The bona fide predecessor to often controversial trendsetters like Lady Gaga and RiRi, Madonna Louise Ciccone, or Madonna as she is now known, celebrated her milestone 60th birthday on 16 August 2018.
Frequently touted as the Queen of Pop, the singer is recognised for her lifelong work in challenging the boundaries of the music industry from everything including lyrics, style, music videos, and her often controversial live performances (ask Drake).
A woman of many talents, Madonna, in fact, moved to New York as a young woman to pursue a career in modern dance. Getting featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been just one of the star’s many accolades, which includes top positions in Rolling Stone’s ‘100 Greatest Artists of All Time’ and ‘100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.’
Moreover, the star has also sold 64 million albums in the US alone, with 12 multi-platinum records.
In her display cabinet at home? 7 Grammy awards out of a staggering total of 28 nominations.
With timeless hits like ‘La Isla Bonita’ and ‘Like a Virgin’ continuing to provide musical inspiration and pop culture value in the years since their release, the diva continues to occupy a prominent role in the hearts and imaginations of fans around the world.
Sri Lanka is no different.
With a population of Sri Lankans proclaiming to be ‘die-hard’ fans, it should come as no surprise that many reacted to the idol’s birthday with jubilation.
Having gotten the opportunity to speak to some fans, it was easy to understand that despite the generational gap with millennials, Madonna is still a force to be reckoned with.
Noah Mubarak told me that for him, Madonna’s defiance of the rules and the way in which she takes complete ownership of her music and image is a breath of fresh air.
Some were even surprised to find that their idol had hit the big 6-0. Malisha told me that given how active, fit, and just downright cool the songstress is, it’s “hard to believe anyone could make old look so good.”
Shaaf told me that his exposure had started from a young age, with his mom playing classics like ‘Like a Prayer’ and ‘Vogue’ constantly on cassette. When I asked him what his favourite Madonna song was, however, he told me that her collaboration with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland which led to hit single ‘4 Minutes’, was undeniably his top choice.
On her 60th birthday, the diva travelled to Morocco to celebrate this milestone with twin daughters Estere and Stella. Even this, however, was tinged with controversy. Having posted a selfie of herself donning the traditional headdress of the historic Berber people at a high-end boutique, the singer and songwriter faced backlash and was accused of cultural appropriation.
Speaking to Harshini about this, she told me that she found nothing wrong in the way the star chose to share her appreciation of the Berbers. “I can understand why some may perceive this to be culturally insensitive, but I think she just wanted to share some love for the Berber people. Let her have fun, it’s her 60th birthday!”
Madonna didn’t just stop there, though. In honour of her birthday, she’s also marking this occasion with a month-long Facebook fundraiser benefitting orphan children in Malawi.
How’s that for star power!
By Archana Heenpella
