Israel DMW, the outspoken aide to Nigerian music superstar Davido, has found himself at the center of attention following a recent altercation between his boss and fellow Grammy-winning artist Wizkid. The incident, which reportedly took place in a London club, has reignited the long-standing rivalry between two of Nigeria’s biggest music exports, leaving fans and industry watchers on edge.
The drama unfolded when reports surfaced of a tense encounter between Davido and Wizkid at an exclusive London nightspot. According to eyewitnesses, Wizkid allegedly hurled insults at Davido and his entourage, using derogatory language that quickly made the rounds on social media platforms. What’s particularly noteworthy is the uncharacteristic silence from Davido’s camp, especially from Israel DMW, who is known for his fierce loyalty and readiness to defend his employer.
Israel DMW, whose real name is Israel Afeare, has built a reputation for being Davido’s most vocal supporter, often taking to social media to champion his boss’s cause and engage in online battles with critics. His silence in the face of such a public slight has left many wondering about the strategy behind this unexpected restraint.
Instead of addressing the controversy head-on, Israel chose a more subtle approach. He took to his social media accounts to share videos of himself and other members of Davido’s crew enjoying a lavish breakfast. The timing of these posts, coming hot on the heels of the reported altercation, has been interpreted by many as a deliberate statement – a show of nonchalance in the face of provocation.
The breakfast posts, featuring an array of gourmet dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, stand in stark contrast to the heated exchanges that typically follow such high-profile incidents in the Nigerian music industry. This unexpected move has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and observers alike, with many praising the apparent maturity displayed by Davido’s team.
One social media user, queexella, commented on the situation, saying, “I don’t care what anyone says. I love wiz. But he’s so childish.” This sentiment seems to be echoed by many who view Wizkid’s alleged actions as unnecessary provocation.
Another user, ogpoundz2024, took a more humorous approach, stating, “Make una no vex for Israel abeg na wetin he go chop he dey find” (Don’t be angry with Israel, he’s just looking for what to eat). This comment highlights the complex nature of celebrity feuds and how they can often overshadow the day-to-day lives of those involved.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the long-standing rivalry between Wizkid and Davido, two artists who have dominated the Afrobeats scene for over a decade. Their competition, which has often been seen as a driving force in the genre’s global rise, has taken various forms over the years – from subtle jabs in song lyrics to more overt social media spats.
However, not everyone sees the lack of response as a positive move. Some fans have expressed disappointment, feeling that Wizkid’s alleged insults should not go unchallenged. User amhenrygreat wrote, “Wizkid finished 30bg and the whole crew see Popsy una not fit shake body” (Wizkid finished 30 billion gang and the whole crew, see how you can’t even respond).
The reference to “30 billion gang” – a term often used by Davido to describe his wealthy lifestyle and generous nature – underscores the financial undertones that often color these rivalries. Both Davido and Wizkid are known for their opulent lifestyles, and their success has become a point of comparison and contention among fans.
Interestingly, some observers have pointed out the contrast in how the two camps handle their public image. User celebrity.of.lagos remarked, “Wizkid team will never flaunt their riches,” suggesting a difference in approach to public relations and image management between the two artists.
The incident has also sparked discussions about the pressure faced by celebrities and their teams in the age of social media. The constant scrutiny and expectation to respond to every provocation can be overwhelming, and the decision to disengage, as demonstrated by Israel DMW and the rest of Davido’s team, might be seen as a form of self-care in a highly stressful industry.
As the story continues to unfold, it’s clear that the dynamics of celebrity feuds in the Nigerian music industry are evolving. The restrained response from Davido’s camp, coupled with Israel DMW’s seemingly carefree breakfast posts, represents a departure from the typical script of public spats and social media warfare.
Whether this approach will become the new norm or is simply a one-off strategy remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the incident has added another chapter to the ongoing saga of Wizkid and Davido’s rivalry, one that continues to captivate audiences and shape the narrative of Nigerian music on the global stage.
As fans eagerly await the next development in this unfolding drama, one thing is clear: in the world of Nigerian music, even a simple breakfast can become a powerful statement. Israel DMW’s lavish meal, shared amidst a storm of controversy, serves as a reminder that in the high-stakes game of celebrity feuds, sometimes the most powerful move is to simply enjoy your food and let the world talk.
