Grammy-winning Christian artist Dante Bowe is facing criticism from his fans for a new music video that some say crosses the line with depictions of scantily clad women and provocative dancing, including twerking.
The music video for the song Wind Me Up was released on YouTube two weeks ago and immediately was greeted with concern from fans, many of whom said on his social media accounts that they enjoy his music but believe the music video went too far. The song is included on his self-titled new album, Dante Bowe, which was released by Capitol Christian Music Group.
A news release from Capitol Christian Music Group said the song and video “captures the summer vibes everyone has been waiting for.” The music video played on BET Jams and BET Soul, the news release said.
“This project represents my creative evolution and a bold step towards pushing boundaries,” Bowe said of the album. “Through soulful melodies, infectious beats, and deeply-rooted lyrics, I’ve crafted a sonic journey that bridges the gap between different musical worlds.”
The album is a blend of worship music, R&B, gospel and hip-hop.
The music video depicts Bowe on a boat with a group of women and men before it transitions to a nighttime party-like scene with women dancing around a campfire. Although some of the dancing is tame, other dance scenes depict styles typically not seen in videos by Christian artists. One or two of the women are seen twerking. Some of the women are wearing bikinis.
On his Instagram account, the most popular comments were critical of the music video. Many fans said they were praying for Bowe.
“This is overly sexualized and sensual for someone who screams that everything they do is in Jesus name,” one person wrote. “If you don’t find an issue with this you’re either Lukewarm or don’t have discernment. The dancer could have easily not had their breast on full display and not twerking in the camera let’s be so real right now. God bless him and I pray he has a true transformation in Christ.”
“The track is fire but the visuals are distracting,” another person wrote. “I had to do a double go back and remind myself that I saw you leading Praise and Worship at church. I wish our sisters were so not exposed, and grinding.”
“Come back to Jesus my friend. You have such a powerful calling,” still another person wrote.
Bowe has often posted on social media about the making of the video. One Instagram post showed dancers trying out for a part in the video. Another Instagram post showed Bowe praying for the dancers and the crew before the video was shot.
The video received more attention in late July when Kevin McNeese of NewReleaseToday.com wrote an editorial titled, “What The Bleep Is Happening To Christian Music?” John Cooper of Skillet then discussed the editorial on his podcast.
Bowe was formerly part of Maverick City Music before the two split. He won a Grammy with the group.
Related:
Maverick City Music Suspends Relationship with Singer Dante Bowe due to 'Inconsistent' Behavior
Dante Bowe to Return to Gospel, Christian Music
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Carol Lee Rose/Stringer
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.