“Nigeria Is Safer Than the US”, Rapper DDG Sparks Global Debate After Lagos Visit
The global conversation on safety and travel perceptions has taken a dramatic turn after American rapper DDG declared that Nigeria safer than America is not a myth but a lived reality. The outspoken musician and internet personality, whose real name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., made the remarks during his New Year 2026 visit to Lagos, a trip that quickly became a viral moment across social media platforms worldwide.
Speaking candidly during a livestream, DDG challenged long standing Western narratives that portray Nigeria as excessively dangerous. According to him, while Nigeria has its share of petty crimes like theft, the country does not compare to the level of violence he regularly witnesses in the United States. He argued that America’s widespread gun culture, mass shootings, and gang related violence make everyday life far more threatening than what he has experienced in Lagos. His blunt assessment resonated strongly with viewers who applauded his willingness to speak against what he described as exaggerated foreign media portrayals.
DDG went further to explain that, in his view, crime in Nigeria is largely non lethal when compared to the United States. He emphasized that robberies in Nigeria rarely escalate into fatal encounters, unlike in America where firearms are easily accessible and frequently used. This contrast, he noted, has reshaped his personal understanding of global safety and travel risk, particularly for Black travelers seeking cultural connection and peace of mind.
The rapper’s statements carry added weight because of his personal ties to Nigeria. DDG has previously shared that DNA testing revealed he is partly of Nigerian descent, a discovery he says deepened his sense of belonging during his visits. He has repeatedly described Nigeria as feeling like home and has openly considered relocating to Lagos permanently, citing exhaustion from life in the United States and growing concerns over crime and environmental instability in cities like Los Angeles.
Beyond security, DDG also dismantled stereotypes surrounding Nigerian living conditions. He praised the country’s food, culture, and hospitality, describing local meals as nutritious and flavorful while dismissing warnings about unsafe water and unhygienic environments. His enthusiastic endorsement of Nigerian cuisine, especially Jollof rice, further fueled positive reactions online and boosted conversations around tourism and cultural rebranding.
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As Nigeria continues to position itself as a global destination through movements like Detty December and January in Lagos, DDG’s remarks have added an unexpected yet powerful voice to the narrative shift. His experience has encouraged many to reassess deeply rooted assumptions about Africa and to question why fear driven perceptions often overshadow reality. In 2026, his message stands as a bold reminder that firsthand experience can be more truthful than headlines.