Raftaar Calls Out Canadian Rapper for ‘Mockery’ of Goddess Kali in Music Video

Indian rapper Raftaar has publicly criticized Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis for using an image of Goddess Kali in a controversial and provocative manner in her new music video. The depiction, which many consider disrespectful and culturally insensitive, has sparked outrage across social media platforms—especially among Hindu communities in India and abroad.

The Controversy Explained
Tommy Genesis, known for pushing boundaries in her music and visuals, released a video that included stylized imagery resembling Goddess Kali. However, the portrayal featured the deity in a context deemed inappropriate by many viewers, with expressions and poses that clash with traditional religious representation.

Raftaar took to social media to express his disappointment, calling it a direct “mockery” of his religion. He urged artists to be more responsible while borrowing from cultures, especially sacred ones.

Why This Matters to Indian Audiences
For many Indians, especially in Tier 2 cities where religious traditions remain closely woven into everyday life, such depictions are not just offensive—they feel like a personal attack. There’s growing concern that global artists often use South Asian religious symbols without understanding or respecting their deeper significance.

Social media users from cities like Indore, Patna, and Nagpur have also voiced discontent, demanding that the artist take down the video and apologize.

Art vs. Cultural Sensitivity
The controversy has reignited debates around artistic freedom versus cultural sensitivity. While artists often defend their right to creative expression, critics argue that this cannot come at the cost of disrespecting deeply held beliefs.

Some voices have called for more dialogue between global creatives and the communities they reference. Others believe that platforms like YouTube should enforce stricter content moderation when religious symbols are involved.

Global Attention and Reactions
The issue has now gone beyond India’s borders, with diaspora communities in the UK, Canada, and the US also condemning the video. Hashtags like #RespectKali and #BoycottTommyGenesis have been trending on X (formerly Twitter).

Tommy Genesis has yet to issue an official statement in response to the backlash.

Conclusion
This incident highlights a growing need for cultural awareness in global pop culture. While music remains a powerful tool for expression, artists must tread carefully when drawing inspiration from religious traditions. As Raftaar’s response shows, faith is deeply personal—and misrepresentation can quickly ignite widespread outrage, especially in a digitally connected world.