Kanye West is back in the news again, this time for reportedly demanding singers auditioning for his Sunday Service Choir shave their heads. According to reports, singers seeking to join the choir are forced to abide by this requirement; prompting fans to have mixed opinions.
While others find it odd, others wonder if West's religious services are becoming elitist. Social media comments have been laced with incredulity.
A particularly viral post distilled the universal reaction:
"He trying to make a cult?"
Others sounded similarly appalled, with statements such as.
"Weird as hell"
"Another cult in the kitchen cooking."
Others were concerned with the need for the rule, one person wryly commenting,
"Bald caps exist lol."
Though West has not confirmed the policy, the news prompted controversy regarding artistic control, individual autonomy, and the essence of his Sunday Service events.
Kanye West's Sunday Service has gone from an intimate gathering to a mass religious performance
West founded Sunday Service in 2019 as a set of invitation-only gospel concerts. Initially, they took place at private venues where the choir would sing spiritual adaptations of his material.
The shows later branched out to open spaces, including Coachella and churches throughout America. The choir is a focal point for services, with its members said to be asked to adhere to rigid schedules and rule books.
Although West's artistic vision for the choir has long been exacting; the shaving-head rule indicates a trend towards a more standard look.
Imposing a shaved head policy provokes debates about artistic vision vs. personal choice
Numerous artists have precise demands for performers; ranging from dress codes to choreography. Yet demanding people to make changes in their physical appearance is rare in the music industry.
Some people think West is trying to build a visually cohesive team; like religious or military groups that employ uniformity as a representation of discipline. Cultists, though, view this as an excessive intrusion into individual freedom.
Requiring members to have a shaved head has resulted in debate about control within the choir. As a result of West's previous choices—requiring a uniform dress code among employees at Donda Academy, for example—some consider this another example of controlling his creative endeavors.
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Kanye West has been accused in the past of cult-like practice in his ventures
Kanye West's initiatives, which have been religious-themed in nature; have sometimes been received skeptically. The exclusivity of Sunday Service, in addition to rumors of strict expectations for behavior from participants, has caused some to liken it to a highly managed movement and not a conventional choir.
Previous accusations have consisted of charges that members of the choir discouraged discussing internal affairs and that the performances had a heavy overlay of devotion above music. Added to West's vocal opinions regarding faith and leadership; these tend to lead one to believe that his religious activities are more than mere art.
West has not publicly addressed the reports about the shaved-head requirement; leaving room for speculation. Whether this is an artistic choice or an attempt to create a more controlled environment, the reaction from fans has been largely critical.
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As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether West will clarify his stance or if this latest controversy will simply become another chapter in his ongoing public scrutiny.
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