A Colombian high court has held that the hit song “+57,” performed by urban music celebrities Karol G and J Balvin, infringed on the rights of children through lyrics that were determined to “sexualize minors.” The decision has sparked further debate around responsibility in music and the protection of youth in media.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, orders the artists and other reggaeton collaborators involved in the track to refrain from releasing future music that infringes on the rights of children and adolescents.
“Sexualizing minors reduces them to becoming objects of desire and exposes them to risks that can affect their development,” the court stated in its 14-page decision.
Why the Song Sparked Outrage
Released in November 2023, “+57” was titled after Colombia’s international dialing code, which quickly drew criticism from child rights organizations in the country. The song has lyrics in which it talks about a young woman going out to party “despite having an owner” and refers to her as having been a “hot mama since she was 14”.
This language was generally decried as unfit and injurious, especially in light of Colombia’s continued difficulties with the exploitation of children and sexualization of youth. Medellín, where the song was taped and where both artists were born, has been particularly susceptible to these problems despite being a developing tourism destination.
Artist Responses and Lyric Changes
Following the backlash, Karol G (real name Carolina Giraldo) posted an apology on Instagram, stating that the lyrics had been “taken out of context,” but also admitting that she had “a lot to learn.” She expressed regret and acknowledged the importance of being more responsible with her music.
J Balvin (real name Jose Alvaro Osorio) also issued a public apology, which was referenced in the court’s ruling.
As public pressure grew, the artists released a revised version of “+57” on YouTube. In this updated version, the controversial line was changed to say that the woman had been a “hot mama since she was 18,” shifting the narrative to reflect legal adulthood.
A Broader Concern in Music and Society
This case has once again highlighted the role of reggaeton lyrics in youth culture and the broader implications of promoting underage sexuality in popular media. Critics, including music writers and columnists, have condemned the song, with the Spanish-language version of Rolling Stone describing its original form as a “disaster.”
The court’s decision has been welcomed by some as a landmark ruling that underscores the necessity of protecting young people from harmful media messages, especially in nations like Colombia that still grapple with safeguarding vulnerable youth.
