Erykah Badu criticised by human rights groups after performing for Swaziland king

The controversy comes following the imprisonment of journalist Bkheki Makhubu and human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, who are on trial for contempt of court having called into question the independence of the country’s judicial system in the single remaining independent news outlet, The Nation. Criticism of King Mswati’s government is banned in Swaziland, and if convicted both men face jail time of up to five years.

Despite having since claimed she performed only as a favour to her friend Jacob “The Jeweler” Arabo (who has himself spent time behind bars in the US for lying to federal investigators after being accused of conspiring to launder drug money) Badu has been criticised for implicitly supporting Mswati’s regime. Speaking to the Washington Post Jeffrey Smith from the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights commented “[it is] highly unfortunate that someone of Erykah Badu’s international stature would use her star power for inherently reprehensible reasons—namely, to provide legitimacy, and, in a sense, endorse a brutal dictator who both manages and directs every facet of Africa’s last absolute monarchy.”

Badu has responded to these criticisms by stating she does not owe anyone an explanation, but spoke to the Dallas Morning News to give her take on the situation:

“The people know I was not endorsing the king or helping to further his political agenda. I have no agenda. I went into a situation not completely knowing the political climate of the kingdom. I can’t be held responsible for the situation in the kingdom because I signed up as an artist, not as a political activist. I don’t belong to anyone or to anything. Anything I do is because I am a human being, and I am for the people.

Because of my status, it’s a media opportunity for the human rights groups to further their agenda. If I did have a relationship with the king of Swaziland, why wouldn’t they take an opportunity to speak with me to see how I could help solve whatever issues they are having rather than attack me? But they did not. It’s very unfair to say my performance is an endorsement. There is no place on this planet that I would not visit. I will always take an opportunity, if invited, to go to the people wherever they are in whatever condition they are in.

In the end, I love everyone, and I see freedom ahead for those enslaved and the slave masters. Guess I’m guilty — again.”

Badu has also responded via Twitter, stating: “I have no political affiliation to anything besides my AFRO. However, I will stand with any group opposing injustice.”

[via Pitchfork]