Bikinis Over Burkas

Mary Katharine Ham | February 24, 2006 2:55 PM

Bringing on a revolution, one babe at a time.

This is cool. A 28-year-old artist named Deeyah has been dubbed the "Muslim Madonna," and her most recent video is a harsh take on the Muslim world's treatment of women.

Watch the video, here.

The video features Deeyah shedding a burka in favor of a bikini. She is, of course, getting death threats.

From the Hindustan Times:

The singer, who was born in Norway but moved to the UK after her act alienated her from the Muslim community, has been forced to cancel performances and hire a team of bodyguards after inciting anger from British Muslims as well.
"I can't walk around without bodyguards. I would be lying if I said abuse from religious fanatics did not upset or scare me," the 28-year-old, dubbed as the 'Muslim Madonna' was quoted by Contactmusic, as saying.

Asian music TV network B4U TV dropped the video after receiving complaints.

"We played the video a couple of times and then did not play it again. We had threats which we were forced to take very seriously. These things are sensitive issues," an employee said.

But the video's not all about booty-shaking your way to freedom of expression. The video reportedly features other Muslim and Middle Eastern women who have fought for women's rights. There are women, throughout the video, pictured removing strips of tape from their mouths. I'm trying to find a story on who exactly they are.

Sample lyrics from the song causing controversy, "What Will It Be?":

"Does the truth only come from the top of a holy man's spire?"

"From three paces back, covered head to toe, like the rules that the man says and written just for show."

"You can stand up, lay down, or follow. What will it be? Will it all be the same tomorrow?"

"We don't take it lightly when you threatening women. How you have so much hate and you fake your religion?"

"If you're that religious and not for trendy clothes, then what you doing even watching videos?"