Nigerian Afrobeat’s sensation, Asake, has stirred up controversy and faced accusations of disrespecting Christianity in his latest music video release, “Only Me.” The artist’s choice to wear Christian regalia, complete with a halo, has attracted widespread criticism and accusations of mockery.
The video, which premiered on Thursday, features Asake throwing money at his dancers, who are also dressed in Christian attire, causing them to fall down. This depiction has ignited a heated debate on social media, with many users expressing their outrage and disappointment.
Critics argue that Asake’s music videos consistently disregard and undermine the Christian faith. One user on the platform X stated, “Asake keeps disrespecting the Christian faith in his music videos.” Another user accused him of mocking Christians and described the video as blasphemous.
While the lyrics of “Only Me” seemingly revolve around a self-centred mentality, the video itself can be interpreted as a satirical commentary on charismatic preachers. Nevertheless, the use of Christian imagery has been met with condemnation from various corners of the internet.
This is not the first time Asake has faced backlash for incorporating Christian symbolism into his music videos. Last year, his collaboration with Fireboy DML in the video for “Bandana” featured black goats inside a church, with individuals in the pews depicted as flames above their heads. Fans and critics alike have called for the removal of the video, citing it as disrespectful to the Christian faith.
Asake’s management has yet to respond to requests for comment from the BBC. The artist’s loyal fanbase, however, has expressed their disappointment and urged him to show greater respect for people’s religious beliefs. One fan wrote, “Shame on you, man. I’m a big fan of your music, but the depictions in your latest video are absolutely insane.” Another fan pleaded with Asake, stating, “Please take down this video. It is an insult to our Christian faith. You can create your music, but it is vital to respect people’s religions.”
The controversy surrounding Asake’s video highlights the power that music and visual representations hold and the responsibility artists have towards their audiences. Cultural and religious sensitivity should be considered in order to avoid alienating or offending sections of society.
Asake’s music, characterized by its fusion of Afrobeats and contemporary sounds, has earned him a Grammy nomination, amplifying his influence within the African music scene. With this recognition comes increased scrutiny of his artistic choices, especially when they intersect with religion.
Music, as a potent tool for expression and social commentary, should strive to strike a balance between artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity. The dialogue sparked by Asake’s video serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting mutual respect and understanding across diverse belief systems within African society.
Asake and his team have an opportunity to engage with their critics and address the concerns raised, ensuring that their future artistic endeavours reflect a sensitivity towards religion while maintaining their artistic vision. This controversy serves as a reminder for artists to navigate the boundaries of expression responsibly, while fostering unity and respect in a diverse and multicultural society.
