Africa Is a Country

Rihanna: Back in Blackface?

Africa Is a Country Podcast
African Five-a-Side Podcast

Rihanna: Back in Blackface?

By
Sonja Sugira

In the music video for her latest single, "Rockstar 101," singer Rihanna appears in what looks like blackface.

A still from the music video for "Rockstar."

Apparently not content with her (failed) attempt at igniting controversy last year with her questionable spread in Italian Vogue, Rihanna has decided to try her hand yet again at the latest epidemic – that of blackface – sweeping the globe. This time through her new and, let’s be honest, particularly boring video for “Rockstar 101.” In it, she doesn’t wear much, she writhes around, she impersonates Guns N’ Roses drummer Slash, as well as someone who may or may not be Vogue editor Anna Wintour.  Oh, and in some scenes (perhaps as an ode to the pioneering work of Tyra Banks?), her entire body is covered in what looks to be black body paint or makeup … while she is wearing chains.

What is known as blackface.


So what is Rihanna doing in “Rockstar 101.” Good girl gone real bad or “fierceness out of control”? You decide. But, next time maybe she should have a look at what is Blackface before she proceeds next time.

 

 

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