'This is a mockery of my religion,' Raftaar SLAMS Rapper Tommy Genesis over the imagery of Maa Kali in her controversial music video

On Saturday, Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis, real name Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, released an explicit music video, 'True Blue.' In the video, she was seen in blue body paint, wearing gold jewellery and a red bindi, seemingly depicting Hindu goddess
Maa Kali
. She also held a Christian cross in her hand, and at one point was seen licking it. This video, her look, has sparked an online outrage. Amid all this, Indian rapper
Raftaar
reacted to the video and the imagery.
What did Raftaar say about Tommy Genesis and her music video True Blue?
Taking to his social media story, on Sunday, Rafter called out the Canadian rapper. He urged his followers to flag the video as it is a blatant cultural disrespect. "This is a mockery of my religion. This shouldn't exist. Report This.'
Check it out here:
Netizens react to Tommy Genesis 'True Blue'
Echoing similar sentiments, internet users didn't hold back in expressing their disappointment and fury. 'This is PATHETIC!!!! Stop appropriating hindu culture for mere likes,' wrote a user.
'Our Goddess is not your costume....what is this validation u r seeking,' commented another.
'Hindu aesthetics, our jewelry and our customs have meaning and they are NOT for the west to appropriate. Disrespecting our religion and Goddess is not making u exotic, it's just xenophobia and racism. Delete this,' mentioned by a user.
Who is Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj?
Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Yasmine comes from a diverse background that includes Malayali, Tamil, and Swedish roots.
Her music frequently explores themes related to gender and sexuality, and she has previously referred to herself as a "fetish rapper."
Starting her music journey in 2015, her work showcases an experimental approach with provocative lyrics.
She began her rap career in 2013. She is an alumna of Emily Carr University of Art and Design, where she focused on film and sculpture.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Mint

17 minutes ago

• Mint

50 years of Sholay: Dharmendra was initially offered role of Gabbar, Thakur, but...

Legendary Bollywood movie Sholay is all set for the world premiere of its fully restored and uncut version in Italy on its 50th anniversary on June 27. Elated by the news, the stars of Sholay, Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, called the screening a 'watershed moment' and the movie an '8th wonder of the world'. Dharmendra was 'thrilled' by the news of Sholay's restoration, and said he was sure that this screening too would have the same success as it had 50 years ago. 'Sholay is the 8th wonder of the world,' the veteran actor said, asking, 'Who can forget the dialogues of Salim-Javed and the direction of Ramesh Sippy?' Dharmendra quipped that even though several of Sholay's scenes have gone down in the history of Indian cinema and every character became a star, 'but the real hero was the coin.' Sharing an interesting anecdote about his role in the iconic movie, Dharmendra said he was initially offered the roles of Gabbar and Thakur. '…but I was clear that I wanted to play the role of Veeru as he is so much like me.' 'I had so much fun on the shoot.' The actor shared his favourite scenes from the movie, and said, 'the tanki scene, the scene in the temple, and so many others, but the most powerful scene I feel was the death of Jai, which is still etched in my mind.' Amitabh Bachchan hoped that Sholay would play its magic again, 50 years later, for new audiences across the globe. Saying that the movie is the kind that remains 'permanently etched in your mind,' the veteran actor recalled that 'unforgettable experience' of shooting for the film. He also said that at the time, he had no idea that it would be a watershed for Indian cinema. 'It's a dramatic change in fortunes from being declared an unsuccessful venture to its record-breaking box office run, which was an emotional rollercoaster for all of us.' 'I hope that even 50 years later, the film will capture the imagination of new audiences across the world,' he said. The Ramesh Sippy-directed epic, Sholay, of 1975, is completing its 50 years, and as a tribute to Indian cinema's cult favourite over the years, it will premiere at Italy's Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna. Sholay's fully restored and uncut version will be screened on June 27 at the large open-air Piazza Maggiore, known for hosting memorable film events. Written by Salim Khan-Javed Akhtar, Sholay featured Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri, and Amjad Khan, and went on to become a cultural phenomenon. The restored version is the result of a three-year collaboration between the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. This will be the first time the iconic movie will be released with its original ending and previously deleted scenes. The restoration project involved working with rare materials found in film archives in Mumbai and London. The final version was created with the help of experts in Italy and support from the British Film Institute. Sholay will be shown in a 2.2:1 aspect ratio, with restored sound and visuals.

