Singer Davido delivered one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments at AfroNation when he paused his high-energy performance to honour the late mother of fellow superstar Wizkid with a minute’s silence. The tribute not only captured the attention of the audience present but also resonated deeply with fans around the world, showcasing a rare display of empathy, respect, and solidarity between two of Africa’s biggest music icons.
Davido pauses AfroNation performance
The atmosphere at the festival shifted dramatically as thousands of festival-goers fell silent, reflecting on loss, friendship, and the pain of losing loved ones. Davido, visibly emotional, addressed the crowd with heartfelt words about grief and shared humanity, drawing a strong connection between his own experiences and the current sorrow in Wizkid’s life.
“Personally, I have lost many loved ones, people close to me, so I understand how Wizkid is feeling right now. May his mother, our mother because she was dear to me, rest in peace,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of personal experience and compassion. The moment was a powerful reminder of the bonds between artists that go beyond rivalry or competition.
The tribute also highlighted a long-standing personal connection, as Davido recalled the support Wizkid showed him during a difficult period in his own life. Fans were reminded of the time Wizkid called Davido daily after the loss of his son, a gesture that left a lasting impression on the “Fall” singer and strengthened their mutual respect and understanding.
Social media reactions
The public reaction was immediate and varied, with social media users sharing both admiration and critique of Davido’s public display. Many praised the gesture as a moving example of empathy and solidarity among artists, while others questioned whether such acts of mourning should remain private.
@hardelclarkss tweeted: “You see this and you tell me Davido is the bad person here? Forget music o, Wizkid can never lace Davido’s shoes when it comes to genuine love and respect.”
@Dennyagbehor commented: “Davido loves his enemies even while they hate him… I like the fact that he is now more aware and distancing himself from their circle.”
@ibinabosekibo shared: “Same Davido wey Wizkid shift him album because of his son’s death? Abi the calls and checking up Wizzy did during that period?!!!! Hypocrites.”
@chidozie_odini wrote: “He could send the condolence directly to the bereaved. Why make a show of it? This is people-pleasing syndrome.”
These reactions captured the divided opinions that often surround both stars. While many fans celebrated Davido’s public display of compassion and support, others felt the gesture could have been handled privately. Regardless of the debates, the moment added a touching and humanizing layer to the ongoing narrative of mutual respect, understanding, and empathy between two influential African artists who have shaped the continent’s music scene.
The minute of silence was more than a performance pause—it was a symbolic acknowledgment of grief, community, and the importance of standing by one another in times of personal loss. The emotional impact of the tribute rippled through social media, sparking conversations about respect, legacy, and the shared experiences that unite artists beyond the stage.
Fans continue to reflect on the moment, highlighting it as one of the festival’s most powerful and memorable events, illustrating how music and human emotion intersect in meaningful ways. Davido’s tribute to Wizkid’s mother serves as a reminder of the humanity behind the glitz and glamour of the music industry, celebrating empathy, care, and solidarity amidst tragedy.
Watch video below…
“Personally, I have lost many loved ones, people close to me, so I understand how Wizkid is feeling right now. May his mother, our mother because she was dear to me, rest in peace“
— Davido paused his AfroNation performance to give Wizkid's mom a minute's silence pic.twitter.com/4xH7MFZBTJ
— 𝓚𝓮𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓸 🦉 💜 (@kellybonito_BU) December 5, 2025