Nigeria’s growing #EndSARS movement — led by the country’s young people — has gained a number of celebrity backers as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lizzo, and more have spoken out about ongoing violence at the hands of Nigeria’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
#EndSARS was created to bring attention to the actions of SARS, a special unit of the Nigerian police that is accused of “torture, extortion, widespread brutality and even murder,” CNN reported. Citizens of the country have repeatedly called for justice for those killed by SARS, and for larger police reform; massive protests have taken place globally over the past month.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage has been a vocal supporter of anti-SARS protestors. She also worked on Black Is King with Beyoncé and recently called on Bey to use her platform to highlight what’s going on in the country right now. “I’m calling on Beyoncé and her team, the same way they used their platform … to elevate and to show the world that Black is King and how beautiful Afrobeat and Africa our culture is,” Tiwa said on Instagram, per The Shade Room. “I want them to please use their voice and their platform right because the same country that birthed this genre is on fire right now.”
On October 21, Beyoncé shared a message of support for Nigerian protesters and talked about what she and her team are doing to fight against police violence. “I am heartbroken to see the senseless brutality taking place in Nigeria. There has to be an end to SARS,” she wrote on Instagram. “We have been working on partnerships with youth organisations to support those protesting for change. We are collaborating with coalitions to provide emergency healthcare, food and shelter. To our Nigerian sisters and brothers, we stand with you.”
She also shared that fans can learn more about how to support the movement on her website, which links to the Feminist Coalition and Connected Development organisations.
Prior to Beyoncé’s post, Rihanna also spoke out about #EndSARS, writing, “I can’t bear to see this torture and brutalisation that is continuing to affect nations across our planet. It’s such a betrayal to the citizens, the very people put in place to protect are the ones we are most afraid of being murdered by!” She added, “I’m so proud of your strength and not letting up on the fight for what’s right! #EndSARS.”
Lizzo, Ryan Destiny, and more have also talked about #EndSARS on social media, sharing links and other resources to learn more about what’s going on. As peaceful protests have continued, protesters have been attacked by authorities. Ryan called that violence “unacceptable,” adding, “Only thing I have to say is #EndSARS.”
They aren’t the only artistes and creators to speak up about police violence against Nigerian citizens. Within the country, musicians and young activists are doing the work to advocate around these issues and call attention to police brutality.
“Nigerian youth have been fearless and driven,” musician Lady Donli told Teen Vogue’s Tife Sanusi last week. “Everyone is fed up and we’re all beginning to understand that the future can and should be ours. I’m just so in awe of how organized and efficient everything has been. It just shows me that I am part of the generation right now, generation talk and do.”