The Bahian singer claims that art is not a religion and should reflect local culture
Repercussion of the change in the song “Caranguejo”
Daniela Mercury commented on the controversy generated after Claudia Leitte changed the lyrics of the song “Caranguejo”, replacing the mention of Iemanjá with the Hebrew term “Yeshua”, which means Jesus. The change provoked negative reactions from followers of religions Afro-Brazilians and Axé Music artists, who considered the act disrespectful, and led to the breakup between friends Claudia Leitte and Ivete Sangalo.
“I don’t like controversies or public lynchings, or putting anyone in this internet court, which discusses things in a very superficial way”, began Daniela, speaking of the repercussions of the controversy on social media. “It is an important issue to have religious tolerance or fight for religious tolerance in a democratic country,” added the singer in an interview with the PSNotícias website.
However, he did issue a warning. “I think it is important that society discusses what it thinks, with respect, because we have the freedom to express ourselves, but it is also important to think that this is a rather delicate thing given a whole history of exclusion, of invisibility, of invasion of terreiros “, he put into context.
Art as cultural expression
Mercury emphasized maintaining his friendship with Claudia Leitte and defended the singer’s right to express her choices, but reinforced the distinction between art and religion.
“I am a friend of Claudia, I think that everyone should answer for themselves, explain why they feel the need to do this. She has the right to speak in her own way, as she thinks. I have the clear feeling that when we are on stage, we are making art, we are not carrying any necessarily religious message, that the orixás are part of our culture, as we sing the hymn of the Senhor do Bonfim”, he commented.
The singer explained that although art and religion can intersect, culture must be viewed holistically.
“Art is not religion, art is art. When we go to sing, we sing the culture of our city. Unfortunately, not everyone can have the peace of mind to reinforce cultural issues that may be associated with religion. This is a delicate, subjective and personal issue,” he said.
Conflict between Claudia Leitte and Ivete Sangalo
The controversy intensified after Salvador’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Pedro Tourinho, publicly criticized Claudia’s position in relation to the change in music. Tourinho claimed that the decision to exclude references to the orixás was an act of racism. He also asked that Axé Music’s 40th anniversary tributes honor its roots. “If we want to celebrate 40 years of Axé Musica, let them be celebrated with respect, strengthening its foundations, correcting imbalances, valuing its truth”, he concluded.
Ivete Sangalo, Alinne Rosa and Tereza Cristina showed support for the secretary’s statements by interacting with the post on social media. This led Claudia Leitte to block Ivete on social media.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
