Rebecca Ferguson says she's been asked to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony.
The singer tweeted she would "graciously accept" the invitation from the American president-elect if she can perform Strange Fruit.
"[It's] a song that has huge historical importance, a song that was blacklisted in the United States," she posted.
The words of Strange Fruit describe the lynching of African Americans in the early 20th century: "Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze".
It's been described as one of the first great protest songs.
Rebecca wrote that the song "speaks to all the disregarded and down trodden black people" in the US and if she can sing it she will "see [Mr Trump] in Washington".
I've been asked and this is my answer. If you allow me to sing "strange fruit" a song that has huge historical importance, a song that was blacklisted in the United States for being too controversial. A song that speaks to all the disregarded and down trodden black people in the United States. A song that is a reminder of how love is the only thing that will conquer all the hatred in this world, then I will graciously accept your invitation and see you in Washington. Best Rebecca X
It might seem like she's supporting Trump, but it sounds like she has a good reason/intention, so I'd be fine with that.
It's kind of an F U to some of his supporters/him.
It might seem like she's supporting Trump, but it sounds like she has a good reason/intention, so I'd be fine with that.
It's kind of an F U to some of his supporters/him.
I mean this isn't as high-stakes but the closest thing I can think of is Paul Simon breaking the culture embargo on South Africa during Apartheid to record Graceland? I don't think it's worth it even if her heart is in the right place.
I can kind of respect the stance she is taking. If Trump is willing to let her stand up for black people on a public stage, then she will do so. She isn't performing for Trump, she is performing to give Black people a voice and if Trump accepts that, it will be a complete backstab to his republican followers.
It might seem like she's supporting Trump, but it sounds like she has a good reason/intention, so I'd be fine with that.
It's kind of an F U to some of his supporters/him.
I mean this isn't as high-stakes but the closest thing I can think of is Paul Simon breaking the culture embargo on South Africa during Apartheid to record Graceland? I don't think it's worth it even if her heart is in the right place.
This isn't an apt comparison for a multitude of reasons.