Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has sparked outrage and been accused of “mocking” Christianity in the video for his latest release “Only Me”.
In his recent video (Only Me), Asake dons Christian regalia with a halo around his head. The singer throws money at his dancers, also dressed up, who then fall down.
The video which premiered recently and has been widely criticized on social media. The BBC has asked Asake’s management for a comment on it but they are yet to respond.
“Asake keeps disrespecting the Christian faith in his music videos,” wrote one user on X (Twitter).
In the video, the dancers sing Only Me’s refrain, repeating “we get money” over and over again. While the lyrics appear to be about someone who only wants to live for themselves, the video could be seen as a satire about charismatic preachers. Many social media users have condemned it.
“Asake is mocking Christians with his blasphemous music video,” another user wrote on X (Twitter).
This is not the first time the Grammy-nominated musician has been criticized for his use of Christian imagery in his music videos.
Last year, Asake came under fire for the video for “Bandana”, his collaboration with Fireboy DML, which depicted black goats sitting in a church. Around him people can be seen in the pews, each with a flame above their heads.
There have been calls from Asake fans for him to take down the video.
“Please bring down this video. This is an insult to our Christian faith. Do your music but respect people’s religions” wrote another on Instagram.
More about Asake
Asake whose real name is Ahmed Ololade (born 13 January 1995), is a highly celebrated Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. His stage name “Asake” is his mother’s name.
In September 2022, his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe was released, breaking the record for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music at the time. The album debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart and recorded the highest charting Nigerian debut album in the history of the chart. His sophomore album “Work of Art” was released in June 2023, becoming his second album to debut at number 66 on the Billboard 200.
In 2020, Asake won Break Out Artist of the Year at the 2022 All Africa Music Awards, and was nominated as the Best African Music Act at the 2022 MOBO Awards, which marked his first international award nomination. In addition to that, he received Best New International Act nomination at the 2023 BET Awards, the same year he was listed number 5 on the Rolling Stone Music’s Future 25.
Asake walked home with a brand-new car after winning the highly coveted Next Rated category at the 2023 Headies award on September 4, 2023
In November 2023, Asake received his first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Award for “Amapiano” featuring Olamide.
in January 2024, Asake was nominated for the 55th NAACP Awards for his song “Amapiano”.
Source: www.wikipedia.com
