Spotify is capitalizing on the Trump travel ban with an awkward refugee-themed playlist
Rich Fury/AP
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 27 that restricted people from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the US, in an effort to keep out "radical Islamic terrorists." The ban sparked protests around the world over the weekend.
Tech executives from Google cofounder Sergey Brin to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckberg also chimed in, expressing a range of emotions over how restrictions on immigration might affect the global tech industry.
Not to be outdone, Spotify released a refugee-themed playlist on Monday. It includes such classics as "We Are The Champions," from British rock band Queen, and new hits including "Wavin' Flag" by Somali Canadian artist K'Naan and "Better" from Soviet-born Regina Spektor.
The tracks are all from artists who originated from outside the US, even though most were not actually refugees.
"In a world that welcomes refugees, we get world-changing music from artists like these," the playlist description read.
Spotify screenshot
The playlist received mixed reactions on social media. Some find the playlist to be in poor taste.
While others found the playlist to be uplifting.
You can listen to the playlist and decide for yourself here.
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
Thank you @Spotify for "The Refugee Playlist." In #TrumpsAmerica, it's music like this that makes a difference.
- Matthew Merchant (@MattMerchantRC) January 30, 2017
Shout out to @Spotify for creating The Refugee Playlist and linking to https://t.co/UTg9sAVIqF! pic.twitter.com/RBVglposWs
- Chelsea Killea (@chelseakillea) January 30, 2017
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