Ever since Namewee (黃明志)’s latest controversy broke out, things have been rather hectic for the singer-songwriter. His newest song with Australian singer Kimberley Chen (陈芳语) has led to a whole slew of problems; from being banned on various Chinese platforms to constant harrying from netizens.
“Fragile (玻璃心)” looks like a cutesy song, but looks can be deceiving. The song supposedly touches on sensitive issues in China which has incensed Chinese netizens. Many have been mouthing off at the Malaysian rapper, accusing him of various matters. Yesterday (28th October), he addressed the issue both on Facebook and Instagram.
Namewee’s earlier social media post touched on a few issues, but as always, the netizens have been unrelenting. Their most recent argument was that “Fragile” was written in retaliation against China. Apparently, Namewee’s career had failed to take off in the country, hence his need to write the song. Netizens also accused Namewee of using the song to “make money off the Chinese” and said he “deserved to be (banned)”. Needless to say, the Malaysian rapper was less than impressed.
“In the (argument) above, there are six errors,” Namewee said shortly. He addressed each allegation and provided a rebuttal. “I’ve never been to China (to develop my career),” he stated. Namewee claimed he had been approached by Chinese entertainment companies before, but turned them all down. “Because I find they have a lot of censorship and restrictions and I am afraid it will affect my work,” he explained.
Namewee clarified that he has been making money from China even before writing “Fragile”. “I wrote advertisement songs (played) on the streets of China, and many television shows and movies used copyrights (of) my songs,” he said. Additionally, he has written interludes and theme songs for various films. Namewee also explained he earns copyright fees for his songs on streaming platforms. “If an entertainer (truly) is only trying to make money, (they would) definitely choose a large (group) of people, a large base, especially for entertainment,” he stressed. The singer pointed out that their accusation was a contradiction in itself.
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Previously, Namewee claimed he bore no ill will towards China. As a Malaysian Chinese, he’s grown up with Chinese culture. The rapper added he’s visited China to travel and that he has many friends in China whom he respects. “I have never been an “enemy” (of the Chinese),” he stated. In fact, the singer points out that the lyrics of “Fragile” do not mention any names, persons or country. “But (I’d like to) thank (netizens) for taking (responsibility),” he quipped. “Otherwise, (the song) wouldn’t have gotten such good reception.”
Namewee’s final point has made those on his side cheer him on. “I don’t think I’m being banned,” the rapper said. “The people who are being banned are (those) who have (lost) their right to freely listen to songs…” Both Namewee and Kimberley hadn’t shown remorse after being banned from China’s platforms. Kimberley even pointed out that there were other platforms available for them to use.
The issue has been going on for over a week now. While Namewee has been fielding retorts from netizens, Kimberley herself hasn’t been spared from the matter. Last week, netizens retaliated against her by digging up her past.
This isn’t the first time Namewee has gotten wrapped up in a controversy over his art. But credits to him, he has persistently supported and continued in what he believes in. It is uncertain if Chinese netizens will ever relent against the singer. But, we can be sure it won’t deter Namewee from making music he believes in.
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