Social Media Roundup: African Giant

In September, following Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationales in South Africa, Nigerian music star Burna Boy threatened to boycott the country.

About two months after his threat, Burna boy was set to take the stage in South Africa this month but it was cancelled following threats of violence from some South Africans who haven’t forgotten Burna’s comments.

While this news spread, The Grammy Awards released the nominee list for its 62nd edition scheduled for January 2020. Burna Boy’s African Giant album was nominated in the Best World Music Album category.

African Giant Album is nominated for Best world music Album at the #Grammys !
Thank you @RecordingAcad and everyone supporting me and the album! 🦍 #AfricanGiant #GRAMMYs

— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) November 20, 2019

Reactions;

Congratulations African giant!

Burna Boy worked hard is ass off and never looked down on anyone. Always willing to collaborate anytime any day. No be today ! I’m glad I’m witnessing all of it. Congratulations again @burnaboy 🙌🏾

— Top Boy (@SPINALL) November 20, 2019

Congratulations @burnaboy on the @RecordingAcad nomination best wishes and love.👏🏽✔️

— Femi Anikulapo-Kuti (@Femiakuti) November 20, 2019

When I told y’all burna boy deserves all the good things in life, I meant it. Time for Grammy 😊❤️🔥 https://t.co/2tYzGm8q07

— Commissioner for Dodo™️ (@Eminitybaba_) November 20, 2019

https://twitter.com/SavvyRinu/status/1197238457510305793?s=20

Nigeria to the world!

Fela Kuti started the movement 🎤

2face showed us to the world 🌍

9ice promised us a Grammy 🏆

Dbanj took us international 🌎

Wizkid is celebrated worldwide 🌎

Davido is celebrated worldwide 🌎

Burna Boy is nominated 4 a Grammy

Nigeria 🇳🇬 is getting closer and closer💪

— Big Chops 🎰 (@iamBigChops) November 20, 2019

Big ups on your Grammy nominations, BURNA!
An African Giant we stan!🙌

NAIJA to the world!🇳🇬@burnaboy pic.twitter.com/irNKE6xLTx

— Saitama Official (@inusaiitama0) November 21, 2019

https://twitter.com/Chubiei/status/1197242495857577984?s=20

Bring it home!

January 26 shall become an African Holiday! The day Burnaboy wins the Grammy! Save this tweet

— The Party Animal (@TheToluDaniels_) November 20, 2019

After @burnaboy wins the Grammy’s Naija Passport fit get small value.

— THE REAL IDAN (@TeniEntertainer) November 20, 2019

Had a dream Burna boy won his grammy and cried a little. My dreams never lie.

— OLONI BABY 💋 (@Oloni) November 22, 2019

https://twitter.com/adekunleGOLD/status/1197168018113126401?s=20

Burna Boy follows King Sunny Ade, Femi and Seun Kuti into that World Music category nomination. I hope he wins it. Nigerians have been getting nominated in that category for years, about time we win it and Burna’s “African Giant” is more than deserving!

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) November 20, 2019

Some AKA slander

Hustle o! … so your name will not be an alias for a Grammy nominee… for example BURNA BOY “aka” African Giant 🦍 .
.
.
I repeat! Hustle o! #AfricanGiant

— Do2dtun Energy gAD (@iamDo2dtun) November 21, 2019

Wizkid getting the soul train award

Burna Boy getting Grammy award

Sarkodie getting B.E.T award

While A.K.A is busy getting Bleaching cream endorsement.

— Chlorpheniramine (@VictorIsrael_) November 20, 2019

Burna boy bagging a Grammy nomination shortly after being cancelled by South Africa has to be the biggest middle finger ever given in entertainment history.
Aka must be having a facial plethora right about now 😂😂😂

— CYBER DOBERMAN (@Baldilocks__) November 20, 2019

When Aka comes online and sees the news of Burna boy's #GRAMMYs nomination 😅 pic.twitter.com/IdR4cLNH9u

— E-zrael Ani (@EzraelAni) November 20, 2019

Other reactions

https://twitter.com/PoliceNGfaux/status/1197230566732488704?s=20

Burna Boy being classified by the Grammys as world music is incorrect. We need a new category for artists that transcend this world: galactic music. Shoot his record into space so the stars know what's up.

— Aaron Leaf (@aaronleaf) November 20, 2019

Burna Boy spent three majority of 2019 outside Nigeria.

Released the best album out of Nigeria.

Fell in love with a beautiful Queen.

Sold out different concerts around the world.

Got nominated for a GRAMMY.

Ladies and gentlemen, Nigeria is holding you down.

— name cannot be blank (@Olabisi_0x) November 21, 2019

A Grammy nomination especially for an entire album not even a random feature or single is a pretty pretty big deal…

The world has accepted Burna Boy's music and its delightful to see.

— UG (@UgwunnaEjikem) November 20, 2019

Read other reactions here

15 million Nigerians

Earlier this week, The Punch published an interview with Fahad Al Taffaq, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria. In the Interview, the ambassador revealed that more than 15 million tourists visited Dubai, the emirate of the UAE, in 2018.

