‘WAP’ sign language interpreter’s incredible performance goes viral
A true inspiration.
By Will Stroude
Words: Will Stroude; pictures: TikTok, Guilherme Senise
A year on from its release, Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B’s ‘WAP’ surely remains the filthiest chart-topper of all time, but now, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter has reminded everyone of exactly *just* how filthy those words are when signed.
TikTok user Guilherme Senise captured the incredible moment ASL interpreter Kelly Kurdi launched into an, ahem, full-throated performance of ‘WAP’ for the deaf and hard-of-hearing at at Lollapalooza festival in Chicago this week.
The lyrics captured on video being signed Kurdi include the following lines from Cardi’s verse: “I don’t wanna spit, I wanna gulp / I wanna gag, I wanna choke / I want you to touch that lil’ dangly thing / That swing in the back of my throat.”
The footage has since racked up millions of views online, with the surreal addition of Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly, who walk past at the end of the video, only adding to its appeal.
Y’all I am fucking crying
😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0MiiyJspH1— Chaotic_Em 💕 (@chaotic_em) August 3, 2021
In a move as inspiring as her profession, Kurdi took to Instagram soon after the footage went viral to recentre the spotlight from herself to other groups and individuals working to improve access for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
“Thanks for the love on my page from hearing people but I’m just an interpreter passionate about providing access to a community I love and have learned everything from,” Kurid wrote.
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In a text post, she added: “Seeing an interpreter at a convert shouldn’t be shocking. Seeing a deaf interpreter on tour with every artist should be the norm!”
Amen to that, Kelly.