In Togo, controversy over a critical song attributed to Nono Gnassingbé
A critical song, likely generated by artificial intelligence and that has gone viral on Togolese social media, has caused a major controversy for several days. Many internet users attribute this buzzworthy track to Nono Gnassingbé, half-brother of the Chairman and son of the late President Gnassingbé Eyadema, as its creator. Given the widespread rumor, the individual in question quickly responded to deny any involvement.
Fils d’Eyadema, à l’image de Serge Atchalmondom disparu en 1987, Nono Gnassingbé est souvent décrit comme un artiste proche du peuple.
“No, it wasn’t me. I am not involved in this song in any way,” stated Nono Gnassingbé, when contacted by our colleagues at Togoscoop. The artist, well known to the public for his passion for music and several albums under his belt, insists he has no connection with the author of the controversial song. He says, “The person who wrote it, I don’t know them. They must have used artificial intelligence to create it.”
This clarification comes as the song, which implicitly criticizes the current regime, has been widely circulated over three days of protests organized in Lomé and relayed on social media. Several internet users see this as an attempt to divide the presidential family, suggesting that Nono Gnassingbé might be trying to distinguish himself, or even join the rebel activists.
When asked if he thinks his name was used to sow discord with his half-brother, President Faure Gnassingbé, Nono replies straightforwardly: “That’s the intended goal, otherwise I don’t see the purpose.” He thus dismisses any ambiguity about his intentions, emphasizing that he neither recognizes the lyrics nor the purpose of this song.
Son of Eyadema, much like Serge Atchalmondom who passed away in 1987, Nono Gnassingbé is often described as an artist close to the people. Although he fully accepts his musical career, he denies any political manipulation, at a time when the social and political climate in Togo remains particularly tense.