Wizkid and Ayra Starr are facing backlash over their latest collaboration, “Gimme Dat,” as some listeners believe the song dishonors the memory of Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old Guinean immigrant who was tragically killed by New York City police officers in 1999.
The controversy began after the release of the official video for the song, where the chorus repeatedly mentions the name “Diallo” in romantic lyrics.
Many listeners found this reference deeply inappropriate and disrespectful, considering the historical significance of Diallo’s death.
After the video went live, Ayra Starr promoted it on social media, which quickly sparked a heated debate. A viral post on the platform X (formerly Twitter) accused the artists of ignorance, pointing out that Wyclef Jean’s song “Diallo,” which was a tribute to the slain immigrant, held significant cultural weight related to police brutality.
Critics argue that repurposing the name for a pop song about love and desire trivializes the pain tied to the real-life incident.
Despite the backlash, some fans defended the collaboration, explaining that the song samples Wyclef Jean’s “911” featuring Mary J. Blige, a love song, and the reference to “Diallo” in the chorus was intended to be purely musical, not a political statement.
Others, however, expressed their discomfort, feeling the use of such a painful name for a commercial track was a step too far.
The debate highlights the fine line artists walk when drawing inspiration from sensitive historical events, with questions raised about the potential for cultural insensitivity when fame and creativity intersect.
Watch the video below …
Ayra Starr & Wizkid are so ignorant. Wyclef sang Diallo about the US police killing an unarmed African in 2000.
25 years later, 2 African stars turn that sad tune about police brutality into a stupid song about sex, repeatedly calling the murdered man’s name in the silly chorus.
— Oris Aigbokhaevbolo (@Catchoris) May 8, 2025
Source: NewsandVibes.com
