I'm Only as African as My Blackface

I'm Only as African as My Blackface

Originally written by Pia M. Murray February 21, 2011

 

 

"The Fashion magazine is about to celebrate its 90th birthday. To celebrate this anniversary, the festivities start with the March issue, with Beyoncé on the cover. She agreed to pose for an incredible fashion shoot, with the theme of African Queen, paying a tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti. Far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce, the beauty posed for the magazine with amazing fashion designers clothes, but also in a dress created by her mother. [It is] A return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture, on which her face was voluntarily darkened. All the pictures will be available in the collector edition, on sell at the end of this month. "*
This is the [ahem, BS] statement released by  L'Officiel, the French magazine sporting Beyoncé in blackface and designer tribal prints on its 90th anniversary cover. In order to pay homage to infamous musician and political activist, Fela Kuti, Beyoncé voluntarily donned dark brown paint on her face to "return to her African roots, as you can see on the picture." [See image below.]

Because of course she could never appear authentically African in her Gucci patterns and Victorian gowns without darkening her face. Oh but not to worry, she left out the painted white lips and made sure they didn't use the shots with her eyes crossed, so its not really blackface- right?

But aside from that, where was the tribute to Fela Kuti? I mean really, am I missing something? The whole excuse for this shuck and jive photo shoot was to honor the legacy of Fela Kuti- but I've yet to to see where his legacy is honored or even acknowledged.

Clearly I'm missing something, but if anyone else finds it please let me know.


Photo credits (top to bottom): bossip.com; slumz.boxden.com
* "Beyoncé Black Face In L’Officiel Paris: Fela Kuti Tribute" by Melinda. Feb 20, 2011. http://www.rnbmusicblog.com/beyonce-black-face-in-lofficiel-paris/19847/