- Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Ayra Starr face criticism for his or her collaboration “Gimme Dat,” which some argue devalues the reminiscence of Amadou Diallo, a 1999 Guinean immigrant killed by New York Metropolis police.
- The tune’s official music video, that includes the usage of the title “Diallo” in romantic lyrics, sparked backlash amongst listeners who interpreted it as disrespectful to a historic tragedy.
Nigerian music sensations Wizkid and Ayra Starr are dealing with intense public scrutiny over their newest monitor “Gimme Dat,” after listeners accused the duo of disrespecting the reminiscence of Amadou Diallo — the 23-year-old Guinean immigrant fatally shot by New York police in 1999.
The criticism erupted shortly after the music video’s launch, notably over the refrain, which repeatedly mentions “Diallo” in a romantic context. The lyrics, “Diallo, Diallo / If I offer you my love, oh / Make you no disappoint, oh…” struck a nerve with some audiences who noticed it as a careless reference to a reputation related to a real-life tragedy.
Ayra Starr had taken to X (previously Twitter) to advertise the video, however her publish was rapidly met with backlash. A viral tweet from consumer @Catchoris, which has garnered over 2.5 million views, sharply criticized the artists for what was perceived as an offensive misuse of a robust title.
“Ayra Starr & Wizkid are so ignorant. Wyclef sang Diallo in regards to the US police killing an unarmed African in 2000. 25 years later, 2 African stars flip that unhappy tune about police brutality right into a silly tune about intercourse, repeatedly calling the murdered man’s title within the foolish refrain,” the consumer wrote.
Whereas many echoed the outrage, labeling the transfer as tone-deaf and culturally insensitive, others supplied a distinct view.
A consumer, @menlotanna, argued: “I get your level however you’re mistaken bro. Ayra’s tune samples Wyclef Jean’s ft Mary J Blige ‘911’ which is definitely a love tune. And the ‘Diallo’ in Ayra’s refrain doesn’t reference the tune you’re referring to as a result of the notes in these songs are completely totally different.”
One other consumer, @seanpepisky, expressed his discomfort: “I used to be truthfully shocked after I heard the tune. It felt off. That title carries ache, historical past, and an actual story that shouldn’t be twisted like that. I stored hoping Wyclef would step in and say one thing, possibly remind them what Diallo truly meant.”
Because the controversy simmers on-line, neither Wizkid nor Ayra Starr has issued a public response.