*Akon is catching heat for criticizing Black Americans’ view about slavery.
During an interview with VladTV, the singer noted that in Senegal, where he spent most of his childhood, people have “overcome the thought of slavery,” unlike Black Americans.
“In Senegal, we’ve kind of overcome the thought of slavery, we don’t even think about it,” he said. “The only time we think about it, honestly, is when we’re doing tours at Goree Island. Outside of that, people have lived and moved way beyond the slavery concept …”
Akon then suggested Black Americans need to let go of the past.
Listen to his full comments on slavery via the clip above.
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“I think it’s the art of just letting the past go and moving towards the future,” he continued. “And I think, in the U.S., they have this stigma of just not letting go of the past and blaming the past on every mishap or, you know, disappointment. I think as long as you hold onto that past, there’s a lot of weight that you carry with you everywhere you go. It’s hard to move forward and move fast when you got a weight on your back. You just gotta let it go.”
Akon went on to say that America will never make up for the horrors of slavery, and encouraged Black America to move to Africa.
“They’re not sorry. They don’t care. It’s obvious,” he said. “Do you want to stay here and continue to be treated this way? Or just go back home, where you’re not no longer the minority. You actually are the majority, and you control your destiny, your future, and your land … They just need to go … America did a good job at brainwashing. The moment you mention Africa, they start shaking. They don’t even know why.”
While the artist makes some valid points, his comments also drew criticism on social media. Check out some of the responses below:
Akon on how Senegalese view slavery:
“We’ve kind of overcome the thought of slavery, we don’t even think about it. The only time we think about it is when we’re giving tours at Goree Island”
This is why Akon nor any other immigrant should speak on #ADOS issues. #LineageMatters pic.twitter.com/TurafTBVoJ
— Dirty Laundry Media (@Billtheicon) August 11, 2020
We (ADOS) are not looking to Black immigrants; to take up our cause for reparations, including you Akon! We were built for this once in a life time, sacred mission to , avenge our ancestors. Check out what Akon says about Negros (ADOS) ….https://t.co/V3mxyiLMeD
— ADOS NORTH TOWN (@ADOS_now) August 11, 2020
The problem is ppl think after US slavery ended, everything was good. There’s been the 13th amendment leading to mass incarceration, red lining, banks make u go through hoops to get u a biz loan when ur blk. He’s African he knows Europe still has Africa paying monthly allowances
— Ola (@OlaAkande87) August 12, 2020
This man is literally building a futuristic city in Africa I don’t wnana hear it
— hamza (@diordadd) August 12, 2020
With a Predatory Chinese credit loan lol he’s the face China actually gonna own it ?
— THC BABY (@Lil_coldharted) August 12, 2020
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