Who is Canadian rapper Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, who was trolled for dressing as Goddess Kali and licking a crucifix?
Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj
Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, known by her stage name Tommy Genesis, is a Canadian rapper and model. She is often referred to as 'the internet's most rebellious underground rap queen.' Her music features an experimental style and frequently includes sexually explicit lyrics. Her debut album, Tommy Genesis, was released in November 2018, after which she adopted her stage name professionally.
She is currently facing controversy due to her new music video titled True Blue , in which she appears styled as a Hindu goddess. In the video, her body is painted entirely blue, and she is adorned with gold jewellery and a bindi on her forehead. Additionally, she is seen using the Christian holy symbol, the cross, as a prop in a manner that many have found objectionable. This has sparked criticism not only from Hindu and Christian communities but also from others who have accused her of disrespecting religious sentiments.
In the video, she is seen at times placing the cross near her private parts and at other times licking it provocatively. People from both the Hindu and Christian communities are criticising Genesis on social media, accusing her of blasphemy. Many believe that Tommy deliberately created this controversy to gain popularity and public attention. While some have called it a cheap publicity stunt to make headlines, others have demanded that she be held accountable and face consequences for her actions.
She is also seen holding a cigarette and smoking in the music video. This has not gone down well people and she has been slammed on social media. Tommy Genesis aka Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj Gets Trolled
Netizens were quick to troll her brutally after the video went viral. One of the users wrote, 'Stop obsessed with India and Indian culture if you don't a bit of it'. Another user said, 'Dressing up like Maa Kali, one of the most sacred goddesses in Hinduism, and using her imagery in a vulgar, sexualized manner is not bold – it's blasphemous. Millions of people worship her as a divine protector, not a costume for your performance. You do not have the right to mock a culture you clearly don't understand, and then hide behind the excuse of 'artistic expression.'
The third user bashed her online, saying, 'Using Maa Kali as some edgy aesthetic? Disgusting. She's not a costume, not a mood board, not a visual gimmick. She's divine – powerful, sacred, and deeply loved. This isn't art, it's mockery. You don't get to strip a goddess of her dignity just to look 'bold.' The fact that this keeps happening to our faith while people stay silent is exactly the problem. We're done being quiet. Maa Kali isn't here for your clout or your creative 'vision.' Keep her name out of your fake spiritual narratives. Enough is enough. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tommy Genesis (@tommygenesis) Know about Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj aka Tommy Genesis
Born in Vancouver, Canada, she is of Malayali, Tamil and Swedish descent. She studied film and sculpture at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. After Tommy Genesis, her second album, Goldilocks X was released in September 2021. Her blend of trap, industrial beats, and hyper-sexualised lyrics reportedly earned her the label of a 'fetish rapper'.
She modelled for Calvin Klein's 2016 Fall campaign and has graced major fashion events, including a performance at M.I.A.'s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
7 minutes ago
- News18
Diljit Dosanjh's Bollywood Movies In Trouble? Film Body To Boycott Actor Over Hania Aamir Row
Diljit Dosanjh has sparked controversy over his upcoming film Sardaar Ji 3, which features several Pakistani actors including Hania Aamir, Nasir Chinyoti and others. Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh is facing massive backlash over his upcoming film, Sardaar Ji 3. The film features popular Pakistani actor Hania Aamir (as well as Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar and Saleem Albela), whose casting has stirred backlash in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Amidst this, BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), has slammed Diljit for working with Hania, and demanded a complete ban on all his future projects. FWICE President condemned the collaboration, stating that he has hurt Indian sentiments. While speaking with Hindustan Times, he said, 'By working with a Pakistani actor, Diljit has hurt Indian sentiments. He has disrespected the sentiments of the nation and insulted the sacrifice of our brave soldiers. His preference for Pakistani talent over Indian artists raises serious questions about his loyalty and priorities. By collaborating with a Pakistani actor, Diljit has hurt Indian sentiments, disrespected the nation, and insulted the sacrifices of our brave soldiers," he said. FWICE President Calls For Strict Ban On Diljit Dosanjh's Upcoming Films He further added that while the film isn't releasing in India for now, any future plans to do so will be met with a ban. Currently, Sardaar Ji 3 is only releasing overseas. FWICE President added that Diljit working with a Pakistani actor is unacceptable, and that they are imposing a strict ban on all future films, songs, and projects involving him. 