Social media activist VeryDarkMan has publicly criticized three of Nigeria’s biggest music stars—Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid—for their recent multi-billion naira car purchases while the country grapples with severe economic hardship.
The controversy erupted after Burna Boy acquired a ₦3.5 billion McLaren Sienna, making him the first person to purchase the luxury vehicle in Africa. Within hours, Davido reportedly followed suit with a ₦1.2 billion 2026 Mercedes Maybach SL 680. The purchases come months after Wizkid bought a ₦1.7 billion vehicle.
In a viral Instagram video, VeryDarkMan accused the trio of being tone-deaf to their fans’ struggles and questioned their social responsibility. “Don’t you people read the room? Don’t you see the country you come from?” he asked.
The critic, who claims to be an associate of Davido, specifically challenged the singer’s impact in his home state of Osun. “What can you beat your chest to say you have done for the people of Osun State?” VeryDarkMan asked, noting that Davido’s last visible presence in the state was during his uncle’s gubernatorial campaign.
The timing of these luxury purchases has drawn particular scrutiny as Nigeria faces its worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation exceeding 30% and millions struggling with poverty. The controversy highlights growing tensions between Nigeria’s entertainment elite and public expectations of social responsibility during national hardship.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The core issue centers on social responsibility and public perception during an economic crisis. Three of Nigeria’s biggest music stars—Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid—collectively spent over ₦6 billion on luxury cars while their country faces severe economic hardship with 30% inflation and widespread poverty.
The critical question raised by activist VeryDarkMan isn’t about their right to spend their money, but whether high-profile celebrities should demonstrate greater sensitivity to their fans’ struggles and contribute meaningfully to their communities’ development.
