Many artists approached to perform at King Charles III‘s coronation passed on the opportunity because of the monarch’s (and Britain’s) not-so-positive reputation. But not everyone invited to perform at the ceremony opted out. Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage is set to sing at the coronation, and news of her performance has stirred up mixed reactions.

According to Al Jazeera, the 43-year-old performing at the ceremony isn’t out of left field. She holds British citizenship and visited Buckingham Palace in March for a reception held in honor of International Women’s Day. Pictures show her greeting the reception’s host, Queen Consort Camilla. Adele, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles and Robbie Williams are just a few artists who turned down invitations to play at the coronation.

News of Savage’s performance has social media users split. Some see it as a big win for the singer and other Afrobeats artists. In contrast, others believe the decision overlooks Britain’s dark colonialist past — a past that directly impacted Nigerians.

“That’s huge!!! Congratulations to you,” one Twitter user wrote.

“She’s gradually catching up to Yemi Alade. Congratulations to her,” another added.

Many found Savage’s decision disturbing.

“After most declined she said yes ? our mentality as Africans is concerning,” a user wrote.

Another mentioned they’re surprised other Nigerians are happy about the news.

They tweeted, “Not sure how I feel about this. Almost all western artists called to perform declined. Everyone distances themselves from the Royal family. I’m surprised to see Nigerians happy about this one. What happened to the whole down with our slave masters movement? Is it selective?”

“This is not a win guys, all the big name UK musicians declined to perform, so the RF is probably clutching at straws to get anyone to perform,” one user tweeted.

One even said news of the performance is humiliating.

“This is actually very embarrassing,” they wrote.

Fashion curator Sophia Bambino also shared her confusion about Savage’s decision.

“I don’t know what it is but Nigerians never seem to never want to break out of getting involved with people who colonised and oppressed them for years,” the 23-year-old told Al Jazeera. “Let’s also not forget how British colonisation exploited the religion and ethnic identity of Nigerians that led them to abandon some customs and culture.”

However, Ikemesit Effiong, head of research at Lagos-based geopolitical risk advisory firm SBM Intelligence, thinks Savage is doing the right thing.

“If the UK recognises that by inviting Nigerian creatives, we should oblige by using those opportunities to make definitive statements of who we are, what our history is and what we represent in the modern age,” he said.

King Charles III’s coronation will be held at Westminster Abbey on Saturday.

Tiwa Savage