However, the publication shared the article on Twitter with a caption and headline that suggested that 15 million Nigerians visited Dubai in 2018. This attracted a backlash, causing the publication to take down the tweet.

Reactions;

What a misleading headline

The lesson stands – never take a Nigerian headline seriously until you’ve read the full story. Story says 15 million TOURISTS. Headline converted it to “Nigerians.”

Let me repeat: Never take a Nigerian headline seriously until you’ve first read the full story. https://t.co/JeVAszhqv7

— Tolu Ogunlesi, MON (@toluogunlesi) November 17, 2019

So who's deceiving who?
More than 15 million tourist visited Dubai in 2018 – UAE Ambassador
More than 15 million Nigerians visited Dubai in 2018 – Punch

How's that even possible? 15million Nigerians in a year travelling to only Dubai. Lols.

Let's be guided oo. pic.twitter.com/3Nz7n8SHfY

— David Makinde (@David_Makinde_) November 18, 2019

As expected, people have jumped on the “15 million Nigerians” thing. Whereas, the news says 15 million foreigners. I wonder what @MobilePunch was doing with that click bait headline also. Keep misleading people

— OjaZaddy (@OjaZaddy) November 18, 2019

Some people didn’t read beyond the headline though

So 15 million Nigerians left this country to ordinary, common Dubai……and came back? Like, came back to this inyama of a place? Lmao. Where is the sense in that?😂

— Chief Barrister⚪ (@themaxgudi) November 19, 2019

Nigerians built the economy of UAE with their to and fro movements to DUBAI. About 15 million Nigerians visited Dubai last year. This year, the number is more. When are we going to start attracting people to Nigeria? We have rich potentials for tourism.

— Major Sinach of The Good Life (@SinachOkee) November 19, 2019

https://twitter.com/Blaaq_ie/status/1196446991796056065?s=20

Other reactions

I agree that Nigerians travel to Dubai alot, but saying that 15 million Nigerians traveled to Dubai in 2018-2019, I disagree with this headline

— Obinna Nwosu (@obi_Nwosu) November 18, 2019

If you actually believe 15 million Nigerians visited Dubai in 2018 then I don’t know for you again.

— emeka_o (@okolizmaine) November 17, 2019

For 15m Nigerians to fly to Dubai in one year, there needs to be 100+ flights to Dubai daily and the planes must be full to capacity.

Boeing 777 @ 396 passengers

— Wale Gates (@walegates) November 17, 2019

Punch Newspaper's 15 million Nigerians… pic.twitter.com/OX0gDVGqsW

— Diary of an African Blogger (@EfioItaNyok) November 18, 2019

Say no to Social Media Bill

A proposed bill to regulate the use of social media in Nigeria dubbed the “Social Media Bill” was read on the floor of the National Assembly for the second time on Wednesday this week.

The bill, ‘Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill, 2019,’ sponsored by Mohammed Musa was introduced in the Senate two weeks ago.

To get an idea of the extent of the impact of this bill, should it be passed into law, on the freedom of expression on social platforms, read the screenshots below;

When the government get to play judge & jury over what is fake & what is true, their power is sweeping & the effect chilling.
Nigerians #SayNoToSocialMediaBill! pic.twitter.com/YjGn5GeqoQ

— EiE Nigeria (@EiENigeria) November 22, 2019

Read the thread here.

Oh this is bad. This is ambiguous and dangerous#SocialMediaBill pic.twitter.com/rfr9LXEYfB

— Alhaji Ògògó 🖤 (@akintonmide) November 22, 2019

#SayNoToSocialMediaBill pic.twitter.com/lMwpAmVI0s

— Ibe (@maziibe_) November 22, 2019

FYI

The Bill is a replication of Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods & Manipulation Act 2019 signed into law in June.
Meanwhile, Singapore is a very bad example to copy from, it ranks 151 out of 180 in @RSF_en 'World Press Freedom Index'.#SayNoToSocialMediaBill pic.twitter.com/bpz36IhDTA

— EiE Nigeria (@EiENigeria) November 22, 2019

https://twitter.com/amid_temitayo/status/1197806859975102467?s=20

https://twitter.com/That_IjebuBadoo/status/1197816545176621056?s=20

Elisha Abbo, who should be serving time for battering a Nigerian, wants to send us to jail for having freedom of speech

Well, before the bill is passed, Elisha, you lack sense & yes, I lack manners!#SayNoToSocialMediaBill #SocialMediaBill pic.twitter.com/hI3TGdQK2s

— JAGS (@_EtniesJags) November 21, 2019

God bless Sen. @ChimarokeNamani and every other responsible National Assembly members speaking against the Social Media Bill.
Listen to what he said concerning the Social Media Bill.
We #SayNoToSocialMediaBill pic.twitter.com/pruQRELYQC

— Da Mayor Designs 🎨💻 (@iam_damayor) November 22, 2019

A few reactions

#SayNoToSocialMediaBill

https://twitter.com/FeralJack_/status/1197830951612624896?s=20

This is nothing but a desperate attempt to control the citizens

The goal is usually to keep information from spreading and to some extent, prevent outsiders from assessing information in the country

Our voices won't matter if this goes through#SayNoToSocialMediaBill

— Dr. Chinonso Egemba (@aproko_doctor) November 22, 2019

They would have pre-informed us, that we are going back in time. Dictators in democracy. The country is suffering and in huge debts, yet; social media becomes them priority. This country sha. #SayNoToSocialMediaBill pic.twitter.com/qLBgterDAt

— Ebi Tam (@Ebilush) November 22, 2019

Other reactions

Any Senator who does not come out OPENLY to #SayNoToSocialMediaBill is part of the useless plot. Citizens should be able to know where the legislator representing them stand on issues. Ask your SENATOR to come out boldly and state their stance on this issue.

