The fact that there is a debate about the sexist Ballermann summer hit “Layla” by DJ Robin & Schürze is the good side of a bad song. Unfortunately, the topic is being talked about. A comment.
The party song “Layla” is a phenomenon. It’s no surprise that the freshly chosen summer hit by DJ Robin & Schürze is bawled at Ballermann. There he fits. But the fact that such a sexist prollo hit is so successful after debates like #MeToo in 2022 surprises many. Likewise, that such nonsense trimmed for scandal is streamed tens of millions of times and tops the charts for weeks. The fact that a new sexism debate has flared up is the good side of a bad song, but unfortunately this partly misses the point.
Firstly, there is the word “ban” – mainly brought into play by those who celebrate the song. This is of course total nonsense – the song is not banned anywhere! There may be organizers who have announced that they will not play the song at their events, but on the one hand a ban would hardly be effective, on the other hand a spokeswoman for the city of Düsseldorf referred to the decisive argument: the lack of a legal basis. And if it is played after all (reportedly happened in Düsseldorf), there is little to stop it anyway.
Summer hit “Layla”: Sexism is not a competition
Second, it is difficult to have a debate when one side is only looking at the issue superficially, whether through indifference or incompetence. Not only supporters of the song, but also DJ Robin himself seriously declare in “Layla’s” defense that the lyrics are worse in every German rap song. That may be true, but sexism is not a competition. And not only in the case of sexism, but also in the case of homophobia and racism, “a little” is always too much.
Thirdly, the topic is dismissed by many as a media summer hole filler, which even the German Press Agency has jumped on. But: which summer slump? It is gratifying that there is still room for this debate even in times of war, Corona, heat and drought.
Sad enough that sexism is part of Ballermann and GfK apparently has no problem with it either. If you want to hear the song in the little room – please. But when many people celebrate together, there should be no room for sexist songs. It would therefore be desirable if other organizers showed a clear edge – and simply did not play songs like “Layla”.
