Nicki Minaj to Release Qatar World Cup Song Amid Backlash
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American Idol judge Nicki Minaj is set to release a new song for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Qatar. Minaj has received backlash from some who object to the country’s treatment of LGBTQ people.
Nicki Minaj to Release World Cup Song Amid Backlash
Earlier this week, Minaj posted an Instagram video reacting to her two wins at the recent MTV EMAs. At the end of the clip, she teased her new song for the World Cup, which is being released this Friday, November 18.
The post also teases her collaborators, Maluma and Myriam Fares. The song is called “Tukoh Taka.” On Monday, Minaj tweeted a link to pre-save the song before its release on Friday. This year’s World Cup kicks off on Sunday, November 20.
Some have taken to social media to share their disappointment over Minaj’s participation in the song, due to Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ policies. As Ryan Wilks wrote on Twitter, Minaj’s supporters in the country “are in danger and you’re funding and standing by their disgusting views.”
One Twitter user reacted to news of the song by writing, “a song for a homophobic country? not surprised.” Other fans argued that the song is for the World Cup and not the country of Qatar. Some wondered why her collaborators weren’t also being called out.
SEE ALSO: NICKI MINAJ’S SONG ‘SUPER FREAKY GIRL’ IS CERTIFIED PLATINUM
hi @nickiminaj not sure if you’re aware but your LGBTQ+ supporters from qatar are in danger and you’re funding and standing by their disgusting views.
— Ryan Wilks (@ryanwilks98) November 13, 2022
qatar was voted as the one of the worst places in the world to be gay. homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment, https://t.co/mdyg4GVf76
Dua Lipa Denies World Cup Rumors
Singer Dua Lipa recently denied rumors that she was performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup. Lipa appeared to make reference to Qatar’s policies in her statement. She wrote that she has never “been involved in any negotiation to perform.”
Lipa said she would be “cheering England on from afar,” adding, “I look forward to visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made when it won the right to host the World Cup.”
Another artist who has distanced themselves from the World Cup this year is Rod Stewart, who chose not to perform at the event months ago. As he said, “It’s not right to go.” Spice Girls star Melanie C has also said she is “very uncomfortable” with supporting Qatar.
