How did R&B star Usher become the subject of a Malaysian-made parody?

Comedians Shuk SYJ (right) and Jihan Muse (left) played African-American singer Usher and Local singer Yuna respectively in the parody by entertainment show MeleTOP.

Instagram/ Shuk SYJ

The story begins with Malaysian singer Yunalis Mat Zara’ai, also known as Yuna.

She is, you could say, the country’s best musical export.  Recently she released a single featuring Usher called “Crush”, where the R&B star also appears in the music video of that track.

But that was not what inspired local Malay entertainment program “MeleTOP” to produce a parody of the duo’s performance.

The skit was based on a recent live show by Yuna and Usher at The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia in June where they had hugged, sparking criticism in conservative Muslim-majority Malaysia.

Yuna is a Muslim ethnic Malay who swaddles her hair in a chic version of the Muslim hijab head covering worn by many Malay women.

In Malaysia, performers are barred from hugging, kissing and spewing expletives. It also prohibits women from baring skin between their shoulders and knees.

In the spoof, a woman acting as Yuna bows in front of the comedian in “black-face” makeup posing as Usher, instead of hugging him.

The video, which was shared widely on social media, was broadcast on MeleTOP on Tuesday (August 2).

But outcry followed and the show apologized with a series of tweets on Thursday.

We would like to sincerely apologize to Yuna & Usher for our recent parody video, which was poor judgement on our part. #MeleTOP

— MeleTOP (@MyMeleTOP) August 4, 2016

Rest assured that this does not reflect our values and beliefs. #MeleTOP — MeleTOP (@MyMeleTOP) August 4, 2016

We have removed the video and would like to request everyone not to share it. Tq for your cooperation. #MeleTOP — MeleTOP (@MyMeleTOP) August 4, 2016

Many on social media condemned the racism in the parody.

“Yuna made Malaysia proud all around the world and this is how you show her your appreciation,” a Twitter user wrote.

Despite coming far since uploading her first song on Myspace in 2006, Yuna and other Malaysian female entertainers are always the subject of criticism from religious authorities and online trolls over their attire and actions.

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