As a bold move, Cutey B, a female Malawian artist, recently took to the stage while visibly pregnant, delivering a performance that left the audience impressed. While some applauded her for her resilience and the powerful statement she made, others voiced concerns, questioning the appropriateness of a pregnant woman performing in such a demanding environment. This incident shows the perspectives about women in the public eye and how their pregnancies are perceived, especially in the creative industry.
This thing of women performing while pregnant is far from new. Throughout history, many female artists choose to perform at events despite societal expectations. International icons like Beyoncé, who performed at the 2017 Grammy Awards while pregnant with twins, sparked debate. In that performance, Beyoncé didn’t just sing; she bravely portrayed a story around motherhood and womanhood, making her pregnancy a powerful artistic statement.
While still on that, M.I.A. performed at the 2009 Grammy Awards while nine months pregnant, just days before giving birth. Her performance was seen as a strong act with dedication, challenging the thinking that pregnancy is a halt to a woman's professional life.
The different reactions to Cutey B’s performance shows how divided society is. On one hand, some say this is inappropriate, arguing that pregnancy should be a time of rest and caution. They tend to worry about the physical strain and potential health risks, both for the mother and the unborn child. This perspective often comes from traditional views on motherhood, where women are expected to prioritise their role as nurturers above all else.
On the other hand, there are those who see such performances as empowering. For them, these women are not just entertainers; they are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a woman in the public eye. To them performing while pregnant, is challenging the notion that pregnancy is a limitation. To add to that, to them it is a source of strength, showcasing the incredible capabilities of the female body and spirit.
Performances like those of Cutey B or Beyoncé highlight the intersection of art and activism. These women are making a statement not just about their own strength, but about the power and autonomy of all women performing while pregnant. They are challenging outdated norms and inspiring future generations to see pregnancy not as a limitation, but as a natural part of life that can be balanced with personal and professional ambitions. Moreover pregnant women are entitled to dominate spaces which they see fit even outside the entertainment industry and these health concerns should not be used to limit them in doing whatever, for they alone know their bodies.
The performances of pregnant artists like Cutey B are more than just entertainment—they are moments of cultural significance that challenge societal norms and open up new possibilities for women everywhere. Whether one views these performances as empowering or controversial, these female artists have to be supported. As more women like Cutey B continue to break the mould, the hope is that society will evolve to embrace a more inclusive view of women’s capabilities—one that recognizes their right to define their own limits, on their own.
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