“I like to wear my gold… like a Kurdish mum… London to Kurdistan,” went the jingle published by Nike on Friday featuring the song, “Gold,” by artists Conducta and Biji. Access to the video has been limited on YouTube by Nike but a version is still available on the company’s website without the music.
The mentions of “Kurds” and “Kurdistan” in the promotion overjoyed many, but their joy turned to dejection after Nike removed the video from its social media platforms - including YouTube and Instagram- without explanation.
“Why does EVERYTHING apolitical suddenly become political when a Kurd is involved? @Nike Shame on you,” said X user Samira Ghaderi.
A music video for the song was published on YouTube last year by the artists who were blending Kurdish and British cultures.
The promotion was advertising Nike’s new “Air” shoes. French soccer player Mbappe is also featured in the video.This is great!
— falak (@falakkurdistan) July 6, 2024
Nike features a song in its latest promotion which goes “I like to wear my gold like a Kurdish mum… London to #Kurdistan.” pic.twitter.com/kXeAKCxybL
It is not clear why Nike chose to take down the video but countries like Turkey have been blamed for censoring the use of Kurdistan by companies.
Numerous people have been jailed in Turkey on terror charges for using the word Kurdistan.
Rudaw English reached out to Nike and both singers for comment.
