Misinformation Surges as AI-Generated Clip Misattributes Support to Burkina Faso’s Leader

False claims circulating online allege that R. Kelly released a song supporting Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore. Investigations reveal the video is AI-generated, not from R. Kelly, who is imprisoned for sex crimes. The spread of this misinformation highlights concerns over the reliability of content during political unrest.

A swirling wave of misinformation has emerged surrounding recent military coups in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, notably involving claims about the country’s leader, Ibrahim Traore. Social media posts have falsely attributed a song to imprisoned R&B artist R. Kelly that purportedly supports Traore. Some of these posts showcase what seems to be a music video, featuring R. Kelly, but investigations reveal that this is not true. Rather, the video in question originated from a YouTube channel that specializes in AI-generated content.

The clip, which was posted on May 8, 2025, includes a montage of images of R. Kelly alongside Burkina Faso’s interim leader, Traore, while an AI-created song plays in the background. Captions for these posts have gone viral on platforms such as TikTok, proclaiming it a powerful tribute from an inmate to a military leader. “Even while serving a 30-year imprisonment in North Carolina, America, R. Kelly dedicates a song for Capt. Ibrahim Traore,” states text that accompanies the video.

The lyrics from this AI-generated song laud Traore, whose rise to power followed a military coup in 2022. Phrases such as “In the heart of Africa, I see your flame… he’s walking through the fire still answering the call” are meant to portray Traore as a noble figure fighting for his nation. However, numerous posts disseminating this misinformation have appeared not just in Burkina Faso, but also in regions including Niger and Cameroon.

R. Kelly, known for hits like “I Believe I Can Fly,” is currently serving time for various sexual crimes, including child exploitation. At 58 years old, he is imprisoned in North Carolina and has not been connected to this purported song or video. Briefly, an album recorded before his sentencing found its way onto streaming platforms in December 2022, but his legal team quickly asserted that this release was unauthorized.

It is important to note that neither R. Kelly nor any of his representatives have claimed the release of new music. An extensive search indicates that the lyrics are fabricated, seemingly produced through generative AI, as they yield no prior connections to any official music records. Moreover, some visuals in the AI-generated clip display noticeable oddities—such as a character with six fingers and others with stubs, common errors associated with computer-generated imagery.

Further investigation by AFP Fact Check utilized the Google Lens tool, uncovering that the original video had surfaced on YouTube prior to its social media spread. This content was clearly labeled as “altered or synthetic”. The creator of the video had previously produced similar AI-generated music for various artists, none of whom were officially tied to the Traore tribute.

This incident is not isolated; past claims have also falsely alleged that R. Kelly was releasing new videos from prison, as well as incorrectly suggesting support from other artists for Traore. The rapid shareability of such fabrications highlights the altitude of misinformation in times of political turmoil, exacerbated by the rise of technology that can easily replicate art and credibility.

In summary, misinformation about R. Kelly’s nonexistent support song for Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traore, has spread rapidly across social media platforms. The clips circulating are AI-generated, not from the artist, who is currently serving prison time. Investigations have shown these claims to be fabricated, shedding light on the broader issue of misinformation proliferating in politically unstable regions.

Original Source: malaysia.news.yahoo.com