Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has thrown his weight behind Afrobeats star Davido amid the controversy surrounding the singer’s recent remarks about Nigeria’s struggling economy.
In a widely discussed interview, Davido advised African Americans against relocating to Africa, using Nigeria’s challenging economic situation as an example. The statement sparked intense backlash, with many criticizing the singer for his comments, which continue to generate heated debates online.
Responding to the uproar, Kanayo took to Instagram from the UK to defend Davido, urging Nigerians to respect his freedom of speech. He dismissed demands for an apology, emphasizing that the singer’s intent was to shed light on the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians despite his privileged background.
“Nigerians, make una leave Davido alone about the comment he made; it’s freedom of speech, and he made it in good faith,” Kanayo stated. “It is left for those in power to work harder to give us a better Nigeria. We need to build a better Nigeria.”
The actor also argued that criticism often stems from a desire for improvement, stating, “Some people say he should apologize; apologize for what? He’s a Nigerian, and he made his statement in good faith. Those who criticize us want the best out of us. Davido and his family can feed well, but he speaks for other Nigerians who cannot.”
Kanayo’s remarks have added another layer to the ongoing discourse, with many Nigerians applauding his perspective. The veteran actor’s support highlights the broader conversation about Nigeria’s economic challenges and the role of public figures in advocating for change.
The debate continues to divide public opinion, with some defending Davido’s right to speak his mind and others accusing him of painting an overly negative picture of the country.
