India Arie didn’t mince words when she took to Instagram to share her disappointment in Megan Thee Stallion‘s twerk-a-thon at the 2023 Essence Festival.
The 3X Grammy Award-winning rapper, whose real name is Megan Pete, headlined Day 3 of the annual festival and during her performance, she brought fans on stage to shake a tailfeather.
Over 10 women hit the stage and cheeks were clapping like a standing ovation.
Janelle Monáe, who also performed during the festival and pulled out one of her breasts, stood on the side of the stage and cheered the women on as they twerked.
Essence shared a clip via Instagram with the caption, “Hot girl bootcamp was in full effect last night.
It’s @janellemonae with the encouragement for us 😂👏🏾”
See the original post below.
India Arie took to the comment section of the post and criticized the onstage activities for “lack of discretion and discernment.”
“The Truth” singer would have preferred for us to be shown in a “respectful light” and India also made it a point to go on record saying, “This won’t age well” and she “don’t like this moment.”
Read her full comment below.
The issue is what is CONTEXT. Humanity does EVERYTHING. But does EVERYTHING BELONG IN A STAGE? No. is everything for KIDS? No. is everything for EVERYBODY? NO.
So when we as a culture make something like this mainstream ~ it shows a lack of discretion and discernment.
To those in the comments who laugh at anyone who wants these things for our culture, you certainly have that right.
Just as many folks have the right to want our MAINSTREAM International export – our Music – to show us in a respectful light.
I’d like to go on the record saying: this won’t age well and that’s my issue. I LOVE Janelle AND Meg the way I love us all ~ AND I don’t like this moment.
Don’t bother debating me lol idc and I DO this. for 25 yrs I’ve done THIS. so. read ponder or don’t. ✌🏾👋🏾
See her original comment below.
After making headlines that claimed she’s slamming Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe, India Arie took to her Instagram Story to set the record straight.
She wrote:
I HATE Defending simple logic, so I’m going to just say this.
THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH ANY OF MY SISTERS. PERIOD.
I’m AN OLD SCHOOL LONG TIME AFFIRMING VOICE FOR WOMEN. MY RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
I LOVE humanity, even in all its bulls**t LOL!
And all I’m saying is CONTEXT MATTERS.
Debate that if you want, lol…but I said what I said.
And WHY did I say it?
Because just like EVERYYYYYYONE ELSE, I am entitled to my opinion. BUT ALSO, I DO THIS WORK. My whole adult LIFE…
See the rest of India Arie’s Instagram Story posts below.
India Arie is currently trending on Twitter as people react to her criticism of Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe’s twerk-a-thon at Essence Fest.
Read a few tweets below.
India Arie when she seen niggas having fun at Essence Fest pic.twitter.com/EZgqi2SigY
— Hogwarts Legacy Stan Account (@AshGotJuice) July 5, 2023
Did India.Arie say anything about her sister in soul Jill Scott? She also had some sexually laced bits in her Essence Fest set. pic.twitter.com/83oDo3G6Mt
— keep greasing that scalp, mama! (@TheGreatIsNate) July 5, 2023
India Arie once proudly proclaimed that she is not her hair.. so she should also understand that Megan and Janelle are not their ass. If they decide to embrace their bodies and have fun, there's nothing wrong with that, it doesn't completely define them as artists or women.
— KenBarbie™ (@itsKenBarbie) July 5, 2023
I tire of folk complaining about sex in music. Sex has always been in music specifically Black music since the Juke Joint. Just more visual avenues. India Arie is being disingenuous.
— AKA The Shetland Pony (@MISTERJ6480) July 5, 2023
Don’t nobody give a damn what India Arie thinks about Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monae. pic.twitter.com/gRZFJ6VPYN
— The Moment. (@itsKARY_) July 5, 2023
Essence Fest knew exactly the kinda performances they would be getting, when they asked Megan and Janelle to perform.
— Madam THIQUE (@Forever_Tasha) July 5, 2023
They knew Meg’s lyrics and how she throws that ass. They knew based on Janelle’s recent album rollout, that she may bring out a titty. India Arie can gtfoh
Why are so many black women attacking India Arie for pointing out that black women have allowed the music industry and television to turn them into ho hoochie mama caricatures? On your next interview, they may ask do you Twerk.
— Annie Banks (@AnnieBNow) July 5, 2023
India Arie is right. Y’all knew that though. Attacking her character, words or actions won’t change our reality. Choice feminism & hyper sexuality has our community/culture in a chokehold that will negatively affect the next 2 generations. But most can’t see past next week so…
— The African Renaissance (@ByLazaruss) July 5, 2023
I stand with India Arie! The wheat and tares, the sheep and goats are being separated in the Black community and I'm 100% for it!
— KanuriYah (@KaNuri) July 5, 2023
Unfortunately some Black women see raunchy, trashy and slutty as the symbol of empowerment. Well some of us don't and will call you out on your… https://t.co/RhBa5C81No
I co-sign India Arie’s message. That lackluster behavior is NOT Black excellence and it needs to be shunned. Zero tolerance for low hanging fruit nonsense. Argue with your ‘City Gworl’ mama. Not me… pic.twitter.com/rGfLTfMJMP
— Demetra Kaye (@demetrakaye) July 5, 2023
Do you think India Arie is being overly critical or as some would claim – a hater?
Or is she speaking “The Truth?”
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or join the convo on our socials. (Facebook, Instagram)
