Indian Rapper Raftaar has strongly criticized Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis for her recently released music video "True Blue," accusing her of "mockery" of his religion and urging his fans to report the video on YouTube. The controversy stems from Genesis's portrayal in the video, where she is seen painted blue, adorned with gold jewelry and a red bindi, which many believe resembles the Hindu goddess Maa Kali. Additionally, the video features her using a Christian cross in a provocative manner, including licking it and posing with it near her posterior, sparking outrage across both Hindu and Christian communities.
Raftaar took to his Instagram Stories to voice his disapproval, stating that the video "shouldn't exist" and calling on his followers to report it in hopes of getting it removed from the platform. His stance reflects the sentiments of many who feel that Genesis's visuals are a blatant disregard for religious sentiments and a form of cultural appropriation.
Tommy Genesis, whose real name is Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, is of Indian origin with a Malayali-Tamil-Swedish background. She was born in Canada to a father of Tamil-Malayali Christian descent and a mother of Swedish descent. Known for her genre-defying music that explores themes of gender, identity, and sexuality, she has often described herself as a "fetish rapper." Her work has gained her prominence in the underground rap scene, with some media outlets previously dubbing her "the internet's most rebellious underground rap queen".
The "True Blue" music video, directed by Parris Goebel, has ignited a firestorm of criticism online. Many social media users have expressed their disappointment and anger, accusing Genesis of deliberately hurting religious sentiments for shock value and publicity. Critics argue that her actions are not artistic expression but rather a disrespectful and "cheap tactic."
The controversy raises questions about the boundaries of artistic freedom and the responsibility of artists when portraying religious and cultural symbols. Some argue that Genesis, given her Indian heritage, should be more sensitive to Hindu and Christian beliefs. Others defend her right to express herself creatively, even if it means pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.
Amidst the backlash, there are growing calls for accountability and demands for the video's removal. While Genesis has yet to respond to the criticism, the incident has sparked a wider debate about cultural appropriation, religious sensitivity, and the role of artists in a diverse and interconnected world. This incident underscores the complexities of navigating cultural and religious representations in art, especially in an age where content can quickly go viral and incite strong reactions from global audiences. The debate continues to unfold, highlighting the need for greater understanding and respect across different cultures and beliefs.