Despite Beyoncé’s advocacy for social justice and equality, critics still managed to find fault in the singer’s advocacy in regards to the police brutality movement in Nigeria. And Mama Tina Lawson wasn’t having it.
According to The Guardian Nigeria, Lawson responded to people who criticized the singer’s response to Nigeria’s brutality crisis.
Naija singer Tiwa Savage, who worked with the star, appealed to the Black is King star to speak up about the #EndSARS protest. The entertainer tagged Beyoncé, Spotify, CNN, BBC News and Apple to encourage action.
“I was involved, recently, in a project that I was so proud of, like as an artiste I was so so proud to be called to be among the few people that was [sic] involved in this project. It’s called ‘Black Is King: The Gift album’," Savage said in the video.
“I’m calling on Beyoncé and her team, the same way they used their platform… to elevate and to show the world that Black is King and how beautiful Afrobeat and Africa our culture is. I want them to please use their voice and their platform right because the same country that birth this genre (Afrobeat) is on fire right now,” she continued.
Queen Bey did respond later from her Instagram account.
“I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria. There has to be an end to SARS,” she wrote.
“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, a shelter. To our Nigerian brothers and sisters, we stand with you,” Beyoncé continued.
The entertainment and fashion mogul even encouraged her followers to support a list of organizations that are assisting citizens in Nigeria against the deadly special unit.
Naysayers felt like the words weren’t sufficient and said the singer capitalized off Naija culture and needed to do more.
Mama Tina swooped in and clapped back at the haters. In since deleted posts, the matriarch addressed the critiques. The Guardian Nigeria reported that she also explained that the family had personal issues and couldn’t immediately respond to the crisis in Nigeria.
“Of course, I guess much of the public does not think we have personal problems in our family,” she expressed.
“No matter what my daughter does, she is scrutinized and torn apart,” Lawson said in defense of her oldest daughter.
She then defended the accusations of Beyoncé profiting off Naija culture.
“She Makes a record and uses all African artist, producers, writers. She is criticized because She didn’t get artist from every country in Africa there are 52 countries,” Lawson continued. “Then she makes a film that, by the way, she doesn’t profit a penny off of, because she spent every penny in the budget on making something that celebrates our heritage! What profiting off of you did she do? She made art!! She is an artist! That is what artist do. She is not your political leader and not your whipping board.”
Lawson even called out Tiwa Savage for how she reached out to Beyoncé about the protests.
“Someone that was on the last project who BTW is in constant contact with her team decided that instead of contacting her team and asking her to post to assist in spreading the word,” she said, slamming the artist. “I am appalled that They would get on social media and do it !! Why not ask the people you are dealing with all the time????? On her team!! I don’t understand that !!! I am sure at the time she was not thinking straight because of the trauma that the country was facing but come on!!!!!!”
The Special Anti-robbery Squad has come under fire for its brutal enforcement of laws in the West African nation, as Blavity previously reported. The special force has been preying upon Nigerians. And instead of upholding law and order, the gang has been accused of being corrupt and has received international attention which was sparked by protests in the nation.
In the past, Beyoncé has been vocal when it comes to using her star power to influence social changes.
The “Sorry” singer wrote a moving letter to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron to take action against the officers who killed Breonna Taylor in her home, as Blavity previously reported.
She even launched a directory to support Black-owned businesses on Juneteenth this year.
It’s uncertain why critics continue to keep the singer’s name in their mouths, but it’s apparent that Queen Bey is out here doing the work. And Mama Tina won’t let anybody come for her child.
