Erykah Badu, whose large afro wigs have long been associated with the natural hair movement, rocked a radical new look at the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.
Erykah Badu at Lollapalooza
Erykah Badu in years past
Since the photos were posted online, people have reacted in a variety of ways. Some see the combination of blonde and straight as a radical and unwelcome departure from her natural roots, others feel that as an artist, she is free to reinvent herself and doesn’t owe anybody anything.
I personally think that a.) well, first off it’s amazing that Erykah booked Lollapalooze, so hats off to her b.) I could be wrong… but I don’t remember Erykah ever going on the record saying she was pro-natural, so I think it was largely assumed and c.) I think we sometimes forget that they were wigs… afro *wigs*.
Erykah has done several gorgeous big chops over the years, but I don’t think she’s managed to grow out a head of loose-strand natural hair. Maybe it’s because she didn’t want to, maybe it’s because she couldn’t. I don’t know.
I know a lot of naturals have projected feelings onto Erykah and I’m not sure that’s fair. She’s always played around with her look (she’s even rocked straight wigs before), so this certainly isn’t unprecedented.
What’s your take?
Lollapalooza pics via The Kansas City Star
