Gwen Stefani Accused of Cultural Appropriation in Sean Paul’s ‘Light My Fire’ Music Video
The music video for Sean Paul’s newest song Light My Fire, which features Gwen Stefani and Shenseea, was made available on Wednesday, July 13. In the music video, dreadlocked singer-songwriter Stefani performed as she danced and sang the tune.
Stefani, 52, is shown in the video wearing a green, yellow and black outfit that appears to have been influenced by Jamaica. Ironically, Shenseea and rapper Sean Paul, both of Jamaican descent, do not appear to be wearing the national colors of their home country in the music video.
Many people on Twitter accused Stefani of cultural appropriation as a result of her appearance in the video.
Netizens Respond To Gwen Stefani’s Participation In “Light My Fire” Music Video
A large number of netizens criticized the Hollaback Girl singer after the video was released, saying that the dreadlocks were an appropriation of Jamaican culture. On the other hand, several tweets appeared to mock the criticism Gwen Stefani received and downplayed accusations of cultural appropriation.
There is no such thing as cultural appropriation, one user claimed. Since the beginning of time, cultures have been integrating, combining, adapting and evolving.
Another commenter pointed out that Gwen Stefani had been playing ska music with No Doubt for years before going solo, so this wasn’t exactly inappropriate for her or the cultural appropriation some people accused her of.
Someone else said that unfortunately no one enjoys cultural appropriation as much as Gwen Stefani.
One person stated: “Nobody did cultural appropriation like Gwen Stefani did and to be honest I can’t fault it because that music is so wonderful for
There is no such thing as cultural appropriation. Cultures have been mixing since the beginning of time, assimilating, merging, adapting and changing.
Gwen sang a reggae song in honor of the nation that brought us that music. Ironically, in a language Jamaicans appropriated
— consentuality (@consensuality) July 15, 2022
Another claimed that Gwen Stefani was guilty of cultural appropriation at the time.
A considerable amount of commentary also noted that the Grammy Award-winning musician has already faced accusations of cultural appropriation.
Referencing previous claims of cultural appropriation against Gwen Stefani
- harajuku controversy
Gwen Stefani embraced her adoration for Japan’s Harajuku culture for her first solo studio album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. , released in 2004. Stefani hired four Japanese dancers dressed in Harajuku outfits to participate in her music videos and live shows. For some live performances, the singer-rapper dressed in Harajuku attire.
😈 TOP 15 MOST PROBLEMATIC QUEENS OF J-POP 😈
#4 Gwen Stefani (74 votes)
🔥 Scandals: having 4 Japanese as pets for years
👩⚖️ Punishment: ban from setting foot in Harajuku pic.twitter.com/doaB0Dlmz2
— Brettie Boo ♡ TA (@ayuclone) June 26, 2020
2. Bantu knots
In the 1990s, Stefani was photographed wearing Bantu knots, which were first worn by the Zulus of southern Africa. She also had a bindi, a headdress common in various South Asian cultures, on her forehead in the same image. Recently, British singer Adele received criticism for wearing Bantu knots in a photo of her.
Gwen Stefani appropriating Bantu knots *AND* bindis at the same time!! pic.twitter.com/E4qHgYhY79
— • a girl with moxie • (@RadRoopa) September 1, 2014
3. Alleged Chola cultural appropriation
Gwen Stefani appeared in a Chola-inspired outfit in the 2005 Luxurious music video, which recently received criticism. Chicano and Latino roots form the basis of Chola culture. “The cholas had a big influence on me,” Stefani told Latina magazine in 2017.
4. Native American style controversy
Gwen Stefani’s look in the music video for No Doubt’s song Looking Hot in 2012 was inspired by Native American fashion. A showdown between cowboys and Native Americans was also shown in the film. No Doubt removed the video after intense criticism.