'We have called for a strict ban on all upcoming films, songs or any other sort of projects. We will also issue a formal letter on the same today. Along with Diljit, we have also called for a ban on the producers of the film regarding all their upcoming films," he said. BN Tiwari mentioned that they had previously reached out to the filmmakers for clarification but received no response. He stated that they had sent a letter but didn't get an answer, so they would proceed with the ban. Diljit Dosanjh's Upcoming Films Border 2, Panjab 95 In Trouble? While Sardaar Ji 3 is set for an overseas release on June 27 and is unlikely to hit Indian screens, the ripple effect could be significant. Diljit's upcoming patriotic action drama Border 2, could potentially face a FWICE-imposed boycott if the controversy continues. Another project starring Diljit, 'Panjab 95' – a biopic on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra – has already faced multiple delays and CBFC hurdles, and may now encounter further challenges amid the growing backlash. On Sunday, Diljit released the film's trailer, which unveiled Hania's presence in the film. In the movie, Hania joins Diljit's character as a ghost hunter in the UK, with Neeru Bajwa also playing a romantic interest in this horror comedy. First Published:
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
A global musical tribute to santoor legend Pt. Bhajan Sopori
Global musical tribute to Kashmir's iconic instrumentalist and Santoor legend Pt. Bhajan Sopori The second edition of World Santoor Day was organised by the Sopori Academy for Music and Performing Arts (SaMaPa) at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium in the capital. The first ever 'World Santoor Day' was celebrated last year in 2024 by the artist and the creative arts fraternity and many prominent cultural organizations of the country together. Celebrated a day after the World Music Day, World Santoor Day marks the birth anniversary of the Saint – Musician, Santoor legend & composer, late Pandit Bhajan Sopori, who is revered as the 'Saint of Santoor' and the 'King of Strings'. The evening featured the performances of young and established artists, who mesmerised Delhiites. It commenced with on-screen international recitals by Guido Estrada from Argentina accompanied by Demian Acierno on tabla presenting Raga Nirmalkauns, Mi Xuanye from China accompanied by Zhuang Jing on Tabla presenting Raga Yaman, and Luis Eduardo Vega from Colombia, accompanied by Javier Alarcón Guzmán on Tabla presenting another dimension of Raga Yaman. It was followed by a santoor ensemble in Raga Charukeshi by Indian and international artists and disciples of Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori, including Daniel Aakash Brunner from Germany, Suman Patra from Finland, and Indian performers Anoushka Majumdar, Poushali Dutta, and Nairanjana Radhika from Delhi, along with Dheeraj Vaishnav from Rajasthan. The artists were accompanied on jodi pakhawaj and tabla by Chanchal Singh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Getting 87¢ Generic Viagra This Month Health Alliance by Friday Plans Learn More Undo This was followed by solo santoor performance by Divyansh Srivastava from Delhi, an able disciple of Pt. Bhajan Sopori and Pt. Abhay Sopori, accompanied on Tabla by Anand Mishra and Chanchal Singh presenting Raga Megh. This was followed by Santoor duet recital by Vidushi Shruti Adhikari and her talented son Ninad Adhikari from Madhya Pradesh, accompanied by Pt. Durjay Bhaumik on tabla presenting Raga Madhukauns. The 2nd World Santoor Day culminated with yet another special solo recital by Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori accompanied by Pt. Ram Kumar Mishra on Tabla. On the occasion, Prof. Aparna Sopori said, "World Santoor Day is more than a concert; it is a cultural movement. The initiative seeks to reposition the santoor, the 100-stringed Shatatantri Veena of Kashmir, as a symbol of India's spiritual, musical, and philosophical heritage. With historical significance that predates similar instruments across the world, the Santoor serves as a bridge between ancient Indian traditions and contemporary global music. " Speaking about the event, Santoor maestro and music composer, Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori said, 'Today we celebrated the second World Santoor Day on the occasion of the 77th birth anniversary of the great Santoor legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori ji. Musicians from across the world have gathered to pay their musical tribute to this great Santoor maestro. More than a dozen Santoor players have performed in this year's event, with World Santoor Day sessions also being held in Argentina, Colombia, China, USA etc. and various parts of India like Odisha," he added.
