Toronto-based hip-hop artist K'naan has had a wild month. The Somali-expat's song 'Wavin' Flag' was selected as Coca-Cola's official anthem for the World Cup, so he's been running around Johannesburg at official events to promote the company. With the tournament over and Spain reigning victorious, The Times newspaper in Johannesburg published a report that ripped K'naan for being a real pain for organizers and promoters of the event. "There were several times when he made it so hard for us to deal with him," the article stated. "He complains and whines about the things he has to do. He even said he would not go to Alexandra Township because it was dangerous. We've received complaints from people claiming that he is mean and refuses to take pictures with them, and he also told some people that he wished he could get out of the contract and go back home."
K'naan caught wind of the article this morning (July 12) and is now demanding an apology from the paper. He, rightfully, points out that all of the anecdotes remain anonymous and attributed an "insider." It appears that this will remain one of those artist versus media situations where neither side backs down.
"I just read a Times Live article entitled 'K'naan is difficult,'" K'naan tweeted. "A piece entirely based on the opinion of 'an insider' who is never named. It's unfortunate when one of the biggest (papers) in South Africa can publish a rumor piece without ever qualifying any of their statements."
K'naan performed shows in 86 different countries on his World Cup tour while 'Wavin' Flag' has been remixed as a Haiti benefit single and is now topping charts in the U.K., Austria, Germany, Ireland and Canada. Watch his performance at the World Cup kick-off after the jump.
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
Blake Shelton Joins NBC in Organizing Oklahoma Tornado Benefit Concert
Kellie Pickler Gets Puppy Surprise After Moving 'Dancing With the Stars' Performance
Charlie Sheen Gets Back To His Roots
Toby Keith Returns to Help Family, Friends in Moore, Oklahoma
WHOOPS! Obama Makes Big Gaffe
Black Hippy Release 'U.O.E.N.O.' Remix
Jury Foreman: '18 Days Of Testimony Hurt' Jodi Arias
Mariah Carey's Dress Busts Open During 'GMA' Performance
Mariah Carey Curses And Busts Out Of Dress On Live TV
Toby Keith Says His Hometown of Moore, Oklahoma 'Will Perservere' After Deadly Tornado
What It's Like To Talk To A 2-Year-Old
Miranda Lambert's MuttNation Foundation to Aid Moore, Oklahoma Animal Rescue Efforts
New Trayvon Martin Evidence Features Incriminating Photos, Texts From Teen
Best Friends Reportedly Die Holding Each Other In Tornado
Candid Portraits Of Strippers After Hours
Killed Soldier In London Attack Identified
Rapper Accused Of Faking His Own Death To Escape Payments
AMAZING PHOTO: UFO Spotted Over San Diego
Bridge Collapses In Washington State
LISTEN: Terror Inside Elementary School As Tornado Hits
Danny Tanner Is Fighting With Topanga
Jodi Arias Jury DEADLOCKED
Helen Flanagan Launches PETA Campaign As Only She Knows How
WATCH: Police Force Shows Up To Support 5-Year-Old Who Lost Her Dad
Surgeons Remove Giant Hairball From Tiger
Teenager's 'Awww'-Inspiring Drawing Wins Big At Google
Luke Wilson Caught Staring At Fan's Chest
REVEALED: Disturbing Trend In Human Intelligence
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
LOOK: Bank Vault Saves 22 Lives During Tornado
2 Comments