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Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Ayra Starr are currently facing online criticism over their recent collaboration, “Gimme Dat,” with many accusing the duo of cultural insensitivity for their use of the name "Diallo" in the song’s chorus.
The controversy erupted following the release of the song’s music video, which features romantic lyrics that repeatedly reference the name “Diallo.”
Some listeners argue that this name usage evokes the memory of Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old Guinean immigrant fatally shot by NYPD officers in 1999 a case that sparked global outrage and became a symbol of police brutality.
Social media has since become a battleground of opinions. While some users criticized the artists for what they described as disrespect toward Diallo’s legacy, others defended them, claiming the name was used innocently and with no intended reference to the historical incident.
A particularly viral tweet accused Wizkid and Ayra Starr of turning a tragic name into a catchy phrase for a love song. The tweet pointed to Wyclef Jean’s 2000 tribute song “Diallo” as an example of how artists should approach sensitive historical topics with reverence, not as casual lyrical material.
However, not everyone agrees with the outrage. Some fans argue the use of the name was coincidental and unrelated to the 1999 tragedy. They also point out that “Gimme Dat” carries no political undertone and appears to be purely a romantic track.
As debate intensifies, neither Wizkid nor Ayra Starr has issued an official response to the backlash. Meanwhile, discussions continue online about the responsibilities of artists when invoking names or references that may carry historical trauma.
The video for “Gimme Dat” remains available on streaming platforms, drawing both streams and scrutiny.
Ayra Starr & Wizkid are so ignorant. Wyclef sang Diallo about the US police killing an unarmed African in 2000.
— Oris Aigbokhaevbolo (@Catchoris) May 8, 2025
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. https://t.co/H6OpJwWhS7
#Wizkid
#Ayrastarr
#Music
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