Somali Canadian emcee/singer KāNaan released a statement today, revealing his disapproval of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romneyās use of the song āWavinā Flagā. Romney used the 2010 song after the Florida Republican Primary last night (January 31), as the candidate runs for Presidency in the United States.
In a statement, KāNaan said, āI have not been asked for permission by Mitt Romneyās campaign for the use of my song. If I had been asked, I would certainly not have granted it. I would happily grant the [President Barack] Obama campaign use of my song without prejudice.ā
If elected as the candidate to the Republican party, Mitt Romney will run against Democrat Barack Obama in November.
āWavinā Flagā appeared on Troubadour.
Earlier today, KāNaanās EP, More Beautiful Than Silencedebuted on the Top 200 of the album sales charts. The A&M Records release features Nas and Nelly Furtado.
Update (2/3/12):According to the New York Times, Mitt Romneyās camp will no longer be playing KāNaanās āWaving Flagā during any of the Republican Presidential Candidateās future events. Romneyās camp played the song after a victory speech during the Florida Primary.
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Likely unpleased by the conservative politician using his music, KāNaan reached out directly to Romneyās camp via Twitter and said he didnāt endorse the use of the songāand by extension, Romneyās platform. There was talk of possibly pursuing legal action, as songwriter Frankie Sullivan has sued former Speaker of the House (and Romneyās rival for the Republican nomination), Newt Gingrich. However it looks as if that wonāt be necessary.
āThe song was used through our regular blanket license, but we respect KāNaanās statement and will not use his music again,ā Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul told the Times.
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