There has been an uproar on social media among Nigerian musicians following the arrest of Omah Lay and Tems by the police in Uganda.
The two singers were arrested on Sunday, December 13, after performing in a club in Kampala, Uganda.
Omah Lay, Tems and her manager alongside three Ugandans were on Monday charged for Involvement in acts likely to spread an infectious disease – Coronavirus according to a post by Ugandan Police.
But even as the singers await their matter to be mentioned before court on Wednesday, December 15, Nigerian musicians have united – all demanding for the release of their colleagues using the hashtags #FreeOmahLay #FreeTems.
In posts on their social media pages, the singers led by among others Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Patoranking and Fireboy DML defended Omah Lay and Tems saying it was wrong for them to be arrested by the same authorities that allowed them into Uganda.
Burna Boy on his part noted that anarchy should not be targeted at artists.
The Nigerian Raggae Dancehall singer Patoranking in a tweet said: “Arresting Omah Lay and Tems Makes no sense at all… Uganda This is Sad #FreeTems #FreeOmahLay.”
Davido noted that Omah Lay and Tems were just trying to make a living out of their talent and did not deserve such a treatment in the hands of the police.
“Omo this Ugandan P, how can we help? What can we do? Artists just tryna eat! They didn’t bargain for this @PoliceUg !!!!! BIG CAP!!” reads his tweet.
The arrests come in the midst of a tumultuous campaign session ahead of the general elections slated for January 14th 2021. Singer turned politician Bobi Wine has also been targeted; as he campaigns for major office while Ugandan youth has continually rallied against Pres. Museveni has remained in power for 34 years.
According to a report on The Guardian, Museveni came into power after a five-year guerrilla war. He embarked on economic and political reforms, castigating older regimes for rigging elections and staying too long in power.
This article was first posted on Mdundo.
