Fans of Beyoncé are not pleased with how long it took the “Black Is King” creator to lend her voice to the ongoing SARS crises in Nigeria. The backlash for her late arrival was mainly because her visual album which spoke largely about embracing African culture was partially filmed in Nigeria with Nigerian creatives and now that she has spoken, the message was not well received by the Bey hive.
SARS is the Special Anti-Robbery Squad that has become a mainstay in Nigeria’s domestic security apparatus for the last three decades. Tasked with tackling urban crime, SARS has only gained the reputation of being an unforgivingly brutal arm of the police who have killed, harassed and tortured many Nigerians, according to the non-profit Amnesty International.
One of the best things possible is happening for protesters against police brutality and state-sanctioned violence in Nigeria and that is, their clamors have been noticed and are being amplified by some of the most popular African-American entertainers but Beyoncé was a little late to add her voice.
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People took to social media to let call her out on her silence because the protests started two weeks ago.
Beyoncé hasn’t spoken out about SARS?…. you lots come collect your ‘Mama Africa’
— tamara?ENDSARS (@tammyokk) October 20, 2020
If I see any of y’all making exceptions for Beyoncé not saying shit about SARS, when she made a whole album centred around Africa. I don’t wanna hear it
— #EndSARS (@lilshawtyrue) October 16, 2020
Beyonce literally exploits African culture for money but can’t even speak about sars ?
— Bilouba (@NBilouba) October 16, 2020
She then released a statement on Instagram saying, “I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria,” she wrote in a text post.
“We have been working on partnerships with youth organizations to support those protesting for change. We are collaborating with coalitions to provide emergency healthcare, food and shelter. To our Nigerian sisters and brothers, we stand by you.”
A message from Beyoncé. pic.twitter.com/5Ng7JF2stf
— BeyGOOD (@BeyGood) October 21, 2020
It seems the Bey hives and then some others did not go easy on the Queen B.
I actually don’t think this is still necessary to be honest. At the time we (my folks who’re your fans) really needed you dear @Beyonce you no show up.
Now matters are already out of hand. And guys this working in the background stuff doesn’t really work here, we need to see you.— Agboola Olubori (@olubori_agboola) October 21, 2020
We’re not hungry please. The only thing we needed from her was a wider international view, not to mention the fact she employed indigenous talents.
We all know the impact of Nigerians in #thegift album. You can’t just famz our culture and then go like that, it’s fraud.
— ThedorathybachStanAccount (@NovaAlte) October 21, 2020
This is a bit too late. The protests started two weeks ago and we never heard from you publicly. May have made all the difference before it culminated in senseless violence and deaths.
— Kelly’C (@Kellyceeee) October 21, 2020
Emergency health care, food and shelter… Are we a joke to you?… You honestly think our fight is for health care, food and shelter… We’re fighting against police brutality, against bad governance, we’re not hungry, we need your voice not aid… Fix up!!
— Zaddy Dee (@dannyberry_) October 21, 2020
Beyoncé is dead to us. Let her keep whatever she’s offering.
— Uncle chu (@chubiei) October 21, 2020
