Anitta, the popular Brazilian singer, faced a wave of backlash after releasing a music video that highlighted religious intolerance and racism in Brazil. The controversy erupted when the 31-year-old artist shared a preview of her new song, “Aceita,” which featured scenes depicting her faith, Candomblé.
Candomblé, a syncretic religion with roots in West African traditions, has long been a target of discrimination in Brazil. Despite being practiced by only 2 percent of the population, followers of Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé often face disproportionate levels of religious intolerance.
Anitta’s video, which also showcased Catholicism and promoted a message of acceptance, sparked both praise and criticism. While many applauded her for honoring her faith, others condemned the video as “witchcraft” and “Satanism.”
The singer, who has gained international fame with hits in both Portuguese and Spanish, has been open about her Candomblé beliefs. In the face of the backlash, Anitta has spoken out against what she described as “religious racism,” a term used to describe acts of intolerance towards Afro-Brazilian faiths.
The incident has reignited discussions about the history of anti-Black racism in Brazil and the ongoing struggles faced by practitioners of Candomblé. As activists and scholars point out, attacks on faith are not just about religion but also about targeting the soul and identity of individuals.
Anitta’s experience serves as a reminder of the deep-seated issues of religious intolerance and racism that continue to plague Brazilian society. As the singer continues to navigate her faith and her career in the spotlight, the conversation around these important issues is sure to persist.
