Rapper AKA has received a number of death threats from Nigerian nationals amidst the ongoing xenophobic violence in parts of South Africa.
It all began when popular Nigerian artist Ycee voiced his opinion on xenophobia and condemned how it was still a problem in 2019.
“I don’t rate South African men at this point ... and I’m not trying to create any form of animosity between us and them (that they don’t already feel against us) It is really sad that In 2019 Xenophobia is what we are still facing and discussing as a problem,” he wrote.
I don’t rate South African men at this point ... and I’m not trying to create any form of animosity between us and them (that they don’t already feel against us)
— ZAHEER! (@iam_YCee) September 3, 2019
It is really sad that In 2019 Xenophobia is what we are still facing and discussing as a problem
The Wakanda Forever singer then went on to allege that most South Africans, including AKA disliked Nigerians.
“There is this subtle dislike that a lot of them (If not all) feel towards Nigerians and no matter how hard they try to hide it ... it eventually jumps out - like when AKA had a full childish grown man tantrum when they lost to Nigeria in the nations cup,” he continued before saying that South Africans would never feel unsafe in Nigeria.
There is this subtle dislike that a lot of them (If not all) feel towards Nigerians and no matter how hard they try to hide it .. it eventually jumps out - like when AKA had a full childish grown man tantrum when they lost to Nigeria in the nations cup
— ZAHEER! (@iam_YCee) September 3, 2019
Worst part of this thing is South Africans (or any other foreign nationals) will never feel unsafe in Nigeria.
— ZAHEER! (@iam_YCee) September 3, 2019
We even treat foreigners better than we treat ourselves, which I believe needs to change. The rest of the world doesn’t respect us Cos we don’t respect ourselves
Although the rapper initially mentioned how his post was not intended to create animosity between the two countries, he further fueled the animosity by posting screenshots were AKA had went on a rant about losing to Nigeria following the AFCON quarterfinals earlier this year, where South Africa lost to Nigeria.
I’m talking about this guy https://t.co/b3CkTpb5r6 pic.twitter.com/9yjPOm67iu
— ZAHEER! (@iam_YCee) September 3, 2019
AKA responded to the rapper by explaining that his tweets from the time were purely about football and a “sibling rivalry” between Nigeria and South Africa and were not linked to xenophobia.
South Africa and Nigeria is the continent’s BIGGEST RIVALRY ... a SIBLING RIVALRY because we are brothers and sisters ... I also hate losing to Australia for fucks sake. Let’s pull together as Africans and stop dividing ourselves. This whole narrative is stupid!!! https://t.co/fT4S4JpKO0
— AKA (@akaworldwide) September 3, 2019
Even with AKA’s explanation regarding his AFCON tweets, many Nigerians continued to slam him and threatening his safety, with some even sending him DMs where they promised to kill him.
This @akaworldwide guy should be ban from Other countries. His music should be brought down from all music platforms. This tweets is deadly than what @Rkelly was accused of. This guy should be taught a lesson. Hate speeches should never be allowed in our world. #StopXenophobia pic.twitter.com/tXylJUWaP0
— 3pleseven Realtor (@Afematic7) September 3, 2019
Apologize for what u did and try to make amends simple!!! This is not the time to be defensive at all!!!
— Pweencessory?????? (@pweencessory) September 3, 2019
— AKA (@akaworldwide) September 4, 2019
— AKA (@akaworldwide) September 4, 2019
— AKA (@akaworldwide) September 4, 2019
— AKA (@akaworldwide) September 4, 2019
— AKA (@akaworldwide) September 4, 2019
— AKA (@akaworldwide) September 4, 2019
More Nigerian artists including Ice Prince as well as Burna Boy also got into heated exchanges with the Fela In Versace hitmaker.
APOLOGIZE IMMEDIATELY !!!!!! https://t.co/DmvRvu0G1R
— Iceprince (@Iceprincezamani) September 4, 2019
- Meanwhile, Peruzzi is inviting Aka to come do '240 in Lekki-Epe' , skales and Burnaboy issues a straight notice to him. pic.twitter.com/H9FZFht9ed
— SubDeliveryZone (@SubDeliveryZone) September 3, 2019
Luckily for AKA, his fellow South African artists came to his defense, with many speaking about how much he actually appreciated Nigeria.
Take a look at some reactions from SA celebs below.
Over some soccer tweets? I hate losing to Nigeria, they always beat us. Am I xeno? ??.
— #uTatakho (@ItsYangaChief) September 4, 2019
For soccer tweets? Y’all niggaz crazy
— fat gal (@ThickLeeyonce) September 4, 2019
For soccer??? But guys.... Hauwa.. https://t.co/HoiQzvNFYm
— Love & Other Stuff (@Rouge_Rapper) September 4, 2019
Context Ice, everything was taken out of context. I personally don’t know any SA musician post 2000 who has supported and respected NGR entertainment as much as AKA. Through videos, features, narrative and has always been very vocal. https://t.co/nBbM8RhUCn
— Jr (@JRafrika) September 4, 2019
Also.. I can speak honestly in saying my bro @akaworldwide loves Nigeria.. taken out of context his tweets can be misinterpreted.. however he loves and respects Naija!!!
— Yung denzL (@MI_Abaga) September 3, 2019
