Noname went on Twitter amidst the praise from fans and critics alike to claim Beyoncé exploited African culture for the visual album “Black is King.”
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Although the visual album for “Black is King” correlates with the story of Disney’s “The Lion King”, Noname said in a tweet that Beyoncé’s ode to the film was “an African aesthetic draped in capitalism” due to the lavish outfits and environments presented in the film.
She says, “we love an african aesthetic draped in capitalism. hope we remember the blk folks on the continent whose daily lives are impacted by u.s imperialism. if we can uplift the imagery i hope we can uplift those who will never be able to access it. black liberation is a global struggle.”
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However, fans criticized Noname for placing responsibility on Beyonce to talk about the issues surrounding Africa instead of directing that energy to government officials.
So Noname is really asking Beyoncé to do what the elected officials in Africa are supposed to be doing. pic.twitter.com/nfNdButdkx
— Jade the Honey Dripper 🍯 (@JadeBurnam) July 31, 2020
Noname really thinks Beyoncé shouldn’t use African “aesthetics” because she hasn’t liberated the entire Nation from poverty…………no words. That girl is stupid. Nobrain.
— Kelly Rowland News (@localblackicon) July 31, 2020
You guys are really annoying. Beyoncé works in the ENTERTAINMENT industry. If she’s using her platform to spread awareness, uplift, and employ black creatives, she is doing her job. She isn’t a civil rights activist. She’s a musician. You expect her to end ALL black oppression?
— Sherissa (@SherissaPinnock) July 31, 2020
You think Beyoncé is these people’s saviour? 😭 The problem is you think this part of Africa doesn’t exist whether or not Beyoncé is there. Well this is also Africa. If you want your poverty porn, there are plenty of films and documentaries you can watch.
— #BLACKISKING (@___itbelikethat) July 31, 2020
Beyoncé: love yourself. You’re black & you’re beautiful 💓
NoName: This statement is draped in capitalism. Hope u can use this same energy to end world hunger and reshape an Institution built by white people to serve themselves.
— Kelly Rowland News (@localblackicon) July 31, 2020
If Beyoncé as a rich person made a visual album showing Africa in a more humbled and poverty-stricken light, y’all would attack her for creating art that generates more negative stereotypes about Africa. It’s called Black Is King. Everything is gonna be shiny, vibrant, and gold.
— my name is najee, im niggas 🇳🇦 (@uncle_jee44) July 31, 2020
So socialites, let us know how you felt about “Black is King” and if you agree with Noname’s statement.
SOURCE: Hip Hop Lately