MP3Waxx Music & Music Video Promotion & Marketing

Megan Thee Stallion, the fiery sensation from H-Town, delivered a sensational conclusion to the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture by inviting 20 lucky fans from the crowd to join her on stage for an exhilarating twerk session. After setting the stage on fire with her chart-topping hits, the H-Town Hottie handpicked the most talented dancers to showcase their skills and make the crowd go wild. Under the guidance of the “Plan B” hitmaker, the performers flaunted their impressive Megan Thee Stallion knees, captivating the audience. Adding to the excitement, Janelle Monáe, who recently faced controversy for a revealing moment at the festival, took on the role of hype woman. Standing at the side of the stage, she cheered on the dancers, igniting their energy and amplifying the electric atmosphere. A video capturing the incredible moment was shared by an outlet with the caption, “Hot girl bootcamp was in full effect last night. It’s @janellemonae with the encouragement for us.” Watch the video below to witness the thrilling performance. However, not everyone was equally enthralled by the display, as India.Arie voiced her concerns about the appropriateness of the dancing at the festival. In a lengthy response shared in the comment section, she questioned whether twerking portrayed the culture in a respectful light and predicted that the moment wouldn’t age well. India.Arie emphasized the importance of context, acknowledging that humanity encompasses a wide range of activities but not everything belongs on a stage. She further emphasized that certain things may not be suitable for children or for everybody. According to her, when aspects like this become mainstream, it reflects a lack of discretion and discernment within the culture. While acknowledging that her perspective might not align with everyone, the “Brown Skin” singer restated her point, expressing a desire for the international export of their music to showcase their culture in a more respectful manner. She concluded by stating her discomfort with the moment, even though she has a deep appreciation for both Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe. India.Arie’s comments have sparked a discussion about the boundaries and representation within the festival, highlighting the differing opinions regarding artistic expression and cultural context. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how the festival organizers and artists will respond to the feedback received.