Nigerian music stars Wizkid and Ayra Starr have come under heavy criticism following the release of their new collaboration, “Gimme Dat,” with many online users accusing the duo of insensitivity for referencing the name “Diallo” in a romantic context.
The backlash erupted shortly after the official music video was released, where the chorus of the song includes the repeated name “Diallo,” causing some listeners to draw connections to Amadou Diallo, a 23-year-old Guinean immigrant who was tragically killed by New York City police officers in 1999 in a widely publicized case of police brutality.
The chorus lyrics — “Diallo, Diallo / If I give you my love, oh / Make you no disappoint, oh…” — have been described by critics as tone-deaf and disrespectful, especially considering the historical weight the name carries due to the tragic circumstances surrounding Amadou Diallo’s death.
Ayra Starr drew even more attention to the controversy after sharing a promotional post on X (formerly known as Twitter), urging fans to check out the video. However, the reaction was swift and intense, particularly following a viral post from user @Catchoris, who harshly criticized both artists for what he perceived as a gross misappropriation of a name tied to racial injustice and police violence.
“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 tweet read, quickly gaining over 2.5 million impressions.
While a significant number of social media users supported the criticism, accusing the artists of cultural insensitivity, others stepped in to defend the track. A user identified as @menlotanna countered the viral take by suggesting the name “Diallo” in this case may not be linked to Amadou Diallo’s story, adding that the song samples Wyclef Jean’s “911,” which itself is a love song and not the 2000 protest song “Diallo.”
“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,” he wrote.
Still, others like @seanpepisky shared that the name's inclusion felt inappropriate, writing, “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.”
Watch the video below …
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. https://t.co/H6OpJwWhS7
— Oris Aigbokhaevbolo (@Catchoris) May 8, 2025