On April 6, BLACKSWAN member Fatou took to her personal X account to shed light on the persistent issues of racism and blackphobia within the K-pop industry. She expressed a desire for apologies to be directed specifically to the Black community, rather than being generalized or dismissed.
In her message, Fatou called out individuals in the industry who have caused offense to Black audiences, noting their tendency to evade accountability for their actions. She concluded her thoughts by urging people to delve deeper into the history and culture of the Black community, emphasizing the importance of genuine understanding.
Here’s a snippet of what Fatou had to say:
“If u wanna apologize to us black people, make sure you address us. Don’t use everything we’ve created, run with it, and then try acting clueless. We’ve gone through this circus before, and I hope that it’s the last one so please do the right thing. It’s not gonna kill you.”
She further elaborated:
“Gonna say this before I sleep, know that you would be nothing without black/afro music so please respect the people behind it and the culture. If you really want to understand it, do some research (it’s really fun actually); you’ll fall more in love with it.”
Fans and netizens widely praised Fatou for her bold stance. Here are some notable reactions:
“A black kpop idol openly criticizing racism and specifically blackphobia in the kpop industry? Oh we love to see it!”
“Imagine how Fatou must feel being a black kpop idol and all of the other groups are constantly mocking you and your people for content… thank you, Fatou, for speaking up! YOU are the only one who truly understands,”said a fan on X.
“Being in an industry that disrespects her and her culture, I have no idea how she manages to tolerate this for five years. Glad she’s spoken up,”commented another fan.
“It’s powerful to see a Black woman in the K-pop industry calling out racism so openly. It’s refreshing and crucial. She’s advocating not just for herself but for everyone who has been disrespected and marginalized. Finally, someone with a platform is speaking truth to power,”noted a netizen.
Many emphasized the importance of Fatou’s post as a catalyst for much-needed dialogue within the K-pop realm:
“Thank you for speaking up; it’s vital to address these topics to prevent them from being ignored as they have in the past. It’s time for genuine change,”stated a fan.
“Let them know!!! Your culture is not a concept!!! SPEAK LOUDER QUEEN!!”added another user.
“You know it’s significant when Fatou speaks up because she usually stays private; she articulated this perfectly. We love you, mother,”commented a netizen.
The Legacy of BLACKSWAN: A Multi-national K-Pop Phenomenon
BLACKSWAN, a four-member K-pop girl group established in 2020 under DR Music, exemplifies the globalization of the genre. The actively evolving ensemble comprises Fatou, Gabi, Sriya, and NVee.
BLACKSWAN operates on a unique admission and graduation system, allowing for a dynamic lineup. Originally debuting as Raina in 2011 through their EP “Teddy Riley, the First Expansion in Asia,”they later rebranded as BP Rania in 2016, releasing two EPs, “Start a Fire”and “Refresh 7th.”The group reverted to Rania promotion in 2018 before finally adopting the name BLACKSWAN in October 2020, accompanied by the release of the album “Goodbye Raina,”featuring new members Judy and Fatou.
In subsequent years, BLACKSWAN delivered a single album, “Close to Me”in October 2021, followed by a lineup change where Judy departed and Sriya, Gabi, and NVee joined in her stead. The group further expanded their discography with the single album “That Karma”in 2023 and the EP “Roll Up”in July 2024. They have also made an appearance in the Apple TV documentary “K-pop Idols,”solidifying their position in the industry.