Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Mamushi‘ Receives Weeaboo Imputations

Megan Thee Stallion has never been shy about showing her love and appreciation for Japanese anime and manga, from dressing up as her favorite characters to bringing fans dressed in cosplay on stage during her 2024 Hot Girl Summer Tour. A self-proclaimed otaku for years, Megan recently released her third studio album titled ‘Megan,’ featuring bilingual songs in English and Japanese.

Photo courtesy of Megan’s Instagram @theestallion

One song from the album that’s currently trending on TikTok is “Mamushi (feat. Yuki Chiba).” This vibrant celebration of success, self-confidence, and the glamorous lifestyle that comes with stardom blends English and Japanese lyrics, creating a unique cross-cultural collaboration in the pop industry. Yet, despite the song’s infectious catchiness and creativity, Megan has faced backlash for her use of Japanese, with critics accusing her of cultural appropriation.

Critics have been quick to label Megan’s use of Japanese as cultural appropriation. Social media platforms, like TikTok and Instagram, buzz with comments accusing her of exploiting Japanese culture for commercial gain. Some argue that her pronunciation and understanding of the language are superficial, thereby disrespecting native speakers. Many claim her imperfect pronunciation is embarrassing, with one Reddit user even comparing it to “weeaboo white girls randomly throwing poorly pronounced Japanese words into their otherwise English sentences.”

Photo courtesy of Megan’s Instagram @theestallion.

However, the criticism leveled at Megan Thee Stallion for "Mamushi" misses the mark. Megan’s choice to sing in Japanese is a testament to her artistic bravery and her commitment to pushing boundaries.

Megan’s love for Japanese culture and media is genuine and well-documented. “I’ve always felt like being an anime fan isn’t something to be ashamed about,” she told Kotaku Australia. “This is who I am. I like what I like, and I really don’t care who doesn’t like it.” For Megan, an anime titled Black Clover — which chronicles a young boy’s quest to become the Wizard King despite being born without magic in a world where it’s essential — had the biggest impact on her life and career, inspiring her to go on during the rough times.

Photo courtesy of jojo-news.com and Megan’s Instagram @theestallion.

Unlike those who fetishize Japanese culture while dismissing their own heritage, Megan has never put down her own culture and heritage. She is simply a girl with hobbies, who, like many of us, finds joy and inspiration in the media she consumes.

The global music industry thrives on the blending of cultures. In today’s pop culture we see many instances of Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese being incorporated into our most popular music. Artistic freedom allows musicians to explore and integrate diverse influences, leading to richer and more varied creative expressions. Megan Thee Stallion’s "Mamushi" is a product of this cultural melting pot. Her willingness to experiment with different languages and sounds is a celebration of our interconnected world.

Rather than constraining artists within cultural silos, we should encourage them to explore and celebrate the diversity that enriches our global society. Megan Thee Stallion’s "Mamushi" is more than just a song—it’s a bridge between cultures, a testament to the power of music to transcend language barriers and unite us. The backlash against her is a reflection of outdated attitudes that fail to recognize the value of cultural exchange in the arts. It’s time we embrace and celebrate the influences that define modern music and support artists like Megan who lead the way in this vibrant cultural dialogue.