A video Kanye West has shared of what appeared to be children at his school, Donda Academy, performing one of his songs has sparked debate on social media.
Late Sunday night, the musician and fashion designer, who has legally changed his name to Ye, posted a clip on TikTok of children of various ages standing before a choir director performing an adapted rendition of his 2007 track “Good Morning.”
In the clip, which can be viewed at the top of this article, the children were shown repeatedly chanting “Good morning, Donda,” before another section of the choir started singing the distinctive melody from West’s song.
Wearing a black ensemble that included a hoodie and heavy-duty boots, West, 45, was seen throughout the clip capturing footage of the action on his smartphone.
Based in Simi Valley, California, Christian preparatory private school Donda Academy—which is named after West’s late mother, professor Donda West—says on its website that its mission is to “prepare students to become the next generation of leaders.”
A number of West’s TikTok followers appeared to embrace this philosophy in their reactions to the clip, with one writing: “Creating the future billionaires.”
“You all know Kanye is setting these kids up for success,” another said. “I just know their curriculum is A1. Mrs. Donda was a great teacher!”
“I think they’ll be singing during his show in Paris,” predicted one follower, while another wrote: “Ok, I’d have another kid if they can attend Donda. That’s it…”
However, there was also a wave of criticism among the social media users, with one commenting “It’s giving Stranger Things’ Papa,” in reference to a character in the hit Netflix show who subjected a host of children to experiments.
“Okay who else thinks Kanye is starting a cult,” a detractor asked, while another said that West “turned his school into his private recording studio acting like we won’t notice.”
“Is it just me, or is this weird,” said another, prompting an oft-repeated defense from other followers that the children were simply chanting their school’s name.
Donda Academy’s website is sparse and only gives a small amount of information about the curriculum offered to students.
“Each day, Donda students learn fundamentals, grow in their faith, and experience two enrichment classes,” a note under the “How We Learn” section reads.
According to the daily schedule, children will begin the day with “full school worship,” followed by “core classes of language arts, math and science.” (Newsweek)