Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has called out Davido, the Afrobeats star, for allegedly failing to show up at the 19th edition of Warri Again.
Pinnick, who is currently an executive of the world football governing body FIFA, argued that the ‘Timeless’ hitmaker had received $94,600 to perform at the event in Delta.
The concert was held on October 6 to celebrate entertainers who hail from the Niger Delta region.
Pheelz, Spyro, Fireboy DML, Destalker, Mccasino and AY Makun were among the entertainers who performed at the show.
Davido appeared to have earlier confirmed that he would grace the concert.
Amaju Pinnick calls out Davido for allegedly refusing to perform despite getting paid an excess of $94,600.
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Speaking at the event in Pidgin, Pinnick said a chartered plane was arranged to convey the singer to Warri, which cost the state another $18,000.
He added that the organisers eventually replaced Davido with Shallipopi.
“We paid Davido $94,600 on the 6th of April. We paid $18,000 for his plane. If im say him be big boy, we go tell am say we big pass am,” he said.
“I am not joking. So, why he was playing his games back and forth, we decided to hunt to find another artiste, Shallipopi.
“You see when people say dem big, I just dey laugh. The biggest artiste in Nigeria today, no be Burna Boy? Burna Boy is half Itsekiri. Burna Boy’s paternal grandmother is Itsekiri. So, he big pass am.
“Anybody fit big pass RMD for the acting industry? Anybody fit big pass Ali Baba for comedy? Warri na back to back we get dem. Nobody fit big pass Warri.”
Shortly before the show, the organisers had assured attendees of Davido’s presence at the concert.
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“Dear Warri Again family, it has come to our notice about the news circulating that one of our headliners David Adeleke (DAVIDO) will not be performing at the prestigious 19th edition of Warri Again,” the organisers wrote on Instagram.
“This is to notify our esteemed family that all necessary performance agreement has been met, and artist confirmations were made by Davido and have been in circulation.
“This is our 19th edition and our integrity is 100% as we have never faltered on our part and all artists can testify to this.
“Please be assured that any official changes will be communicated. This edition will be an exceptional experience for everyone.”
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