Karol G is responding to the backlash surrounding her newest single which has drawn criticism from critics and social justice advocates for its perceived sexualization of minors.
The Grammy-winning singer dropped her high-performance collaboration “+57” final week. Named after Colombia’s dialing code, the dance observe is full of options from Medellín-born artists – together with reggaeton sensations J Balvin and Maluma – and debuted at No. 1 on Spotify in Colombia with 1,042,412 flows.
However, the tune’s business success was eclipsed by controversy over its lyrics; “A mamacita since 14” is simply one of many strains that has been interpreted as sexualization of minors.
Karol G pushed again towards that interpretation in an expired assertion written Monday in Spanish on her Instagram Story.
“As artists, we’re uncovered to public opinion and particular person interpretations of people that like us and individuals who differ in what we do,” the “Provenza” singer wrote. “In this case, sadly, the lyrics of a tune, with which I needed to rejoice the union between artists and spotlight my folks… have been decontextualised.
“None of the issues stated within the tune have the path they got, nor have been they stated from that perspective,” he continued, “however I hear, I take accountability, and I notice I nonetheless have loads to be taught. I really feel very damage and I apologize from the underside of my coronary heart.”
Karol G additionally highlighted his gratitude for the followers who “know my venture, the intentions of my work and the causes I care about.” (The artist’s Foundation With Cora is dedicated to empowering younger girls by means of schooling, providing scholarships to help girls in STEM throughout Latin America.)
He concluded his assertion by saying that he’ll at all times treasure the “stunning vitality” he felt working together with his collaborators on “+57.”
Upon his launch, Rolling Stone in Spanish columnist Martin Toro counted “+57” amongst a sequence of songs – additionally citing “Pueblo de Medallo” by Ryan Castro and Arcángel – that “immediately or not directly proceed to gas the creativeness based on which ‘the paisas (ladies of Medellín ) are enticing,’ and that is why international males consider Medellín is a perfect vacation spot for ‘intercourse tourism’.”
“It may be very critical that, at this level within the debate on narcoculture and rape tradition, subjects such because the sexualization of minors are nonetheless liberally touched upon in songs,” Toro wrote. “Especially contemplating that, in truth, prostitution and trafficking of minors in Medellín is an issue that has worsened lately.”
The Colombian Institute for Family Welfare, a authorities company devoted to defending kids and adolescents in susceptible situations, echoed Toro’s issues in a video statement launched Sunday.
Referring to the lyrics of “+57”, “I turned off my cellphone in order to not get caught / The little lady is dangerous, however she is sensible”, the company’s normal director Astrid Cáceres Cárdenas acknowledged that the tune alludes to the trafficking community of human beings of the nation, by which ladies are invited to events the place they’re susceptible to sexual exploitation.
“I’m not saying this as a result of it is a query of conservatism. It’s as a result of the reality is that our ladies who lived it, did not say it,” Cárdenas stated, including that the company is open to educating reggaeton artists about how such songs normalize abuse towards younger girls to Medellín.
Meanwhile, Karol G’s “+57” collaborators J Balvin and Feid defended her amid the backlash. Balvin wrote on his Instagram story Monday: “This does not take away out of your greatness,” United States today reported.
Starting Tuesday, the tune music video It has almost 20 million views.
