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What started as a celebration of Colombian urban talent ended up surrounded by a strong controversy. The song “+57”, released in November by figures such as Karol G, J Balvin, Maluma, Feid, and other artists, faced criticism following the release of a verse that referred to a “mamacita since fourteen.” Reactions came swiftly, and the song was labeled by various sectors as an apology for the sexualization of minors.
Karol G, una de las principales voces del proyecto, salió rápidamente al paso de las críticas con un comunicado donde aseguró que la frase fue malinterpretada. “Buscaba celebrar la unión entre los artistas y poner a bailar a mi gente”, expresó en sus redes sociales. Días más tarde, la letra fue modificada y donde It said "fourteen," now it sounds like "eighteen," in an attempt to correct the course of the single.
Despite the change, the controversy escalated to the courts. Two Colombian citizens filed a lawsuit, and the case reached the Council of State of Colombia, which issued a strong ruling: “The distribution of a song that sexualizes minors constitutes a serious violation of their fundamental right to human dignity”, ruled the high court. Furthermore, it urged artists not to publish compositions that violate the rights of children and adolescents.
This ruling, while not imposing direct sanctions, emphasizes the responsibility of content creators in an era where music travels at the speed of a click. The song was recorded in Medellín, the hometown of several of the involved artists, which, paradoxically, has been highlighted in recent years for its high rates of child sexual exploitation.
So far, none of the performers have reacted to the ruling, but they have three days to file an appeal. Meanwhile, the debate remains open: should urban artists rethink the boundaries of their lyrics? The answer, it seems, is no longer just in the streets or the charts, but also in the courts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Controversy Surrounding Karol G's Song "+57"
Why did the song "+57" by Karol G generate controversy?
The song "+57" generated controversy due to a line in its lyrics that was interpreted as an endorsement of the sexualization of minors. The line in question referred to a "mamacita since fourteen." Although Karol G stated that the intention was misinterpreted, the controversy escalated to the point that it reached the Council of State of Colombia, which ruled that the song violates the rights of minors.
How did the artists involved in "+57" react to the criticism?
Karol G publicly apologized, clarifying that the phrase was misunderstood and modified the lyrics. Other artists, such as J Balvin, defended Karol G, while some, like Blessd and Ryan Castro, downplayed the criticism and suggested that those who do not enjoy the song simply refrain from listening. The debate about artists' responsibility in the messages they convey remains open.
What impact did the decision of the Council of State of Colombia have on the song "+57"?
Although the decision of the State Council did not involve direct sanctions, it highlighted the responsibility of content creators in urban music, especially regarding the protection of minors' rights. The decision emphasizes the importance for artists to reconsider the boundaries of their lyrics in an era where music spreads rapidly.
What other topics have arisen around the song "+57" aside from its lyrics?
Aside from the controversy over the lyrics, the song "+57" was also criticized for the lack of female representation, as Karol G is the only woman involved in the project. This sparked a debate about gender equality in urban music. Artists like Farina have expressed their dissatisfaction with the absence of more women in the collaboration, highlighting an ongoing issue of visibility within the genre.
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