The statements by the Minister of Culture and the singer came days after Claudia Leitte replaced the word ‘Iemanjá’ in the song ‘Caranguejo (Cata Caranguejo)’, with ‘Yeshua’, the name of Jesus in some Christian religions
The Minister of Culture and the singer made an appeal for respect for African-based religions during a show at the Pôr do Som event this Wednesday (1st), in . The artists’ statements came days after the controversy, which once again replaced the word “Iemanjá” in the song “Caranguejo (Cata Caranguejo)”, composed by Alan Moraes, Durval Luz and Luciano Pinto, with “Yeshua”, named after Jesus in some Christian religions.
Without mentioning Claudia Leitte, Margareth Menezes highlighted the relevance of valuing Afro-Brazilian culture, remembering the historical persecution that these traditions have faced over time. “It is important that we look into the history of these Afro-Brazilian people, this culture, so many persecutions, since the time of slavery. It’s time for us to think better and behave better in relation to the rights of Afro-Brazilian peoples”, declared the minister. “We have to know how this story begins. It is very worthy that we respect religions of African origin”, he added.
Daniela Mercury, in turn, reinforced the intrinsic link between Candomblé and Afro-Brazilian identity, pointing out that prejudice against these religious practices is a reflection of the racism present in society. “Axé is the strength that emanates from everything that is alive. May we learn to love ourselves, because if Candomblé suffers prejudice it is because black people have always suffered prejudice, this is a consequence of racism. May we affirm the full importance of religions of African origin”, he said. “I wouldn’t be who I am without the Candomblé terreiros, without the people who maintain their culture through their religion. So, I shake my head”, he added.
Daniela Mercury and Margareth Menezes sending the message loud and clear against prejudice against axé, black people and African-based religions.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
The slap on the intolerant!— Darllan ☀️ (@darllann)
Understand the case
Approximately two weeks ago, during her first Carnival rehearsal in Salvador, Claudia Leitte changed the lyrics of a song. In response, the Public Ministry of Bahia (MP-BA) opened an investigation to determine whether the singer had committed a crime of religious racism. In her defense, Cláudia declared that, being in a “place of privilege”, she considers racism a topic that must be treated very seriously and not superficially. The artist had already been criticized for the same change years ago and repeated the change in a performance held last Sunday (29), during pre-New Year’s Eve in Recife.
*Report produced with the help of AI
Published by Carol Santos
