Social media users have accused Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake of “mocking” Christianity in his latest video released for his ‘Only Me’ song.
In the video, Asake was dressed in a Christian regalia which looked like the regalia of Catholic priests with a halo around his head. His singers showered his dancers with money who have also dressed up the same way as Asake. They keep falling down as the money is showered on them.
After the video was premiered on Thursday, February 29, Asake and the video director, TG Omori has faced severe backlash for what social media users say is ‘disrespect to the Christian religion.’
In the video, the dancers sing Only Me’s refrain, repeating “we get money” over and over again.
Asake – only me 💵 pic.twitter.com/UnMVyyr42E
— TG OMORI (@boy_director) February 29, 2024
While the lyrics appear to be about someone who only wants to live for themselves and make money, social media users see the he video as a satire about charismatic preachers.
Many social media users have since condemned the video.
“Your creativity has lost its melody and harmony, resonating only with criticism towards the Christian community. Like a song stuck on repeat, your artistic expression has become monotonous and confined,” one user wrote on X.
Tomori,
I am highly disappointed in you.Your creativity has lost its melody and harmony, resonating only with criticism towards the Christian community. Like a song stuck on repeat, your artistic expression has become monotonous and confined.
Break free from this creative…
— Mr. Big Shot. (@daryormoscow) February 29, 2024
“This is a mockery not Art…why will you disrespect the catholic body like this ? Why use the Gown ,chalice and pictorial representation of the Monstrance?” another user wrote on X.
“Asake is mocking Christians with his blasphemous music video,” another user wrote on X.
Asake and his management are yet to respond to the accusations leveled against them.
This is a mockery not Art …….why will you disrespect the catholic body like this ?
Why use the Gown ,chalice and pictorial representation of the Monstrance ……????
— Perpys (@Empressperpetii) February 29, 2024
This is not the first time the Grammy-nominated musician has been criticised for his use of Christian imagery in his music videos.
Last year, Asake faced backlashes for his video for Bandana song which featured Fireboy DML. The video depicted black goats sitting in a church.
Around him people can be seen in the pews, each with a flame above their heads. After the release of that video, Asake came under fire particularly from his Nigerian fam who called him out to take down the video.
“Shame on you man. I’m a big fan of your music but the depictions in this your latest video are absolutely insane” one fan wrote on Instagram.