Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis, born Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, has stirred major controversy for portraying herself as Maa Kali in a series of provocative music visuals.
Following the release of promotional material for her most recent song, True Blue, which featured her holding a cross, wearing gold jewellery, a bindi, and covered in blue body paint—an ensemble that many felt blatantly mimicked the Hindu goddess—the backlash broke out.
Along with the True Blue music video, these images were unveiled on Saturday with the goal of promoting her upcoming album, Genesis. The rapper is depicted wearing a gold bikini and high heels, with traditional Indian-style gold ornaments adorning her body.
She is seen licking a crucifix and making the "namaste" motion with her hands folded in one particular instance, which caused a great deal of outrage. Viewers referred to it as an act of provocation and disrespect towards both Hinduism and Christianity.
Many critics took to social media to condemn what they perceived as cultural appropriation and a complete disregard for religious sensitivity.
One user wrote, "Imagine being so irrelevant that you've to mock two religion, Hinduism & Christianity to get some attention for that lame a&& song!! Gonna report that trashy song." Another commented, "Stop using our Gods and Goddesses for your cheap publicity. Zero art - zero talent." A netizen also said, "It is beyond me how you can use the Goddess we worship with all our heart and devotion for clout and money. Shame on you. Stop disrespecting our culture!"
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Several Christian users have also objected to the portrayal, which many believe is a disrespectful portrayal of the goddess Kali. This is especially true given the overtly suggestive use of religious symbols like the crucifix.
Despite Tommy Genesis's Swedish and Indian ancestry, online users quickly voiced their displeasure and rage, calling on the artist to consider the cultural and religious ramifications of her artistic decisions and to abstain from misrepresenting sacred symbols for commercial or artistic ends.
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