Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido on Wednesday used his platform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles to draw global attention to the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, wearing a jacket bearing their names during his performance.
The Grammy-nominated singer performed at the Crypto.com Arena alongside American singer America Foster, electronic music group Major Lazer—founded by DJ Diplo—and Diplo himself. The event formed part of a series of simultaneous FIFA Countdown Concerts held across the United States, Canada and Mexico ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Fans gathered for the high-profile show, which is part of FIFA’s global entertainment build-up to football’s biggest tournament.
Davido’s gesture comes in the wake of a tragic attack in Oyo State, where armed bandits invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, abducting pupils and teachers, including a vice-principal. One teacher was killed during the attack, while another abducted teacher was later killed by the assailants.
The incident sparked widespread outrage in Nigeria, prompting protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers and an indefinite strike by teachers in Oyo State.
The singer has previously spoken out on insecurity in Nigeria, calling on authorities and fellow entertainers to use their platforms to address the growing crisis.
In a post on X, he wrote: “I’m weak. God, please take control; we can’t continue like this… My heart goes out to the victims and families… I can’t lie, we entertainers, including me, need to speak up.”
Davido’s appearance at the FIFA concert further strengthens his long-standing association with the global football body. He previously contributed to the 2022 World Cup soundtrack Hayya Hayya (Better Together) and performed at the tournament’s closing ceremony in Qatar.
Other Nigerian artists are also featured in FIFA’s 2026 World Cup build-up, with Rema billed to perform at the opening ceremony alongside international stars including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, Lisa of Blackpink and Tyla.
Meanwhile, Burna Boy has also been involved in the tournament’s music campaign, collaborating with Shakira on the official World Cup anthem Dai Dai, released under Sony Music Latin and FIFA.
With Davido headlining the countdown concert, Rema set for the opening ceremony, and Burna Boy contributing to the official anthem, Nigerian music stars continue to maintain a strong global presence as the world builds up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
