Controversy Erupts After J Balvin Wins “Afro-Latino Artist of the Year” Award, Singer Responds: “I Am Not Afro-Latino”

J Balvin, the Colombian artist who Beyonce appeared with on viral-hit “Mi Gente,” was named the 2021 Afro-Latino Artist of the Year by the African Entertainment Awards.

After being awarded, the Columbian singer quickly trended on social media, with many arguing the artist is not Afro-Latino. He later took to his Instagram story to clarify that he is not Afro-Latino. He wrote the post in Spanish, which translates to, “I am not Afro-Latino but thank you for giving me a place in the contribution of Afrobeat music and its movement.”

Some people also called out the African Entertainment Music Awards and said that authorities committed an “atrocity of choice” by nominating Balvin in the category and proclaiming him the winner.

“After listening to the concern of our audience, we have decided to maintain the purpose of the award but changed the name to Best Latin Artist of the Year,” The AEA Music Awards said in a statement addressing the backlash. “Please remember the nominees in this category had no say in their nomination or influence on the award show. Instead of voicing dissatisfaction, let us encourage this artist to continue to bridge the gap between Africa and Latin America.”

The backlash against the singer stemmed from his music video controversy from his song Perra that was released earlier this year. The song was labeled racist and misogynistic after he had African American women tied to leashes and wearing dog ears.

J Balvin removed the “Perra” video from Youtube after the backlash. “I wanted to say sorry for whomever felt offended, especially the black community. That is not who I am. I’m about tolerance, love, and inclusivity,” he released in a statement regarding the video

The four-time Latin Grammy Award winner is one of the most recognized Columbian singers and is often helmed as the “Prince of Reggaeton.”