Streaming site Spotify has dropped a refugee-themed playlist featuring a wide range of immigrant artists, people on Twitter are confused whether it’s a good thing or tone-deaf.
The 20-song playlist features M.I.A, Queen, K’naan, Rita Ora, The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians and Amaal Nuux. The playlist currently has over 4,000 subscribers.
‘The Refugee Playlist’ went live yesterday, after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order which indefinitely barred Syrian refugees from entering the United States, suspended all refugee admissions for 120 days and blocked citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries, refugees or otherwise, from entering the United States for 90 days: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
“In a world that welcomes refugees, we get world-changing music from artists like these,” the playlist’s states. It also includes a link to the International Rescue Committee.
Twitter:
I’m a daughter of an Argentinian refugee and an Iranian refugee. Thanks for the playlist, @spotify ❤️????
— Olivia Abtahi?? (@oliviaabtahi) January 31, 2017
Hey @Spotify maybe a “refugee playlist” isn’t in the best taste, especially when ‘Ghetto Superstar’ is one of the songs. pic.twitter.com/EcDvonw8Ev
— Lynsey Smith (@misslynsey) January 30, 2017
Making a refugee playlist on Spotify does t solve anything. Kinda dumb n weird they made one
— ThatFooBengie (@bennyboi626) January 30, 2017
Yo @Spotify wtf is up with your #refugee playlist. Including songs like “Under Pressure.” Ever think that’s incredibly disrespectful or…?
— Mia Renée (@MiaReneeCole) January 30, 2017
there’s a refugee playlist on @Spotify and a direct link to help refugees in the US!!! yessss!!! ❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/jleJywpWQU
— ems (@emsxay) January 31, 2017
Shout out to @Spotify for the ‘Refugee’ playlist. Super dope…
— The Unicorn (@Tia_The_Writer) January 31, 2017
So cool. @Spotify has a refugee playlist full of artists that once had to flee their home. Links to @theIRC, too. https://t.co/Z7hKY4CSvs
— Matt Rosenberg (@mattjrosenberg) January 30, 2017
Listening to @spotify‘s refugee playlist and trying not to cry, how’s your Monday? #RESIST https://t.co/cLLR8P4Q2L
— Ashley Doyal (@ashley_doyal) January 30, 2017
Spotify created a Refugee playlist that includes The Fugees.
Murica.
— Code Architect (@codeArchie) January 30, 2017
When u feeling mad at trump but also want to bump… The refugee playlist on spotify ? pic.twitter.com/M2uDiPzN4m
— Keegan flahive (@keganflahive) January 30, 2017
Currently listening to the Refugee playlist on @Spotify as I work on a piece about peaceful protest. #fullcircle
— Molly Wicker (@mollyrwicker) January 30, 2017
Even as someone who disapproves of Trump’s ban, a Refugee Playlist on Spotify legit rubs me the wrong way
— Yossarian (@BEdward26) January 30, 2017
why the fuck did Spotify create a playlist called ‘the refugee playlist’ ???? you’ve got to be kidding me
— BREEZY BABY (@mahoneybrianna) January 30, 2017
