Rapper Akon Doesn't Understand Why Black Artists Would Turn Down Performing at the Super Bowl

Nick Kangadis | February 4, 2019
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Opportunities like being a part of a sporting event which is seen by millions of people around the world sounds like something that any artist would jump at the chance to do. However, with the call for artists to turn down the NFL’s Super Bowl Halftime Show in order to support unemployed quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick being ramped up in recent weeks, one hip-hop star doesn’t understand why a black artist would reject the opportunity to perform during one of America’s biggest sporting events, the Super Bowl.

Rap icon Akon spoke with TMZ on Sunday about artists decisions on whether or not to play the Super Bowl amid pressures from social justice activists and general supporters of Kaepernick.

The TMZ reporter asked Akon what his thoughts were concerning “black artists” and their decision on whether or not to perform at the big game. While acknowledging that protesters do have the right to protest as a part of their business model, Akon did assert that some “social justice” issues are blown way out of proportion.

“I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer for that,” Akon said, referring to the choice to protest or not. “That’s my opinion. I just think sometimes people take social issues and make it a lot [more] serious than it has to be. At the end of the day, we all got to live in this world together.”

That’s an excellent point. We all have disagreements with certain people on political and societal issues facing the country. But those people could be your neighbors, your educators, even members of your own family. It’s okay to disagree. Disagreements are what make humans unique. Everyone is different. But you can disagree with someone without biting each other’s heads off.

“And there’s always going to be somebody that feels that they’re being treated unfairly,” Akon continued. “There’s always going to be an imbalanced situation. But as people, we have to compromise certain situations to get to better places.”

The TMZ reported responded by asking whether the rapper thought that the NFL protest controversy is “blown out of proportion.”

“Yes because, honestly, why would a black artist want to not perform in one of the biggest events in the world?” responded Akon. “That don’t help us [black people]. We need you to be on that stage.”

Whether you agree or not with Akon's personal politics, he brings up another good point. How do you convey whatever your point is by turning down opportunities?

For Akon’s comments, watch below:

 

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