Indian rapper Raftaar has publicly condemned Canadian artist Tommy Genesis for her controversial music video ‘True Blue’, which he claims mocks his religion. The rapper shared a screenshot of his report against the video on Instagram and called on fans to do the same, stating, “This is a mockery of my religion. This shouldn’t exist.”
Tommy Genesis, whose full name is Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, is of Indian origin. Her latest release features her painted blue, wearing a bindi and traditional Indian jewellery, while holding a crucifix imagery many netizens believe is a provocative portrayal of the Hindu goddess Maa Kali. Some scenes show her licking a cross and making a ‘namaste’ gesture, which sparked further outrage.
The backlash quickly escalated on social media, with users from both the Hindu and Christian communities condemning the video. Critics said the video not only appropriated cultural symbols but also used them in disrespectful ways, particularly the combination of Hindu goddess visuals with Christian religious icons. While Raftaar has taken a strong stand by reporting the content and encouraging others to do so, Tommy Genesis has not yet issued a public response. The video was released on Saturday as part of the promotion for her upcoming album titled Genesis.
The controversy has ignited a larger conversation about religious sensitivity and artistic boundaries in global music. As the criticism grows, many are now calling on digital platforms like YouTube and Instagram to take action and review the video’s compliance with community guidelines. Whether Tommy Genesis chooses to respond or revise the content remains to be seen, but the reaction from global communities highlights the need for artists to tread carefully when referencing religious and cultural identities.
