British singer, Sam Smith released a song “My Oasis” featuring Afrobeat singer, Burna Boy yesterday, July 30th, 2020 and their collaboration has caused quite a stir on Twitter.

The announcement of the duo collaborating on a song prompted passionate debate among queer Nigerians.

In Nigeria, sex between men is punishable by up to 14 years in prison and although some Nigerians respect Sam Smith’s music, they don’t seem to know how to react to the duo singing together.

According to a 2019 study,  27 per cent of Nigerians believe queer people should have equal rights up from 17 per cent two years earlier.

Only 30 per cent said they would accept a gay family member, up from 13 per cent.

Reacting to Sam Smith’s collaboration with Burna Boy, one twitter user identified as Blaise_21 said;

Nigerians are suddenly interested in Sam Smith’s music and not the sexuality. But where is this energy when LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria are just minding their business? Why don’t you just ignore and face the art they’re creating? You’all are jokes really.Double standards oshi

Another user _@Dreamzzy said;

First of all, I hope you do realize that Nigerian has an anti-gay law, just because America & other white dominated countries think something is right does not mean it is actually right & all African countries should follow.

@_emdee said;

LMFAOOO man, imagine thinking nigerians are just about to discover sam smith cause of a song w burna. their sexuality is not news, and it didn’t stop anybody from listening. dead that narrative.

@Kayode_ani said;

This Burna collab w/ Sam Smith shows again that Nigerians will kill their own people for being gay but still celebrate and gladly support queer people from Western countries. They love Elton John but will rather die than let a Nigerian in Nigeria have the same freedom Elton has.

Source: PinkNews