There is something that fascinates us Twitter: the ability of its users to generate debate. There is no controversy that escapes the clutches of the twitterers. How could it be otherwise, the launch of ‘Toke’ (Chanel Terrero’s song that will travel to Qatar for the Soccer World Cup) has not gone unnoticed. In fact, there is not one active debate, but two, and we are going to explain them to you so that you are not out of the game.
First controversy: an LGTBI + artist in Qatar
Let’s take it easy. First, it’s time to dedicate a space to the controversy that was experienced last week with the presentation of the song. At the time, there was talk of the “inconsistency” of being part of the LGTBI + collective and defending a song in Qatara place where sexual diversity is non-existent in the eyes of the authorities and is even persecuted.
In La Vanguardia they published a story with statements from people involved in the issue. Nasser Al-Khater, spokesman for the Qatar World Cup, made it very clear: “Displays of affection between homosexual people are not well seen.” Words to which we add those of Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Ansari, Director of Security for the Qatar World Cup, “If a fan raises the LGTBI flag and I take it off, it will be to protect him.” Hard statements, little more to add that we do not know all of them.
Given this situation, at the press conference for the presentation of ‘Toke’, several journalists asked Chanel about this controversy. The singer raised her voice: “I have my principles clear,” she explained, but she added that “As an artist, the more people my message reaches, the more proud I will be”They published in 20 minutes. Within seconds, the news was trending toppic on Twitter and the memes flew.
Qatari people when they see Chanel pic.twitter.com/aV6vOJSIup
— ∀ Blum (@Uxama_Argaela) October 17, 2022
Proclamation of Pride and now the song of the Qatar World Cup where LGTBI rights are not respected?
BAIA BAIA https://t.co/ZWO8jIXu98– Irene Pj (@IrenePj) October 14, 2022
Personally, as a member of the collective, I think that Chanel falls into the contradiction, but I understand that the Soccer World Cup is a great showcase worldwide (let’s remember Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka’, which we still dance to 12 years later) and that it is essential that the message of free love reaches all corners of the globe. It’s a complex issue, I’m not going to deny it.
Second controversy: is ‘Toke’ a copy of ‘Motomami’?
Now, we delve into the most recent debate. When listening to ‘Toke’ for the first time it is inevitable to think of Rosalía. The rhythm, the lyrics and the voices in off (among other elements), are reminiscent of various songs on the Catalan album ‘Motomami’. Even the promotional image and styling have a vibe very similar. Terrero poses with a car, while Rosalía does it with a motorcycle. Again, Twitter has forged its opinion and we discover a variety of judgments:
they tell me that #TokeChanel’s song for the soccer world cup #Qatar2022It belongs to Rosalía and I believe it.
I have a feeling that Toke is going to be a hit
— M 📺 (@casasola_89) October 20, 2022
SORRY?????????
pic.twitter.com/uciVv0BdlA— Joan (@jeanaalto) October 20, 2022
On the social network we read comments like “Chicken teriyaki a little”, “it’s from Rosalía and I believe it” or “It has the rhythm of the Motomami era, I don’t want to compare but I can’t help it”. Yes indeed, there is a unanimous opinion: we are facing a “bombshell” of topic and we join this idea.
The important thing, in the end, is that female voices are relevant in all sectors, there is freedom of expression (with respect, always) and that the debate leads us to discover other points of view.
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Cover photo | @chanelterrero