Entertainment

Nicki Minaj Reacts To Michael B Jordan’s J’Ouvert Rum Caribbean Appropriation

Published

3 years ago

June 23, 2021

Actor Michael B Jordan recently dived into the alcoholic beverage industry. But he immediately faced backlash for his new rum brand name J’Ouvert.

He is being accused of cultural appropriation by critics of all backgrounds, but especially those with Caribbean roots for naming the brand J’Ouvert after launching it on Sunday (June 20).

The description on the box for the rum reads, “Derives from the Antellian Creole French term meaning ‘daybreak,’ J’OUVERT originated in the pre-dawn streets of Trinidad, as celebration of emancipation combined with Carnival season to serve as the festival informal commencements.

Nicki Minaj Tells Michael B. Jordan To Change Name Of J'Ouvert Rum

THREAD.

ICYMI Michael B Jordan has launched a rum brand called J’ouvert & has filed a trademark for the word J’ouvert. In his filing he says the word “has no meaning in any language” I am livid.

Black Capitalism is still Capitalism.

Sign the petition: https://t.co/0gNp4JAvGn https://t.co/UWS1ojZN7D

— #BakeOnceAWeek The Box – Drops 6/30 (@LeslieMac) June 21, 2021

I’ve never heard him speak about T&T, our carnival or even participate in our festivals, he probably never even experience J’ouvert morning, yet feels so comfortable slapping it on his rum. And not even the correct meaning, correct islands, nothing.
And that artwork, WTF?!??!?!? https://t.co/7CGm0ujfEt

— mik (@maakayla14) June 20, 2021

Crafted on those same islands, J’OUVERT Rum is a tribute to the party start.” Shortly thereafter, the rum started raising eyebrows by users across social media.

Nicki Minaj caught wind of the accusations and chimed in with her thoughts, and it has been widely accepted, especially considering her Trinidadian roots. She reposted a comment from someone that was angered over Jordan’s rum’s moniker.

“J’Ouvert also known as jouvay originated in Trinidad with the festivities of Canboulay, which was a time when sugarcane fields caught on fire and slaves were still forced to harvest the remainding crops before complete destruction.”

In the caption, Nicki added, “I’m sure MBJ didn’t intentionally do anything he thought Caribbean ppl would find offensive— but now that you are aware, change the name & continue to flourish & prosper.”