The minister and the singer spoke about racism and the importance of respecting Afro-Brazilian traditions during an event in Salvador
Statements at sunset
Singers Margareth Menezes, Minister of Culture, and Daniela Mercury made statements in defense of religions of African origin during the Pôr do Som event, which celebrated 25 years on Wednesday evening (1/1), in Salvador. Both underlined the importance of fighting historical prejudices and valorizing Afro-Brazilian traditions.
Margareth highlighted the need to recognize the trajectory of persecution faced by Afro-Brazilian people. “It is important to look at the history of this Afro-Brazilian people, this culture, many persecutions, since the times of slavery. It is time for us to think better and behave better in relation to the rights of Afro-Brazilian people. It is very useful to respect religions of African origin.”
Daniela Mercury linked religious prejudice to structural racism. “Axé is the strength that emanates from everything that is alive. Let us learn to love ourselves, because if Candomblé suffers from prejudice it is because blacks have always suffered prejudice, this is a consequence of racism.”
The singer highlighted the impact of Afro-Brazilian religions on her identity and culture. “I wouldn’t be who I am without the Candomblé terreiros, without the people who maintain their culture through their religion. So I agree.”
Controversy with Claudia Leitte
Although Margareth and Daniela did not name names, the statements were interpreted by fans as a message to singer Claudia Leitte. Claudia recently came under criticism for replacing the word “Iemanjá” with “Yeshua” in the song “Caranguejo”. The change has generated a formal complaint of religious racism by Iyalorixá Jaciara Ribeiro and Idafro (Institute for the Defense of the Rights of Afro-Brazilian Religions) to the Public Prosecutor of Bahia, which is evaluating the case.
The complaint states that the singer’s conduct was “defamatory, degrading and discriminatory” against religions of African origin.
Claudia commented on the controversy on December 29. “This is a very serious issue. From my position of privilege, racism is an issue that must be discussed with due seriousness and not superficially. I highly value respect, solidarity and integrity. We absolutely cannot negotiate these values, nor throw them to the Internet court.”
Complaint and cultural context
The change in Claudia Leitte’s lyrics has reignited the debate on the erasure of Afro-Brazilian references in national culture. For religious leaders and institutions like Idafro, incidents like this reflect an attempt to delegitimize African traditions. The complaint is still being examined by the Public Prosecutor.
Source: Terra
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