Afrobeats superstar Davido took center stage at the annual Warri Again comedy and music show, effectively burying the hatchet with businessman and former NFF President Amaju Pinnick. The event, held at the Warri City Stadium, not only showcased a dazzling array of Nigerian talent but also marked a significant moment of reconciliation in the country’s music industry.
The air was electric as fans began filling the stadium hours before the show’s 7 PM start time. The excitement was palpable, with many attendees aware of the backstory that made this night particularly special.
Just a year ago, the relationship between Davido and Amaju Pinnick had soured dramatically. In 2023, Pinnick sued the Grammy-nominated singer for a staggering 2 billion naira, alleging breach of contract when Davido failed to perform at the previous year’s Warri Again show.
It was ugly,” recalled entertainment journalist Funmi Adebayo, who covered the dispute. “Social media was ablaze with accusations from both sides. Davido claimed his image was used without consent, while Pinnick insisted on contractual obligations.”
The journey from courtroom adversaries to stage partners was not an easy one. Both parties eventually agreed to settle out of court, a decision that set the stage for this year’s remarkable turnaround.
Local businessman and long-time Warri Again attendee, Chief Emeka Okafor, shared his perspective: “This show has always been about bringing people together. Seeing Davido and Pinnick put aside their differences is a powerful message to all of us.”
In a gesture that signaled the thawing of relations, Davido had earlier extended a wedding invitation to Mr. Pinnick and his wife, a move that did not go unnoticed by fans and industry insiders alike.
As the clock struck 7 PM, the stadium erupted in cheers as host De Stalker took to the stage, kicking off a night of laughter, music, and celebration. The comedy segment had the crowd in stitches, with De Stalker’s witty observations about life in Warri drawing particular appreciation from the local audience.
The musical lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Oritsefemi got the crowd on their feet with his high-energy performance, while rising star Odumodublvck showcased why he’s considered one of Nigeria’s most exciting new talents. Fave’s soulful vocals provided a moment of reflection, before Shallipopi and Phyno ramped up the energy once more with their hit records.
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It’s like a who’s who of Nigerian music,” gushed 23-year-old fan Blessing Okoro. “But everyone’s really waiting for Davido. After everything that happened, this feels historic.”
As midnight approached, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Davido took to the stage to deafening applause, opening with his smash hit “Unavailable.” The Grammy-nominated single from his fourth album “Timeless” had the entire stadium singing along.
What followed was a masterclass in performance, with Davido seamlessly blending old favorites with tracks from his latest album. The energy was infectious, with even security personnel unable to resist moving to the beat.
Midway through his set, Davido paused to address the elephant in the room. “Warri, I want to say thank you for having me back,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “To Mr. Pinnick and everyone involved in making this happen, thank you for the second chance. This is what music is all about – bringing people together.”
The significance of the moment was not lost on the audience. Tears were visible on some faces, while others cheered loudly in approval.
As Davido closed out the show with an encore performance of “Unavailable,” the mood in the stadium was one of joy and unity. Fans lingered long after the final notes faded, reluctant to let the magic of the night end.
Industry insiders see this reconciliation as a positive sign for Nigerian entertainment. Music promoter Ade Johnson commented, “This shows maturity from both Davido and Pinnick. It sets a great example for conflict resolution in our industry.
The success of Warri Again 2024 has already sparked discussions about next year’s event. Rumors are swirling about potential international acts being added to the lineup, with Davido’s recent collaboration with Jamaican star YG Marley fueling speculation.
For Davido, the triumphant performance at Warri Again caps off a successful year that has included the launch of his athleisure collection and sneakers with Puma. As he continues to expand his brand globally, this reconciliation with Pinnick and successful headlining show demonstrate his ability to navigate both the business and artistic sides of the music industry.
As the lights dimmed on Warri City Stadium in the early hours of the day, one thing was clear, the 2024 edition of Warri Again was more than just a show. It was a testament to the power of music to heal rifts, bring people together, and create unforgettable moments of joy and unity.