Indian Express
35 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘I don't play to teach, I play to share joy': Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia on six-decade journey with the flute
For over six decades, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia has carried the soul of Indian classical music through the delicate breath of the bansuri, the bamboo flute. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan (1992) and Padma Vibhushan (2000), Chaurasia has not only not only redefined the soundscape of Indian classical music but also taken the humble flute to global concert halls and film studios alike. His story begins in Allahabad, where a young Chaurasia trained as a wrestler to please his father while secretly pursuing music. That secret blossomed into a lifelong devotion, leading to sharing the stage with legends at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the Kremlin. His journey is as extraordinary as his music. Though I come from a classical background, I'm thankful to have worked in films and collaborated with legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, as well as explored fusion music with artists such as George Harrison from The Beatles, said Chaurasia. Chaurasia's melodies have become part of Hindi cinema's most enduring soundtracks – Silsila (1981), Chandni (1989), and Lamhe (1991) – while his global collaborations with artists like John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain have brought Indian ragas into conversation with jazz and world music. In this exclusive conversation with the maestro reflects on his unorthodox path, the spiritual essence of the flute, and the importance of surrendering to one's calling. Q. Your father wanted you to become a wrestler, but you chose the flute. Was that a rebellion, a calling, or fate? Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: It was all God's plan. I never aimed to become a musician. I trained as a wrestler to make my father happy, but deep inside, I was drawn to music. I quietly followed that path and eventually gave myself completely to the flute. Maybe the strength I built through wrestling helps me play even today. Now I travel with my flute and let it speak. People may not always know my name, just like they remember Lord Krishna's flute more than his name, but for me, it's about giving voice to the flute. Q. How do you connect with people through your music, and what do you try to express? Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: I don't perform to teach or preach. I play to share joy and emotion. I observe people, learn from them, and try to spread happiness through music. I'm not promoting myself, just trying to share the beauty of music with others. Q. Your children have chosen different paths. Do you hope your musical legacy continues through your grandchildren? Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: It all depends on God's blessing. Talent and interest must come naturally. If they are meant to carry it forward, I would be happy. But it should come from within, it can't be forced. Q. What's your daily routine like? How do you keep your music sharp with age? Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: As we get older, we need to put in more effort. I still practise every day and stay in touch with other musicians to keep learning. My day begins and ends with music. Even if I don't have the flute in my hands, I'm thinking about it. The flute is my best friend, I just try to spend time with her every day. Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: It's a very special experience. An artist's life has many emotions and stories. It feels good to share that journey with people through music. Q. You've composed for many films. Is there a recording session that stands out to you? Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: Though I come from a classical background, I'm thankful to have worked in films and with legends like Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. I've also done fusion and worked with artists like George Harrison from The Beatles. Every session has been meaningful, but I feel most connected to devotional and spiritual compositions – they stay in my heart. Q. Have you worked with Pakistani artists? Are there any musicians today you'd like to collaborate with? Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: I've visited Pakistan three times. People there deeply love music. I've met and shared recordings with many artists. Even if we don't meet often, we stay in touch and keep learning from each other. Q. What does success mean to you, and what advice would you give young people who want to follow your path? Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: To me, success is being connected with God. When young people play music with sincerity and focus, they connect with their breath and their soul. That brings peace. Success comes from dedication, love for your art, and surrender. If one truly enjoys what they do and gives their heart to it, everything else will follow. Cherry Gupta is an Assistant Manager - Content at The Indian Express. She is responsible for crafting compelling narratives, uncovering the latest news and developments, and driving engaging content based on data and trends to boost website traffic and audience engagement. One can connect with her on LinkedIn or by mail at ... Read More
