A newly-released video named "Tu suong" or Selfie Orgasm by singer Mai Khoi, already known for her shocking statements and lifestyle, has drawn criticism for its controversial lyrics and images.
Singer Mai Khoi in the "Selfie Orgasm" MV
The Nha Trang-born singer is no stranger to public criticism after making statements such as, "I have the right to love as many people as I want, as long as they are heartfelt loves," "I'm willing to share my boyfriend with my closest friend," "I love everyone who is attractive, even women," and, perhaps close to sacrilege in Vietnam, "Having a child is a human mistake."
Promising singer
Mai Khoi has been widely praised for her voice and won the first prize at a contest for Vietnamese songs with her rendition of a song praising the country’s beauty. However, her unorthodox points of view and behaviour have stupefied audiences who complain that her music has become infused with a spirit of rebellion.
Her first album, released in 2004 with the collaboration of the musician Quoc Bao, was touted as a breath of fresh air to Vpop. The records which followed, in 2008, 2009 and 2010, charted the continuing rise of the young singer.
Then the first hints of a change in style came with an album, that many considered shocking, called "Made in Mai Khoi", released in 2010.
Video draws criticism
After taking a break from music to spend time with her foreign husband, Mai Khoi recently released the music video “Tu suong” or Selfie Orgasm. Everything about the video, almost as if by design, has caused controversy, from its provocative images and lyrics to its musical style - an effort at "joining the dots from dubstep to dance", if such a description is to be taken seriously.
Mai Khoi's MV has drawn criticism for its controversial lyrics and images.
The video does have a message of sorts, criticising the bad habit of young people have of using their devices to search social networking sites for a virtual life.
Nonetheless, many find the words and images offensive, and it caused a wave of outrage immediately after its release.
A number of well-known names in the Vietnamese entertainment industry make appearances in Mai Khoi's new video, including the director Le Hoang, singer Dong Lan and photographer Na Son. The song also features rapper Quan Rapsoul. It also features a nude woman posing on a bed and a young couple snapping pictures of themselves kissing.
A scene in the MV
The video has received a range of different comments. A number of readers said that this is a new style of music that took great effort to create, and that the public should be more accepting and tolerant of such things.
Mai Khoi was even compared to Madonna in the 1980s by some people.
One reader, however, expressed the viewpoint held by many when he said, "Mai Khoi’s MV can adversely affect the thinking of our young people with its crude words and images. The way she dresses may trigger unusual fashion styles among the young."
The image of a nude woman in the MV
Another reader said, "Lady Gaga is peculiar, but she is in the US, while Mai Khoi is Vietnamese. She should keep her cultural identity. The imitation should be put within limits."
The MV can be watched at: http://mp3.zing.vn/video-clip/Tu-Suong-Mai-Khoi-Quan-Rapsoul/ZW6B80EI.html
