Soyinka Tells Davido Why He Shouldn’t Apologise Over Controversial Video

Soyinka Tells Davido Why He Shouldn’t Apologise Over Controversial Video

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has shown his support for the popular Afrobeat artist, David Adeleke, also known as Davido, amidst demands from some Muslims for an apology over an alleged offensive video clip shared on his social media pages last week.

The controversial video featured men dressed as praying mallams dancing in front of a mosque as part of the promotion for Logos Olori’s new song, ‘Jaye Lo.’ This sparked a debate, with some Muslims requesting an apology from Davido.

In a letter titled “Davido Video” released on Tuesday, Soyinka refutes the idea that dancing in front of a mosque is a provocative act. Instead, he sees it as an “affirmation of the unified sensibility of the spiritual in human.”

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Although Soyinka admits that he personally hasn’t seen the video clip, he staunchly supports the artist’s right to use dance in a religious setting, considering it a fundamental freedom for all artists. He argues that dancing around a religious space is a universal heritage and, in the case of Islam, a plot of land can become a sacral space for worship.

Regarding the demands for an apology, Soyinka disagrees with Senator Sheu Sani and other offended Muslims, asserting that no apology is necessary, and none should be offered. He advises against resorting to forced remorse and encourages society to focus on seeking justice instead.

Soyinka also points out that Davido’s music is not responsible for the injustices and incidents of violence related to religious dissent in society. He highlights real issues that should provoke collective anger and action, such as the lynching of Deborah Samuel Yakubu and the imprisonment of atheists like Mubarak Bala.

In conclusion, Soyinka defends the artist’s right to artistic expression and urges those offended to peacefully boycott Davido’s products instead of resorting to negativity and incitement.