereotypes about the region.
He noted that many people often associate the North with insecurity and instability, but the singer’s concert, which recorded massive turnout and no security incident, portrayed a different reality.
He described the event as a demonstration of the peaceful and hospitable nature of the North and encouraged other artistes to replicate such performances to connect with their Northern fans.
According to him, Davido’s Yola concert reaffirmed the unifying power of music and highlighted the importance of embracing cultural diversity to strengthen national unity.
He wrote, ‘Though on several occasions I don’t share opinions with @Davido, in fact, I am a well-known member of Wizkid FC. However, I must commend him for taking his concert to Yola, Adamawa. Every day on this platform, especially from those who have never stepped foot in any part of the North, once you mention the region, the next thing you hear is insecurity, kidnappings, banditry and all sorts of negative narratives. They never allow any conversation about development or progress in the North. In their minds, these unfortunate incidents are happening on every street and corner of the region, which is simply not true.
‘Had Davido consulted with such people before his decision to go to Yola, they would have discouraged him with all sorts of frightening tales, painting the whole North as a danger zone, making it seem like the moment he set foot, he would be kidnapped, attacked or the worse. However, he went ahead and successfully held the concert, with thousands in attendance and without a single incident. I am sure Davido and his team left Adamawa with a positive impression.
‘I sincerely hope that other artists, such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems and Asake, who also command huge followings in the North, will take a cue from Davido’s example. The North has millions of passionate fans who deserve to experience live performances from their favorite stars. Doing so will connect them more with their fans and also help amplify the true, peaceful and hospitable nature of the North, and by extension, the unity and beauty of Nigeria as a whole.
‘Music is one of the strongest unifying forces we have as a country, and Davido’s concert in Yola is a clear reminder that Nigeria works better when we choose to see beyond stereotypes and embrace one another in our shared love for art, culture and humanity.’
Davido on Thursday headlined a sold-out concert at the 25,000-capacity Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola, Adamawa State.
The show also featured a surprise appearance by local influencer and former Big Brother Naija housemate Sultana Farida Auduson Ibrahim, who joined fans in celebrating the Grammy-nominated star.