— Dr Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) November 22, 2019

If we protest on ground they call the Police to Shoot us, we complain on Social Media & now they want to Shut Us Down. You cant kill us on ground & shut us down on Social Media #SayNoToSocialMediaBill

— Safehouse Empire👑 (@OfficialNewNig) November 22, 2019

Can we organise a protest?
Is there a way we can make our voices heard? #SayNoToSocialMediaBill

— A Comet ☄️ (@TheIfedolapo) November 22, 2019

As long as the social media bill is to stop people posting falsehood, I dont have a problem with that.
As long as we post what is true, we are good. Make dem dey waste energy on that n not increase minimum wage and make policies that will benefit the masses too.#SocialMediaBill

— RUGGEDMAN (@RuggedyBaba) November 21, 2019

Check this;

Below are the contact details of the 109 Senators. Don't just retweet, but also take action. Send an email! Send text messages! Call them! Tell your friends and families to do the same! TALK TO YOUR SENATORS!#Thread

— Máfejópamí (@VillageParrot) November 22, 2019

Read the thread for your Senator’s contact details here and more reactions here.

No chicken in Chicken Republic

This week, we got gist that certain outlets of the Nigerian quick service restaurant chain Chicken Replubic ran out of chickens.

Just entered #chickenrepublic at sangotedo and alas they said no chicken 🙄🙄🙄 Ko Ye mi! I don’t get it… a chicken place wey no get chicken 😢😢and this hunger wey Dey my body tie wrapper o!!! #somebodyhelp

— Funke Akindele (@funkeakindele) November 18, 2019

I called chicken Republic in lekki to order, the lady said no chicken, I asked why she said boarder closure. Now this is good for the country, though am not I didn't get my chickwizz.

— Farouk Dikko (@brother_farouk) November 18, 2019

I ordered Chicken Republic and they called me to say that they do not have chicken. Guys, what is happening?

— Bisola (@Bisolaaa) November 18, 2019

I'm at chicken republic Lekki and they don't have chicken why are they called chicken republic and they don't have chicken🙄🙄🙄🙄 pic.twitter.com/p9GnaNnYDR

— TOYOSI BENJAMIN D. (@Tee_bams) November 18, 2019

These people went to confirm

I just confirmed guys. The chickens in the Chicken republic Suleja are still doing their job. We are safe. 🙏🕺 pic.twitter.com/Ca1QF8M34O

— Duza (@JClonee) November 18, 2019

Just like that Chicken Republic has blown! Me I ate my own Chicken at Ikeja City Mall today. Una talk na Okoto for my ear 🐓 pic.twitter.com/I8Ol47ks98

— DREYLO (@RealDreylo) November 18, 2019

Reactions

Chicken Republic running out of chicken is like a bank telling you they have run out of money.

Y'all had one job !! 😂

— franklean 😶‍🌫️ (@frankleanxv) November 18, 2019

https://twitter.com/tolutezzy_/status/1196483603821211650?s=20

Lmao chicken republic doesn’t have chicken 😂😂 open the border o

— Manny 🌚 (@mannylams) November 18, 2019

https://twitter.com/PHFirstTwins/status/1196475607888072704?s=20

This is Nigeria!

World’s bjggest black nation. 200 million souls. This guy woke up one day and decided to close the border. Now there’s no chicken in Chicken Republic. And life just goes on

— tyro (@DoubleEph) November 18, 2019

so chicken Republic is out of Chicken 🥵🥵 who did we really offend in this country 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Exyz8Yxkpy

— Benue Voice 🆖 (@itsbenuevoice) November 18, 2019

Father lord in them heavens above, things have gotten so bad in Nigeria that Chicken Republic dun ran out of Chicken 😓😓😓😓 pic.twitter.com/qEDmBQnNAb

— MANUΞL VΞLASQUΞZ ☬ (@hecxtreme) November 18, 2019

Restaurants have now run out of chicken. Please tell me again, how is the border closure helping businesses?

Do you know how many outlets only Chicken Republic has?

— A. Onafuye (@FunkeOnafuye) November 18, 2019

These

https://twitter.com/Nick_k1aus/status/1196515440232669184?s=20

https://twitter.com/_dr90210/status/1196410822718832641?s=20

https://twitter.com/Gidotti__/status/1196459229403602947?s=20

Even those that haven't stepped their leg inside Chicken Republic are tweeting "I just entered and the waiter said……. I ordered and they told me😒😒

Mtcheeeew
They don't have chicken so??

— Washington Iwuchukwu (@wiiyke) November 18, 2019