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J. Balvin Removes ‘Perra’ Video and Issues an Apology
On September 10th, J. Balvin’s video Perra, featuring Columbian rap artist Tokischa, released on streaming platforms to an icy reception. According to a source, the overwhelming backlash to the video led to its eventual removal on October 17th.
J. Balvin’s “Perra”
“Perra” translates to a female dog in English. So, appropriately, Balvin’s Perra is referencing animals in heat. On the surface, there is nothing particularly wrong with the concept behind the song. However, the video is an entirely different issue.
As sources note, Perra is a highly suggestive video with offensive racial undertones. In fact, According to media outlets, the video depicts the featured rapper and other people of color in a feral light. As a Yahoo contributing writer notes, “Balvín is seen walking two Black women on leashes at one point. And Tokischa is seen in a doghouse on all fours, being fed fried chicken and cereal in a dog bowl. ”
The video was streaming for an entire month before its removal on October 17th.
Is an apology enough?
Who can say whether Balvin’s apology is authentic or a PR strategy. In an effort to quiet the chatter, Balvin took to social media with an apology.
“I want to say sorry to whoever felt offended, especially to the Black women community.”
Despite the video’s removal and the issuance of an apology, the song is still in rotation and the video is still circulating through social media.
What about Tokischa?
Photo Credit: https://zmmusic42.com/2021/09/08/j-balvin-tokischa-perra/
There is no confirmation of what Tokischa feels about the backlash. According to a source, USA Today tried to reach out to Tokischa’s team and, reportedly, Tokischa’s manager’s Instagram page is no longer in existence.
However, since the artist did knowingly participate in the video, is there much to say?
Balvin’s Statement
All that the public has to go on, for now, is Balvin’s statement regarding Tokischa’s participation. According to the artist,
“Tokishca is in the video because he likes to support new artists, dubbing her “a woman who supports her people, her community and also empowers women.”
Not sure how empowering the image of women on leashes is? But again, fans are still waiting on a statement from the artist.
Who’s responsible?
Who is responsible for the release of such a controversial video? Does the responsibility fall squarely on the artists alone for approving and participating? Is Balvin’s creative and production team responsible for this?
Someone approved the video before its release. Why didn’t the fact that the content could be offensive cross anyone’s mind?
There are a lot of questions unanswered. But at least fans got an apology, and that is enough, right?
Watch Perra and decide!
Renae Richardson
