Have you all read about the drama between rapper Azealia Banks who is signed with Interscope Records and blogger Perez Hilton? The rapper was irritated when Gay Blogger (sounds weird identifying people by their sexuality. As in heterosexual blogger???) In any event, Perez Hilton, popular blogger who is also openly gay voiced his opinion about Banks’ behavior towards her fellow music industry colleague. Banks, upset at his comments, basically told him where to go and called him a “faggot.” Many attacked her on twitter and so did the LBGT organization, a gay rights group. Banks stood her ground. She said it was hypocritical that she could say and use the “Nigga” word and every one dances to and affirms it, yet there is an uproar when she says the “Faggot” word. She said using the “F” word does not make her homophobic and explained its variety of meanings not associated with sexuality, per se.
Davido takes a page from Banks and attacks Shei Funmi with the “F” word. The altercation is over an alleged inaccurate reporting by Shei Funmi about Davido. You get to read the tweets shortly. Shei Funmi also received heat from Wizkid who had issues with a reporting by Shei Funmi regarding his mother.
Bloggers, as a rule, it is usually a bad idea to get family involved when reporting about stars. However, you can maybe get away with reporting on siblings, and other relatives but when it comes to mothers, that is a no go area. You better get your facts right because grown men have been known to lose it when you push that universal sensitive button. In this instance, in response to Shei Funmi’s statements, Wizkid calls Shei Funmi “Bitch.” Is that acceptable? “Nigga” and the many forms it can be said, “Faggot,” and “Bitch.” Aren’t we dealing with derogatory words against blacks, gays and women?
AML artists, a good rule of thumb is to avoid the outburst of anger on twitter and social media sites, especially against three key groups: fans, bloggers and media in general. Beyond giving more weight to a situation than you need to, it detracts from what you are trying to do and where your focus should be placed, your music. I know it’s easier said than done, but try.
If stories are libelous/defamatory, I have shared how to deal with such situations, on AML, in a more powerful and effective way. Shei Funmi gets even American celebrities all worked up. It won’t be any different just because you happen to be a Nigerian celebrity. Finally, there are few persons you just know, they don’t need to tell you, that should you strike at them, irrespective of who began the fight, you should be prepared to get bloodied up. Unless you are ready to get bloodied up in the press, in public, in the courtroom or wherever, fall back and find different more effective methods of resolving conflicts.
Now can we all just kiss and makeup?
-Uduak
Photocredit: LindaIkeji