Time of India

27 minutes ago

• Time of India

Shalini Passi's Oscar de la Renta gown is the perfect ode to breezy summers

(Image Credits: Instagram) Living her life inside a maximalist sphere, Delhi-based art connoisseur Shalini Passi is redefining the cultural statement through her iconic fashion sense, showcasing a powerful synergy of contemporary storytelling. An ardent patron of Indian art and design, she repeatedly takes over the red carpet, but as a muse of Indian aesthetics with a hint of a modern touch. For her recent appearance at an event in Mumbai, Shalini made a strong case for summer florals, turning heads in an Oscar de la Renta gown, and added the right amount of charm with her signature quirky bag pick. Stepping into the world of Bollywood in a ruffled floral print silk faille gown by Oscar de la Renta, it bloomed with cascading ruffles and vibrant shades and evoked the ultimate spirit of a summer garden. (Image Credits: Instagram) Keeping a neat balance between the old world and a contemporary appeal, she pulled off this fusion charm with an effortless take. Like always, adding a playful twist to her signature bag collection, she picked a heart-shaped floral bag from Moschino and took a break from Judith Leiber Couture. 10 Indian saris every woman should have in her wardrobe Keeping things just fun enough, she topped off the look with a pair of statement Roberto Cavalli earrings, decorated with seashells and crystals, and took a coastal turn, clinging with a hint of fantasy. Proving her fashion prowess by bringing together two different aesthetics of florals and shells, Shalini welcomed you to her world of flair with this unlikely pairing and made it look absolutely dreamy. (Image Credits: Instagram) Keeping a high-glam makeup moment, she decorated her eyes with a hint of pink and silver, outlining the corners with black eyeliner and kajal detailing. Further defining her eyebrows, she flaunted her dewy makeup base and painted her lips pink, creating more than just a fashion moment. Tying her locks into a high-style ponytail with a sleek front, Shalini gave us a perfect fashion lesson of blending unconventional aesthetics with a sense of individuality and binded a story that was more than just a red carpet look. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change

Hindustan Times

35 minutes ago

• Hindustan Times

From rabri to rasmalai: Matcha is the new star in Indian desserts

Matcha just walked into Indian kitchens — and got a full desi makeover. The vibrant green tea from Japan has taken over social media and found its way into cafes and homes alike. Everyone seems to be sipping, whisking, and experimenting with matcha this summer. And now, India is putting its own spin on this centuries-old tea. Matcha malai parfait and matcha mishti doi On Instagram alone, videos tagged #matcharasmalai or #matchadessert have seen a spike this summer, as Indian creators give the Japanese green tea a full-blown desi remix. Think rabri, mishti doi, and so much more. Take, for instance, chef Vinay Trilokiya's Gurugram restaurant, Congo, which offers a gulkand tukda matcha rabri for dessert. 'I was drawn to matcha for its earthy bitterness, vibrant colour, and health-forward profile,' Vinay says, adding, 'I wanted to balance its distinct flavour with Indian ingredients. The result was a matcha-infused rabri — silky, lightly sweetened, and perfectly paired with crisp tukdas filled with fragrant gulkand.' Arshya Aggarwal, founder of Nihira Sweets, is also going to introduce a matcha barfi and mango matcha rabri in the menu. 'With the global rise of matcha, we saw an opportunity to reimagine the traditional Indian sweets with matcha barfi and mango matcha rabri. The matcha barfi blends Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha with slow-cooked khoya. And the idea behind the mango matcha rabri was to create a layered flavour story. We combined the sweetness of Alphonso mangoes with the umami depth of matcha and crafted a dessert that feels familiar yet intriguing,' she says. US-based content creator Vidhi Dwipam Katariya's recent video of a matcha rasmalai also piqued much interest. 'As a non-coffee drinker, I longed for a comforting alternative. That's when the idea to fuse my favourite sweet, rasmalai, with the earthy flavour of matcha was born. It was a blend of tradition and comfort that felt like home in a cup,' she says. Taking things to the next level is chef Nishant Choubey, who has been experimenting with the likes of matcha dalgona lassi, matcha rabri malpua and matcha tulsi shikanji. 'These dishes I created were a hit both at the table and on social media. One of my favourites is the Matcha-Wasabi Mushroom Pakora with watermelon,' he tells us. He also leaves a tip for home chefs who might want to put an Indian twist to their favourite tea: 'Don't let matcha drown in the spice storm of Indian cuisine. Let it breathe and it will surprise you.' For chef Reetu Uday Kugaji, the inclination to incorporate matcha into Indian dishes goes beyond the health benefits. 'It's fascinating to see how a centuries-old Japanese tea has found its way into Indian kitchens with such creativity. I'm incorporating it for its health benefits but also reimagining it through the lens of Indian culinary heritage,' she explains. 'Think matcha rasmalai, matcha rabri, or even matcha peda; each dish tells a story of cross-cultural fusion, where traditional Indian textures meet the earthiness of matcha,' she notes. 'Matcha works amazingly with dairy, lentils, yoghurt, curds and rice-based dishes,' she adds. If you're looking to add a bright green twist to your favourites, chef Reetu suggests starting with familiar textures such as kulfi, sandesh, shrikhand, malai toast — even dhokla and khichdi.