Following the release of his latest single, “Only Me,” music video on February 29, 2024, marking his first official music video of the year, Nigerian artist Asake found himself amidst a storm of controversy. The video stirred intense reactions among Nigerians, particularly due to incorporating Catholic Christian imagery.
Critics lambasted Asake for what they perceived as the inappropriate use of Christian symbols in a secular context. Comparisons were drawn, with some suggesting that if Christian artists were to use Islamic symbols similarly, they would face severe backlash. The controversy ignited debates across social media platforms, highlighting the sensitive nature of religious themes in art.
Central to the criticism was the portrayal of Asake engaging in acts associated with Christian rituals, such as dramatizing the Eucharist and donning priestly attire, despite the song’s lack of religious context. Many within the Christian community deemed this portrayal disrespectful and unacceptable.
Furthermore, questions were raised regarding Asake’s religious identity, with some wondering why he hadn’t similarly showcased aspects of his Muslim faith in his artistic expression. The lack of parity in representation fueled additional scrutiny.
While Asake bore the brunt of public outrage, attention also turned toward the video’s producer, TG Omori. Omori’s creative direction came under fire for its role in perpetuating the contentious themes in the music video. The controversy surrounding “Only Me” underscored the power of artistic expression to provoke intense reactions and ignite cultural discourse.