Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has expressed his support for popular Afrobeat artist, David Adeleke, also known as Davido, amid the recent controversy surrounding an alleged offensive video clip posted on his social media pages.
Last week, Davido shared a 45-second video clip of his signee, Logos Olori’s new song, ‘Jaye Lo,’ which featured men dressed as praying mallams dancing in front of a mosque. The video sparked criticism and calls for an apology from some members of the Muslim community.
However, in a letter titled “Davido Video,” released on Tuesday, Soyinka dismissed the notion that dancing in front of a mosque is an act of provocation. He asserted that such artistic expressions are an “affirmation of the unified sensibility of the spiritual in human.”
While Soyinka admitted that he hadn’t personally seen the controversial clip, he defended the artist’s right to use dance in a religious setting as a form of artistic expression. He stated that this practice is a universal heritage and should be acknowledged as a fundamental freedom for all artists.
Addressing the calls for an apology to the Muslim community, Soyinka firmly stated, “No apology is required, None should be offered.” He urged people to stop seeking contrived contrition, emphasizing that justice and closure should be sought through genuine means, not through apologies.
The renowned writer also drew attention to more pressing issues, such as the tragic lynching of Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a student at Shehu Shagari College of Education, and the mistreatment and imprisonment of atheists like Mubarak Bala. Soyinka emphasized that these incidents deserve greater attention and action from society.
In conclusion, Soyinka called for a more nuanced understanding of artistic expression and encouraged those who take offense to exercise their right to boycott Davido’s products if they choose to do so. He urged citizens to focus their anger and revulsion towards addressing more significant provocations that impact society.
The controversy surrounding Davido’s video has sparked discussions about freedom of artistic expression and sensitivity towards religious sentiments. As the conversation continues, it remains essential to strike a balance between creative freedom and respecting cultural and religious beliefs.
Source: Nigerian Tribune
