•Davido performs at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concerts at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, yesterday
Nigeria’s Afrobeats star Davido yesterday drew global attention to the plight of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers by wearing a jacket bearing their names during his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles.
The Grammy-nominated artiste performed alongside America Foster; Major Lazer, the electronic music group founded by producer and DJ Diplo and known for global hits such as Lean On and Cold Water; as well as Diplo himself, at the Crypto.com Arena, reports Channels TV.
Fans gathered in downtown Los Angeles for the evening show, part of a multinational celebration marking the buildup to football’s biggest tournament.
The event is one of three simultaneous FIFA Countdown Concerts held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Davido’s performance comes against the backdrop of a tragic incident in Oyo State, where armed bandits attacked 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 abductors.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers staging solidarity protests and teachers in Oyo State embarking on an indefinite strike.
The concert was not the first time the Afrobeats star would be lending his voice to the state of security in Nigeria.
In a recent post on his X handle, the singer lamented the rising wave of kidnappings and urged other entertainers to use their platforms to speak out.
“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,” he wrote.
His comments sparked wider reactions from celebrities like content creator and actress Kiekie; comedian and filmmaker AY Makun; and Tiwa Savage.
As more celebrities and citizens alike continue to speak up, calls are mounting for stronger action from government authorities to curb insecurity and protect lives across the country.
The Nigerian singer’s appearance at the FIFA concert adds another milestone to his long-standing relationship with FIFA.
In 2022, he featured on Hayya Hayya (Better Together), the first official soundtrack of the Qatar World Cup, and later performed at the tournament’s closing ceremony.
He is not the only Nigerian artiste featured in FIFA’s World Cup build-up. Rema has been listed among performers for the tournament’s opening ceremony alongside global stars including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, Lisa of Blackpink, and South African artiste Tyla.
Divine Joshua Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and rapper
Meanwhile, Burna Boy has already made his mark on the tournament after collaborating with Colombian superstar Shakira on Dai Dai, the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Released under Sony Music Latin and FIFA, the song blends Afrobeats and Latin pop, carrying a message of unity and global football culture.
With Davido headlining FIFA’s countdown concert, Rema performing at the opening ceremonies, and Burna Boy lending his voice to the tournament’s anthem, Nigeria’s music industry is set to enjoy visibility as the world turns its attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
