The latest music video from Nigerian Afrobeats artist Asake, Only Me, has caused controversy and been accused of “mocking” Christianity.
Asake wears Christian regalia and has a halo around his head in the video. The musician hurls cash at his costumed dancers, causing them to topple over.
Since its Thursday release, the video has received a lot of negative feedback on social media.
The management of Asake has been contacted by the BBC for a comment, but they have not replied.
One commenter on X stated, “Asake keeps disrespecting the Christian faith in his music videos.”
The dancers repeatedly sing “we get money” while performing the refrain from Only Me in the video. Though the video seems to be a caricature of charismatic preachers, the lyrics seem to be about someone who only wants to live for themselves.
Numerous people on social media have denounced it.
Another commenter on X stated, “Asake is mocking Christians with his blasphemous music video.”
The Grammy-nominated artist has faced criticism before for including Christian themes in his music videos.
Asake faced criticism last year for his work with Fireboy DML on the Bandana music video, which featured black goats seated in a church. He looks around him at the people sitting in the pews, each of them having a flame over their heads.
Supporters of Asake have called on him to remove the video.
“You are a shame, dude. “Although I love your music, the images in your most recent video are completely ridiculous,” a fan commented.
“Please take this video down. This denigrates the Christian religion. “Perform your music while honouring the beliefs of others,” another Instagram user remarked.
