Oscars Face Backlash Over Playing Toto’s ‘Africa,’ Madonna’s ‘La Isla Bonita’ To Introduce Black And Latino Presenters

The Oscars faced criticism for their musical choices as they introduced Black and Latino presenters during the ceremony. 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the award show’s production team played Toto’s “Africa” as British actor Daniel Kaluuya and singer H.E.R took the stage on Sunday to present the award for best supporting actress. 

Though producer Will Packer became the first to lead an all-Black production team at the Oscars, many social media users thought the song, released in 1982, was not the best choice to introduce Black presenters.

One user said, “Oh hey btw good for all the diverse on-screen inclusiveness, but…was anybody else super weirded out by them playing Toto’s ‘Africa’ when Daniel Kaluuya and H.E.R. came out earlier? Just me? <looks at feed> Ok, so not just me. Good. #Oscars“

“Who the hell picked “Africa” as the song for Daniel and H.E.R. walking up? That seems like the easiest choice to not make #Oscars,” a second user said. 

A third user said, “The Oscar’s playing AFRICA when HER and Daniel walked out is FOUL 

#Oscars.”

As the show went on, Madonna’s 1987 Latin-inspired hit “La Isla Bonita” started playing as Latina actress Stephanie Beatriz, Brooklyn Nine-Nine star, introduced the best song nominee from Encanto.

Several viewers also questioned the song selection, saying it wasn’t the best pick either. 

“so far, they’ve introduced Daniel Kaluuya and H.E.R. with Toto’s “Africa” and Stephanie Beatriz with “La Isla Bonita,” honestly, how the hell is this happening,” said one Twitter user. 

Another user said, “And now La Isla Bonita for Stephanie Beatriz? #Oscars.”

“Pretty sure them playing ‘La Isla Bonita’ by Madonna to introduce Stephanie Beatriz is a hate crime or an act of white feminist aggression. Idk. It doesn’t sit right with me. Like, just play an actual Latinx song, not an appropriated one??!!” a third user exclaimed.

While Packer, who produced Girls Trip, made history on Sunday night, the poor choice in music selections primarily reflected on the production team’s viewpoints, or lack thereof, on Black and Latino presenters.