Mariah Carey is catching some fire after recently being paid $1 million for a performance in Angola.
Human rights groups are not happy with the R&B diva, who performed a two-hour concert for authoritarian Angolan President José Eduardo Dos Santos last Sunday (Dec 15.).
“It is the sad spectacle of an international artist purchased by a ruthless police state to entertain and whitewash the father-daughter kleptocracy that has amassed billions in ill-gotten wealth while the majority of Angola lives on less than $2 a day,” states Human Rights Foundation president Thor Halvorssen.
This is not the first time Carey has taken heat for performing for a dictator. Five years ago, she had to issue an apology after taking a gig for notorious dictator Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi, who was toppled and killed during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011.
“Mariah Carey can't seem to get enough dictator cash,” Thor adds. “Just five years ago she performed for the family of Libyan dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi. Now, she goes from private performances to public displays of support and credibility for one of Africa's chief human rights violators and most corrupt tyrants.”
President José Eduardo Dos Santos is said to have murdered many who defied him including politicians, journalists and other people.
You may have heard the recent news about Mariah Carey’s controversial performance in Angola. The pop-star was reportedly paid $1 million to perform at a gala for Angola’s dictator, Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
This event has caused quite a stir among human rights activists who argue that Carey’s decision to perform for an oppressive regime is morally questionable. As you probably know, Angola has been ruled by dos Santos and his family for over 36 years.
During this time, the country has been plagued by corruption, violence, and human rights abuses. Amnesty International has accused the government of suppressing freedom of expression, torturing political prisoners, and using excessive force against protesters.
Many people are now asking whether it is ethical for celebrities like Carey to accept large sums of money from dictators while turning a blind eye to their crimes against humanity.
The Ethics of Performing for Oppressive Regimes
Performing for oppressive regimes is a serious ethical issue that artists can’t ignore. While the allure of a big paycheck may be tempting, it’s crucial to consider the implications of performing for governments that violate human rights.
When artists perform for these regimes, they’re essentially condoning their actions and sending the message that money is more important than standing up for what’s right. Many argue that music should transcend politics and that art shouldn’t be censored. However, performing for oppressive regimes goes beyond freedom of expression.
It sends a message to those who suffer under these governments that their pain and struggles don’t matter. As an artist, you have a platform and a responsibility to use it in an ethical manner. By performing for oppressive regimes, you’re betraying this responsibility.
Furthermore, taking gigs from oppressive regimes also puts other artists in a difficult position. If one artist performs at such events, others may feel pressured to do so as well in order to keep up with industry standards or avoid missing out on lucrative opportunities.
This creates a domino effect where more and more artists end up supporting unethical practices simply because they don’t want to miss out on money or opportunities. Therefore, it’s vital for artists to think carefully about the impact of their actions before accepting any gig offers from oppressive regimes.
Mariah Carey’s Controversial Angola Gig: A Closer Look
Despite the criticism surrounding the event, there’s more to Mariah Carey’s recent performance in Angola than meets the eye.
While some argue that performing for oppressive regimes is unethical, others believe that it can serve as a form of cultural diplomacy and bring attention to important issues.
Carey’s concert was organized by Unitel, a telecommunications company owned by Isabel dos Santos, who’s been accused of corruption and human rights violations.
However, Carey claims she wasn’t aware of these allegations and was simply following through on her contractual obligations.
Critics argue that even if Carey was unaware of dos Santos’ actions, performing for an oppressive regime only legitimizes their actions and sends the message that it’s acceptable to ignore human rights abuses.
Despite this backlash, some supporters believe that Carey’s performance brought attention to Angola’s political situation and could lead to positive change in the future.
Conclusion
So, what do you think about Mariah Carey’s decision to perform in Angola?
As a performer, she has the right to choose where and for whom she performs. However, when it comes to oppressive regimes like Angola’s, performing for them can send a message of support and legitimacy that these regimes don’t deserve.
It’s important for celebrities to use their platform responsibly and consider the impact of their actions on human rights issues.
While Carey may have received criticism for her $1 million gig in Angola, it hopefully serves as a reminder that we should all be conscious of where our money goes and who it supports.
Founder and Creator of Singersroom.com and IncredibleWork.com. Follow me on Instagram at @gary.gentles.