- Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Ayra Starr face criticism for their collaboration “Gimme Dat,” which some argue devalues the memory of Amadou Diallo, a 1999 Guinean immigrant killed by New York City police.
- The song’s official music video, featuring the use of the name “Diallo” in romantic lyrics, sparked backlash among listeners who interpreted it as disrespectful to a historical tragedy.
Nigerian music sensations Wizkid and Ayra Starr are facing intense public scrutiny over their latest track “Gimme Dat,” after listeners accused the duo of disrespecting the memory 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 release, particularly over the chorus, which repeatedly mentions “Diallo” in a romantic context. The lyrics, “Diallo, Diallo / If I give you my love, oh / Make you no disappoint, oh…” struck a nerve with some audiences who saw it as a careless reference to a name associated with a real-life tragedy.
Ayra Starr had taken to X (formerly Twitter) to promote the video, but her post was quickly met with backlash. A viral tweet from user @Catchoris, which has garnered over 2.5 million views, sharply criticized the artists for what was perceived as an offensive misuse of a powerful name.
“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,” the user wrote.
While many echoed the outrage, labeling the move as tone-deaf and culturally insensitive, others offered a different view.
A user, @menlotanna, argued: “I get your point but you’re wrong bro. Ayra’s song samples Wyclef Jean’s ft Mary J Blige ‘911’ which is actually a love song. And the ‘Diallo’ in Ayra’s chorus doesn’t reference the song you’re referring to because the notes in these songs are totally different.”
Another user, @seanpepisky, expressed his discomfort: “I was honestly shocked when I heard the song. It felt off. That name carries pain, history, and a real story that shouldn’t be twisted like that. I kept hoping Wyclef would step in and say something, maybe remind them what Diallo actually meant.”
As the controversy simmers online, neither Wizkid nor Ayra Starr has issued a public response.
