Beyoncé's new look causes controversy
A new photo shoot with Beyoncé Knowles has caused quite a stir because the singer's skin was darkened. According to the Daily Telegraph, the cover shoot was for French fashion magazine L'Officiel Paris and there was a reaction to the R&B singer's skin being darkened, with critics saying the look is akin to 'blackface'. According to L'Officiel Paris, the make up and clothing she donned for the photo shoot was a nod to the music of Fela Kuti. Knowles was reportedly so moved by Kuti's music after watching Broadway musical 'Fela!', which is co-produced by her husband, Jay-Z, that she will be incorporating the late African musicians sounds in her next project. Tracey Ford, Editor of BoomBox blog, responded to the criticism: "It appears as though Beyoncé and/or the magazine's intent was to pay homage to her African roots as expressed by a member of her team in a behind-the-scenes video. She added: "She's an African-American woman. Why is it controversial for her to want to honor her roots by highlighting that women come in different shades...If that's in fact what the shoot was attempting to showcase?" Demetria L. Lucas, the author of 'A Belle in Brooklyn: Advice for Living Your Single Life & Enjoying Mr. Right Now' said: "The photographs are beautiful - both those where Beyoncé wears brown paint and those without. "Perhaps if Beyoncé's painted face included an exaggerated mouth and red lips, I would share in the outrage of those who call her look 'offensive' or 'minstrel-like.' But since it doesn't, I cannot."
