“Abuse Me, It’s Working!” – Davido Fires Back at Critics With Bold Message

Afrobeats superstar Davido is once again proving that controversy and criticism have no power to dim his shine. In a bold and unexpected message that has since gone viral across social media platforms, the multi-award-winning singer and entertainer left fans and critics buzzing after he addressed the constant trolling he receives online with a now-trending statement: “Make una dey abuse me dey go, e dey work.”

In true Davido fashion, the artist didn’t shy away from addressing the negativity head-on. The comment came shortly after several social media threads surfaced, dissecting his every move — from his recent global performances, social life, to his business decisions. Rather than get defensive or retreat into silence like some celebrities might, Davido did what he knows best: flipped the narrative, laughed it off, and gave his critics something to talk about once more. And talk they did.

Social media erupted within minutes of his statement, with hashtags like #EdeyWork and #DavidoTrending taking over the Nigerian digital space. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook to weigh in. While some hailed the singer’s unapologetic response and resilience, others tried once again to reignite old feuds and controversies — including long-standing rivalries, questions about his private life, and industry competition. Still, it was clear that Davido had successfully hijacked the narrative, turning every insult into yet another moment of fame.

The phrase “e dey work” quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a catchphrase for everything from clapping back at haters to justifying hustle culture. Davido’s fans, the 30BG gang, ran with it, turning it into a meme, a slogan, and even a symbol of how criticism and pressure can be used as fuel to thrive. One fan wrote, “Davido just turned hate into free promo again. That’s why he stays winning!” Another chimed in, “While you’re dragging him, his streams are climbing, his videos are trending, and his global influence is expanding. Na you lose.”

It’s no secret that Davido has had to navigate a complicated relationship with fame in the age of social media. From fake news to online trolls, from family drama to industry politics, his name is a constant in Nigeria’s pop culture conversation — for better or worse. Yet despite all the noise, the “Unavailable” hitmaker keeps climbing, recently selling out shows in Europe, headlining major festivals, and continuing his humanitarian efforts through his David Adeleke Foundation.

But what makes this moment particularly striking is how Davido chose to respond. He didn’t deny the criticism. He didn’t pretend it doesn’t affect him. Instead, he acknowledged it — and then reclaimed the power in it. That rare ability to turn public scrutiny into a spotlight is part of what has kept him at the top of the game for over a decade. Where others might crumble or retreat, Davido leans in — sometimes with humor, sometimes with music, but always with impact.

Industry insiders are also noting the marketing brilliance behind the move. “Whether intentional or not, what Davido just did is textbook PR genius,” said one entertainment analyst. “He took negative attention and flipped it into a rallying cry. People are now more interested in what he’ll do next. That’s how stars stay relevant.”

And relevant he is. Just days before his viral statement, Davido had been in the news for his philanthropic gesture toward orphanages in Nigeria — donating hundreds of millions of naira across the country. While critics found something to say about his transparency and motives, supporters saw a generous artist giving back without needing applause. Now, with this new social media statement, he’s added yet another layer to his complex public image — a mix of grit, grace, and gallantry.

Davido’s message is also being interpreted by many as a larger commentary on the culture of online hate in the entertainment industry. Celebrities — especially in Africa — are often held to impossibly high standards, with their lives scrutinized under a digital microscope. For every hit song or sold-out concert, there are a thousand anonymous accounts waiting to pick apart outfits, tweets, or personal decisions. Davido’s response, then, isn’t just personal; it’s a signal to others in the limelight that hate can be fuel — if you know how to use it.

Still, not everyone is clapping. Critics argue that such statements, while witty, might normalize cyberbullying or reduce the seriousness of online harassment. “Not all abuse is harmless,” one user commented. “We shouldn’t make it look like trolling is okay because it ‘works.’” However, others quickly reminded that Davido is not glorifying abuse but showing resilience in the face of it — a subtle but important distinction.

For Davido, this is just another day in the life of a megastar. He’s been here before. The boy who broke into the industry with “Dami Duro” has grown into a man who doesn’t just make hits — he commands attention, steers conversations, and leads with authenticity. His critics may not like him, but they can’t ignore him. And that, perhaps, is exactly what “e dey work” means.

As the buzz continues to build, fans are already predicting that Davido might turn the catchphrase into a track — and honestly, no one would be surprised. This is the same artist who’s turned life moments into bangers and headlines into verses. Whether it becomes a song, a merch drop, or just another trending phrase that defines pop culture in 2025, one thing is certain: Davido has once again reminded everyone why he’s not just relevant — he’s a phenomenon.

So go ahead, abuse him dey go. For Davido, it’s all part of the plan.