The Grammy-winning musician Lizzo is openly discussing the subtleties of her international success and the largely white fan base that frequently accompanies it.
The 34-year-old music sensation, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, gave an exclusive interview to Vanity Fair for their cover story in November. During the discussion, she discussed her artistic process and the inspiration for her music. Lizzo brazenly declared that she doesn’t write songs with a particular racial audience in mind, even though she has achieved great levels of fame. Rather, her music is a genuine representation of her Black experience and a means of overcoming obstacles in life.
Lizzo has unquestionably made an impression in the pop genre with singles like “Juice,” “Good As Hell,” and the most recent “About Damn Time,” while having her musical roots in R&B, hip-hop, and gospel. Lizzo made it clear that her main audience is Black women, even if she has a broad fan base that includes a large number of White admirers after her breakout song “Cuz I Luv You” in 2019.
“We need self-love and self-love anthems more than anybody,” Lizzo said with a lot of emotion. Her song is intended to speak to Black women who, like her, have experienced social pressures, bullying, and lack of recognition. She considers it a fundamental part of her identity as a Black artist, thus she finds it confusing when detractors cast doubt on her dedication to making music from a Black perspective.
Speaking
Lizzo’s advocacy demonstrates her dedication to social causes. After Roe v. Wade was overturned in June, she sent $500,000 to the National Network of Abortion Funds and Planned Parenthood. Notably, Live Nation, the company that promoted her tour, matched this donation with a further $500,000. Lizzo cites the widespread problem of white male domination in the nation, with cooperation from a variety of sources, including white women, as the reason for the major influence of race in the decision.
In summary, Lizzo’s journey explores the nuances of race, identity, and activism outside the realm of music. Her unwavering attitude and dedication to her heritage support her message of self-love, making her a potent voice in the diverse and changing cultural environment of today.