Karol G has apologised following a backlash over the lyrics to her new track ‘+57’.
The reggaeton track was intended as an anthem for Karol G’s home country of Colombia, which also features guest appearances from other Colombian artists including J Balvin, Feid, Maluma, Ryan Castro, Blessd, Ovy On The Drums, and DFZM.
However, some listeners accused Karol G of sexualising minors in the song. Translated into English, the lyrics sung by Feid and Maluma that are causing controversy are: “A mamacita since 14/ When she walks into the club, you can feel her energy/ Baby, I’m taking these shots for you/ She’s got a lot going on below, the outfit barely holds it.”
The Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar issued a statement asserting that ‘+57’ “reinforces the sexualisation of children in our country” and “does not contribute to our fight against commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents.” It was also subject to a damning piece in Rolling Stone En Español called ‘The Disaster of +’57′’.
Now, Karol G has responded to the backlash on her Instagram story. Translated into English, her post read: “As artists, we are exposed to public opinion, and to the individual interpretations of people who like us and people who differ with what we do. I feel a lot of frustration for the misinformation that has been given, about the false posts that I have supposedly made and deleted from twitter, an account that I have not used for more than six months.
“In this case, unfortunately, the lyrics of a song, with which I sought to celebrate the union between artists and put to shine my people … were taken out of context. None of the things said in the song have the direction they have been given, nor was it said from that perspective but I listen, I take responsibility and I realise that I still have a lot to learn. I feel very affected and I apologise from the bottom of my heart.”
Feid, Balvin and Ovy on the Drums all reposted Karol G’s post in solidarity. “Queen, we are with you,” Balvin wrote. “You have given us so many wins that this doesn’t take away from your greatness, we’re here unconditionally.”
In other news, Karol G recently collaborated with FC Barcelona on their new kit.
English (US) · 