Galway Party Video of Kenyans Dancing to Ohangla Music Met with Racist Insults
A recent video capturing a group of Kenyans joyfully dancing to Ohangla music during a barbecue party in Ireland has ignited a storm of racist vitriol online.
The video, which shows Kenyans singing along to Odongo Swagg’s hit “Nyasembo” as they enjoy each other’s company, has been met with hateful, xenophobic remarks from some Irish and other European internet users.
The video, which is undated, was shared by controversial Irish blogger Michael O’Keefe on his X account, previously banned for inflammatory content. O’Keefe, attaching the video, lamented the current state of Ireland, writing, “Galway. Rural Ireland isn’t what it used to be…”
The backlash was swift and venomous. Among the most vocal critics was X user @SeanWaters, who insinuated that the Kenyans were living off the state, writing, “Guaranteed they are all housed and on welfare!” O’Keefe fueled the flames, replying, “Life looks very easy for them in comparison to the hardships Irish people are experiencing!”
The video and the subsequent comments quickly drew attention from other parts of the UK, where anti-immigrant sentiments have been on the rise. Robbie Twenion, a unionist from Scotland, reminisced about a different Galway, writing, “I visited Galway illegally once or twice back in the 90’s when I was posted to Londonderry. It was such a beautiful place; vibrant green grass everywhere. It is a travesty to see Ireland reduced to the same diversity riven shit hole you expect to find in a British inner city!”
Another user, Karen Bibb, expressed her disdain for what she perceived as an invasion, stating, “Boils my blood! To see such an invasion is too painful to bear. This White erasure and assertion of alien culture over our lands pains me to see. Tourists and deferential guests is one thing, but nonwhites increasingly aggressively asserting themselves in our spaces – something else entirely.”
The racist backlash did not go unanswered, as some Kenyans and their supporters jumped into the fray to defend the partygoers. One user pointed out the double standards, saying, “The excuses racist people make to downsize Africans. All the white people that come to stay and live in Africa… nothing is said. They even have multiple businesses and stolen ranches but the problem comes when Africans go there? Make it make sense.”
Mudge Rulf, a Kenyan living in Germany, also shared her thoughts, highlighting her positive experiences with the Irish during a past vacation.
She wrote, “Partying Kenyans in Ireland insulted online!! There is a positive stereotype that the Irish are friendly. I also experienced them as very friendly people when I visited Ireland on vacation years back. Reading the negative comments directed to these Kenyans partying in Ireland here is another different perspective…”
Galway, where the Kenyans were recorded, is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with festivals and celebrations being a regular occurrence. The city, often referred to as the City of Tribes, is renowned for its arts, music, and nightlife, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
However, the recent wave of anti-immigrant sentiment sweeping across the UK has made incidents like these increasingly common. Fueled by racism and far-right ideologies, these sentiments have led to violent clashes and growing tension between locals and immigrant communities.
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Galway Party Video of Kenyans Dancing to Ohangla Music Met with Racist Insults
