Beyonce Knowles, one of the most beautiful women in the world, a 10 time winning Grammy artist and one half of the most powerful couples in the music industry, is no stranger to gracing the covers of some of the world's most prestigious fashion magazines. She also is not a stranger to controversy as well. Earlier this week, photos from one of her most recent fashion shoots were released which has sparked controversy from both fashion critics, rights activists and just about anyone who viewed the latest shoot.
L' Official, a french magazine whom is celebrating their 90th anniversary, asked Beyonce to cover their magazine in a tribute to legendary Nigerian multi-instramentalist and composer Fela Kuti. Kuti not only was a pioneer of afrobeat music but was a human rights activist and a political maverick.
Here is where the controversy lies: The tribute to Fela Kuti was to have Beyonce pose in African fashion attire (which were designed by her mother, Tina Knowles) in blackface. Now understandably, there are a few reasons behind the choice of blackface. However, one must question that if the magazine wanted to do a tribute to Fela Kuti, why not just have a beautiful African supermodel on the cover such as the famed Nigerian model Liya Kibede, Somalian model Iman or Sudanese model Alek Wek whom is known for her radiant dark skin?
The magazine quotes, "Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce, the beauty posed for the magazine with amazing fashion designer clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. It is a return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture, on which her face is voluntarily darkened."
Although the pictures may cause a sensitivity vein to slightly raise, some are quite beautiful and are gracefully executed. What are your thoughts?
Alek Wek
Beyonce Knowles
