Wizkid and Ayra Starr Face Backlash Over ‘Gimme Dat’ Lyrics Referencing ‘Diallo’

Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Ayra Starr are under scrutiny following the release of their latest collaboration, “Gimme Dat.” The track has sparked controversy due to its chorus, which repeatedly mentions the name “Diallo” in a romantic context. Some listeners interpret this as a reference to Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old Guinean immigrant fatally shot by New York City police in 1999.

The contentious lyrics—“Diallo, Diallo / If I give you my love, oh / Make you no disappoint, oh…”—have been deemed by some as insensitive, suggesting they trivialize a significant historical tragedy.

Following the song’s release, Ayra Starr promoted the accompanying music video on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a snapshot and inviting fans to watch. However, the post quickly attracted criticism. A user, @Catchoris, expressed disapproval in a tweet that has since garnered over 2.5 million impressions:

“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.”

While some fans echoed these sentiments, accusing the artists of cultural insensitivity, others offered a different perspective. 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.”

Indeed, “Gimme Dat” samples Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige’s 2000 hit “911,” a song depicting star-crossed lovers entangled in drama, with the male narrator evading police while the female narrator expresses concern. The original “911” does not reference Amadou Diallo. However, Wyclef Jean did release a separate track titled “Diallo,” directly addressing the 1999 police shooting of Amadou Diallo and criticizing systemic racism and police brutality.(en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org)

The confusion may stem from the similarity in names and Wyclef Jean’s involvement in both songs. While “911” is a romantic narrative, “Diallo” serves as a protest song memorializing Amadou Diallo’s tragic death.

As debates continue, neither Wizkid nor Ayra Starr have publicly addressed the controversy. Meanwhile, “Gimme Dat” has achieved commercial success, amassing over 1 million Spotify streams within 12 hours of its release. The song’s popularity underscores the global reach of Afrobeats, even as discussions about cultural sensitivity and artistic responsibility persist.(Inside Port Harcourt)

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The big question on everyone’s mind is Trump’s Tariffs: A Threat to American Jobs or a Boost to Automation? Meanwhile, sports fans will be thrilled to know that Cristiano Ronaldo is making his Hollywood debut with an action-packed film studio venture.

In a heartwarming story, a Nigerian nurse who had been working in the US has made the bold decision to return home in search of a more fulfilling life.

This edition also shines a spotlight on Nigeria’s Diaspora Commission Chairman, who has been honoured in Saudi Arabia for his outstanding contributions.

Other highlights include an in-depth analysis of the US-China trade war, which has intensified with Trump slapping a 104% tariff on Chinese goods.

You won’t want to miss the Diaspora Watch editorial on the need for ambassadors, followed by a report on the Nigerian government’s commencement of screening for ambassadors.

In sports, Aston Villa is hoping to lure Ademola Lookman with Champions League qualification. The back page is dedicated to this exciting development.

Grab your copy of the 42nd edition of Diaspora Watch today and stay up-to-date on all the latest news and trends.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese footballer, has embarked on a new venture, marking his debut in the film industry.

Partnering with British film producer Matthew Vaughn, Ronaldo has co-founded an independent film studio called UR•MARV. M

This 50-50 joint venture has already led to the production and financing of two action-packed films, with plans for a third installment in the same series.

The financial specifics of the joint venture have not been disclosed, but the investment comes at a time when streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ are increasingly backing independent filmmakers.

This trend provides a global distribution network that can help UR•MARV’s  films reach a wider audience and fuel the growth of the independent film industry.

Ronaldo shared his excitement about this new chapter in his business career, stating, “This is an exciting chapter for me, as I look ahead to new ventures in business.”

His partner, Vaughn, praised Ronaldo’s creativity on the football pitch, saying, “Cristiano has created stories on the pitch that I could never have written, and I look forward to creating inspiring movies with him  he’s a real-life superhero.”

At 40 years old, Ronaldo has significantly expanded his business portfolio over the last decade.

His investments include stakes in a hotel chain, a porcelain manufacturer, and a media company in Portugal.

He has also recently acquired a tennis and padel club in Lisbon.

Moreover, Ronaldo has expressed an interest in owning football clubs once he retires, further broadening his business interests.

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr with a reported annual salary of around $200 million, continues to shine on the field.

Although he has not yet revealed when he plans to retire from professional football, his business ventures are likely to keep him busy in the years to come.

Vaughn, on the other hand, has built a reputation for reinventing action cinema with his sleek, fast-paced approach and a flair for blending humor with high stakes drama.

He made his directorial debut with the gritty crime film Layer Cake (2004) and quickly followed up with bold, genre-defying hits like Kick-Ass (2010) and X-Men: First Class (2011).

Vaughn’s big breakthrough came in 2014 with the launch of the Kingsman series—a high-octane spy saga known for its slick visuals, tongue-in-cheek tone, and explosive set pieces, all under the banner of his production company, Marv.

Most recently, he directed Argylle (2024), a globe-trotting espionage adventure starring Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard. With two more Kingsman films on the horizon, Vaughn shows no signs of slowing down.

The partnership between Ronaldo and Vaughn marks a new era for UR•MARV, with the potential for exciting and action-packed films to reach a global audience.