Mr May D Claps Back at Mockery Over Lagos Street Performance
Nigerian singer Akinmayokun Awodumila, better known as Mr May D, has taken a strong stand after being mocked for a street performance at a recent Lagos event, a clash that’s sparked intense debate about respect, art, and the expectations placed on artists.
Mr May D performed alongside street-pop act Small Doctor during the Huspuppi Cup opening ceremony in Oworoshoki area of Lagos and video clips of his street-level performance circulated online, leading to mixed reactions. Some applauded his humility and effort; others ridiculed the context, suggesting he was out of place.
A social media personality, Tufab (close to Wizkid), tweeted mockingly: “For May D mind he dey perform for 02 Arena. Sold Out.” This implied that May D was overestimating his status or perceived fame.
Fellow artists and industry experts like DJ Neptune defended Mr May D, calling out the mockery. He emphasized that artists earn a living with what they have and that today’s hustle doesn’t predict tomorrow’s outcome.
Skales, another prominent figure in Nigerian music, criticized Tufab for what he called trolling. He described Tufab as an adult wasting energy insulting people online. In response to the mockery, Mr May D himself posted to his social media, asserting that the crowd he performed for is human too and urging critics to show respect.
Why This Incident Resonates
1. The Stigma Around Street Performances
Street or grassroots-level shows often carry undervalued status in many entertainment circles. There’s a tendency to praise polished, high-budget performances more, despite cultural significance of smaller, more intimate or accessible gigs.
2. Social Media & Perception of Success
Comments like Tufab’s reflect how social media can distort expectations. “Sold out at 02 Arena” is shorthand for “you’ve made it,” but many artists are still building—so when someone mockingly pretends they have, it can be cutting.
3. The Unpredictable Path of an Artist’s Journey
As DJ Neptune put it, “E red today, no mean say e no go green tomorrow” (just because you’re not in the limelight yet doesn’t mean you won’t be). The creative journey is often nonlinear. Street shows, smaller crowds, and putting in work where you can are part of the grassroots grind many artists go through.
Takeaway
This episode isn’t just about one performance—it reflects larger conversations in the Nigerian music scene (and globally) about what it means to be “successful”, how artists are judged, and the balance between staying grounded vs. aiming for high-profile stages.
In many ways, Mr May D’s response highlights a needed reckoning: talent and hustle should be respected regardless of the venue. Art doesn’t rely solely on glamour; sometimes its true power is felt in the raw, the local, and the honest.
