Nigerian music sensation, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is currently at the center of a heated controversy following a cryptic post he shared on social media that many Nigerians interpreted as promoting cultism. The award-winning artist, who has millions of followers worldwide and is regarded as one of Africa’s most influential celebrities, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, July 7, 2025, to share the phrase: “Happy METAL.”

What appeared to some as an innocuous message quickly spiraled into a firestorm of criticism, especially due to the date — 7/7 — which many Nigerians associate with cult activities. July 7 has long held a symbolic place in cult-related narratives in Nigeria, and many believe the post was no coincidence.

Despite the mounting backlash, Davido has remained silent, neither offering clarification nor deleting the tweet. The silence has further inflamed opinions online, as angry users accuse the star of irresponsibility and of being complicit in the promotion of dangerous societal trends.

Public Outrage and Allegations of Cultism

Within hours of the post, social media users began to dissect its meaning. Some saw it as a joke, while others interpreted it as a coded reference to cult groups that are allegedly active in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

A user with the handle @Digicent condemned the singer outright, saying:

“As a public figure, it’s wrong to promote cultism. Davido, do better. You have many young people looking up to you, don’t mislead them. Gambling, scamming, rug pulls, cultism………. You mustn’t always be on the wrong side of the divide.”

Another commenter, @Ghetto, suggested Davido’s ties to underground groups were well known:

“If you think Davido, one of the biggest artists in Africa is not in a cult, then you’re living under a rock lmao.”

This sentiment was echoed by @Preacher, who found the post tone-deaf in today’s economic climate:

“Una still dey celebrate wetin no dey give person money for this 2025? Really?”

Meanwhile, @Mervin found the post alarming:

“‘Happy METAL’? Really? Is that how we are starting today? Is this a cult signal, OBO? Or is it an echo to engage with a ballistic missile? 30BG deserves an answer, not a cryptic vibe.”

Accusations Beyond the Post

The criticism quickly expanded beyond the “Happy METAL” message. Many social media users used the opportunity to highlight what they described as Davido’s role in promoting various negative trends in Nigerian society.

One particularly scathing comment alleged:

“Almost every crime you can think of that’s destroying the poor citizens of Nigeria your hands dey inside. Petty scam oo, you dey. Online fraud, you dey. Ponzi scheme oo, you dey like mad. Crypto scam oo, you dey. Political scam oo, you dey. Even to visit Tinubu, a President that his government is destroying the country, you dey like werey. Even down to you put body dey promote am.

You make it hard for even your die-hard fans to defend you. It’s not a coincidence that your name is boldly written in a lot of these problems.”

Others drew comparisons between Davido and his industry peers. @Alexanda remarked:

“What is even wrong with you, at your age you are celebrating 7/7. Can never be Wizkid or Burna Boy.”

Another user, @Taiwo, issued a stark warning:

“Very foolish boy. Very soon you celebrities would become victims of this cult violence.”

Calls for Maturity and Responsibility

While many comments were accusatory, some were more reflective. Users expressed disappointment that a man of Davido’s age and influence would engage in or even joke about something as serious as cultism.

@Mezie offered a fatherly rebuke:

“At this age? Davido, you’re now a married man with children who are looking up to you and learning from you. Cultism should be the least of the things that should occupy your mind at this age. If you’re too less busy, then enter the studio and come up with something productive and profitable. Peace.”

Another user, @Ruth, was more direct:

“Why you dey promote cultism??? Osakpolor you fok up o.”

The Silence That Speaks

Despite the uproar, Davido has yet to respond to the criticisms or offer any form of explanation. The tweet remains on his timeline, serving as a lightning rod for continued speculation and outrage. Critics argue that this silence is part of a pattern where influential celebrities use their platforms without adequate regard for the implications of their statements.

Davido, known for his flamboyant lifestyle, controversial friendships, and viral music hits, has faced online scrutiny before. But this particular incident seems to be striking a different chord, not least because it involves an issue—cultism—that has historically contributed to violence and social disintegration in Nigerian communities.

A Broader Concern in Nigerian Entertainment

This controversy opens up a broader discussion about the responsibility of public figures in Nigeria. The entertainment industry is rife with allegations of occult affiliations, coded language, and symbolism—none of which are new to Nigerian audiences. But many now argue that silence or ambiguity from top artists only worsens these suspicions.

With the country grappling with economic instability, rising crime rates, and youth restlessness, the expectation is that influencers like Davido should use their platforms more responsibly.

What’s Next?

As of now, Davido has made no statement regarding the “Happy METAL” post. Whether the backlash will result in a formal apology or explanation remains to be seen. However, fans and critics alike are watching closely.

If anything, this incident underscores the increasing demand for accountability in the social media age. What a celebrity posts in 280 characters could have real-life implications—especially when those celebrities wield enormous influence over millions of impressionable followers.

Conclusion

Davido’s cryptic “Happy METAL” tweet on July 7, 2025, has unleashed a wave of criticism and renewed scrutiny of celebrity behavior in Nigeria. While some see it as a harmless message or misunderstood joke, many others interpret it as a subtle endorsement of cult-related culture—a deeply sensitive issue in Nigerian society.

With silence from the artist himself, the debate rages on. But the message from the public is clear: at a time when Nigeria is battling so many crises, its role models cannot afford to play in the dark corners of ambiguity.

The ball, it seems, is now in Davido’s court.