In preparation for their Coldplay 2016 tour called "A Head Full Of Dreams" on March, the band collaborated with the queen of hymn herself, Beyonce, for the band's new single "Hymn For The Weekend". However, the video did not receive the positive praise it expected especially if you combine a popular band like Coldplay and the Queen.
The recently released music video shows the band in Mumbai, India roaming the streets and mingling with the children and local shamans. The clip displays the colors of the country and then Beyonce appears like a Bollywood star wearing henna and a sari.
Online tweets from social media platforms everywhere expressed their disappointment regarding the cultural misappropriation of the Indian Culture. Indian Culture, or Desi culture, was allegedly misrepresented.
Both Coldplay and Beyonce fans were torn between loving it or not. Within just 24 hours from its worldwide release, viewers expressed online that the band seemed to use the culture for profit. Among those who have seen the video have claimed that the clip is a one-sided representation of the country which only focuses on the poverty, bollywood popularity and holi paint.
Even Buzzfeed writer Ahmed Ali Akbar took to Twitter using his social media handle @radbrowndads:
"it's crazy how literally all the india music videos hit all the same beats. holi paint, bollywood, poverty, spirituality. come onnnnnnnnn "
While some deemed it a negative showcase of the country, others have acknowledged that the music video shows the beauty of India.
Regardless of the response, Coldplay expressed their thanks to those who have helped contribute to the video which includes the locals of Worli Village and Beyonce, too. With their Twitter handle @Coldplay, the band posted saying that "Hymn for the Weekend" is at the top spot on iTunes India.
What do you think of the video? Check it out below:
