RAMZi and Priori Cancel New Album After Being Accused of Cultural Appropriation
Canadian artists RAMZi (real name: Phoebé Gulleimot) and Priori (Francis Latreille) have announced the cancellation of their joint LP as Jumanjí. The album, which was slated for release on FATi Records, was met with criticism for its incorporation of audio clips from countries such as India, Brazil, and Mali, as well as samples from “Vande Mataram,” which is the national song of India. The project was condemned on social media for cultural appropriation, and in response to the criticism, FATi Records released a statement on their website stating that “the production of FAT02 - Jumanjí has been halted and excerpts were removed after members of the community voiced legitimate concerns regarding its content.”
FATi Records asserted that “it was never our intention to exotify our music for the sake of making it more exciting, nor was the inclusion of this sampled material an afterthought,” but later concluded that “after reading the feedback and engaging in thoughtful discussions, we realize that our process was misguided.” Read their full statement below.
“The production of FAT02 - Jumanjí has been halted and excerpts were removed after members of the community voiced legitimate concerns regarding its content. After thoughtful consideration we have decided to cancel the release of this album. Here are a few words about our approach and our decision.
The samples used on this record stem from different parts of the world (incl. India, Brazil, Mali, Canada and many more). We have compiled and collected these specific audio clips over time through an appreciation for music, film and politics from a variety of different cultures. Far be it from us to utilize sounds and voices from different cultures to better ourselves financially or otherwise. In the spirit of Fourth World music, we intended this project as an ode to fusion, a way of harmoniously bringing together a wide range of influences across genres and cultures.
After one of us took an Indian Music Theory class, we were deeply moved by Preetha & Soumya’s interpretation of Vande Mataram and decided to sample the word ‘Vande’, as enunciated by people of different generations; one sung by a child, with the pitch unaltered. We knew of the patriotic nature of the song and thought it aligned well with our appreciation of Indian music. It was never our intention to exotify our music for the sake of making it more exciting, nor was the inclusion of this sampled material an afterthought.
At the essence of Jumanjí (and by extension FATi Records) is a sense of fantasy and child-like adventure, the album being an invitation to go on a journey through different microcosms, beyond any specific genre or era. Paired with a desire to contrast Canada’s colder climate, our mutual interest in ecology led us to create oneiric soundscapes that are far removed from our day to day reality. Drawing from a wide variety of influences in and outside of music, and inspired by a friendship that developed in the process, we intended to create music with a sense of togetherness.
After reading the feedback and engaging in thoughtful discussions, we realize that our process was misguided. No matter our intentions, it is not up to us to determine if the use of borrowed material is upsetting to members of cultures we are not a part of - especially cultures that have experienced the traumas of colonization. We believe cultural identity and social/political equality comes before the music, which is why we decided to call off the production of this record. We are committed to an ongoing process of reflection and education and would like to thank everyone who has provided thoughtful and nuanced criticism.”
Read about RAMZi’s Phobiza vol. 3: Amor Fati on Pitchfork’s year-end list “The Best Electronic Music of 2018.”
