In Colombiathe controversy caused so much noise that the authors of the song +57, in reference to the country’s telephone code, had to change the lyrics. It’s a reggaeton song, urban music that mixes dancehall with elements of Latin hip-hop. It is a very popular musical style in Latin America, but also around the world. The stars Maluma, J Balvin, and Karol G, who we see in the clip, are known on all continents. But this last song is called into question, with some accusing the artists of “sexualizing minors and advocating narcoculture“.
This is one of the pieces that is controversial, because what we hear in this song is: “an eighteen year old baby, walks into the disco and you feel his ki, understand its energy. Baby, I drink shots for you“. But it’s not the original version that was removed from music platforms. The one that was published first was talking about “of a 14 year old baby“. The whole song is linked to alcohol, partying and sexuality, and criticism quickly surged on social networks. Then, a congresswoman presented a proposed decree to Congress which stipulated that the authors of this song needed to be trained on the importance of children’s well-being.
The fight against the sexual exploitation of minors in the country
President Gustavo Petro also reacted on the social networkIn every musical genre, there is art, but also ignorance“, he writes. This ignorance, of which he speaks, is that concerning the fight against the sexual exploitation of minors in the country. It is a fight which has hardened since the beginning of 2024 and the arrival of the new mayor of Medellin, Federico Gutierrez, who is none other than the former candidate in the last Colombian presidential election.
The city of Medellin has seen the phenomenon explode since the end of the pandemic. The mayor has launched awareness campaigns in the city and tracked foreign tourists to the United States when they are identified as clients who came to Colombia for sexual favors from minors. It has made so much noise that even Congress is considering new laws to increase prison sentences and convictions. But it should also be noted that prostitution is not illegal in Colombia, as long as you are an adult. For minors, this is called sexual exploitation and it is illegal.
This subject has become very sensitive in the country and particularly for justice. In October 2024, for the first time, a North American tourist was sentenced to the heaviest sentence ever handed down for an offense of sexual exploitation of minors. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for paying five minors for sexual favors. Public opinion is very sensitive to this theme and even more so in Medellin. Since the song’s launch last week, it has more than 35 million views on YouTube.
What are the potential impacts of songs like “+57” on children’s understanding of relationships and consent?
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the World Today News. Today, we are delighted to have two guests with us to discuss the controversy surrounding the popular reggaeton song “+57” by artists Maluma, J Balvin, and Karol G. First, we have Ana Maria Gonzalez, a child psychologist and advocate for children’s rights in Colombia, and secondly, we have Jose Garcia, a music critic and professor at the University of Bogota.
Section 1: Criticism of the Song’s Lyrics and Themes
World Today News: Good afternoon, both of you. Could you start by sharing your thoughts on the controversy surrounding the “+57” song and how it has come under fire for seemingly sexualizing minors and promoting narcoculture?
Ana Maria Gonzalez: As a child psychologist, I’m deeply concerned about the messages sent by this song. The lyrics contain inappropriate language for a child’s age, and they are presented in a seductive manner that trivializes the seriousness of the situation. The song’s theme promotes a culture of permissiveness towards underage drinking and sexual activity, which is highly dangerous for children’s development. Children should be protected from such influences, and the music industry has a responsibility to promote positive values and role models.
Jose Garcia: As a music critic and professor, I can see both sides of the argument. From an artistic perspective, the song is catchy and well-produced, but from a social standpoint, it does send questionable messages about age and acceptable behavior. The original lyrics, which referred to a 14-year-old baby, were even more problematic. The fact that the artists had to change the lyrics to reference an 18-year-old shows that they were somewhat aware of the issue. However, the song still glorifies partying and alcohol use excessively, which can be harmful to all ages. It’s essential to consider how music influences the public’s perception of acceptable behavior.
World Today News: That’s an interesting point, Professor Garcia. Do you think the music industry has a responsibility to promote positive values and avoid contributing to problematic social issues like the sexual exploitation of minors?
Jose Garcia: Absolutely!
