The world was shocked to learn of the passing of Mariah Carey's mother, Patricia, and sister, Alison, over the weekend. The American singer, known for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, shared the devastating news in a statement on Monday.
"My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend," Carey said. "Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day."
Carey, who is regarded as one of the most successful singers globally, expressed her gratitude for having spent time with her mother in the week leading up to her death. She also asked for privacy during this difficult time.
While the singer did not provide details about the cause of death for either her mother or sister, she did offer some insight into their relationship. In her 2020 memoir, "The Meaning of Mariah Carey," the five-time Grammy Award winner detailed a complicated relationship with her mother, Patricia, a former opera singer and vocal coach.
Carey wrote about the pain and confusion she experienced due to the competition that existed between them. "Professional jealousy comes with the territory of success, but when the person is your mother and the jealousy is revealed at such a tender age, it’s particularly painful," she wrote.
Despite the challenges, Carey also expressed her deep love for her mother. "To Pat, my mother, who, through it all, I do believe actually did the best she could. I will love you the best I can, always," she wrote in the dedication of her memoir.
Carey's relationship with her sister Alison was also complex. In her memoir, she wrote about being estranged from Alison, as well as her brother Morgan, saying it was "emotionally and physically safer for me to not have any contact."
Alison sued Carey for $1.2m (£909,780) following the release of the memoir, claiming "immense emotional distress" and calling the book "vindictive."
This tragic loss comes at a time when Carey is celebrating the success of her holiday single "All I Want For Christmas Is You," which is the best-selling Christmas song by a female artist of all time. She also holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles by a solo artist at 19 songs.
It's a stark reminder that even those who seem to have it all can face immense personal loss.
A Different Perspective
While the world mourns with Mariah Carey, it's important to consider the different perspectives that exist within the African community. If this tragedy had befallen an African musician, the narrative would likely be very different.
The unfortunate reality is that in many African cultures, successful individuals are often accused of using witchcraft or dark magic to achieve their wealth and fame. In such cases, the death of family members, especially those close to the successful individual, would be seen as a sign of their involvement in these practices.
The accusations of witchcraft are often fuelled by a deep-seated fear of the unknown and a desire to explain the inexplicable. This fear can manifest in harmful ways, leading to accusations, ostracization, and even violence against those perceived to be practitioners of witchcraft.
The reality is that successful individuals, regardless of their background, are often targets of suspicion and envy. However, the burden of proof for these accusations is often placed on the individual, leaving them vulnerable to accusations and judgment.
The Shadow of Supernatural Practices
The belief in supernatural powers is widespread in many African communities. This belief system often involves the use of traditional healers, prophets, and faith healers who are believed to have the ability to communicate with spirits and harness supernatural powers.
The acquisition of these goblins often involves rituals and sacrifices, and it is believed that the spirits of family members may be used to create these supernatural beings. This belief system can lead to a cycle of fear and suspicion, where the death of a family member is seen as a sign of a supernatural transaction.
In some cases, families who suspect that a loved one has been targeted by supernatural forces will seek the help of powerful prophets or faith healers to exorcise the goblins and break the curse.
It is important to note that these beliefs are rooted in cultural traditions and are not necessarily reflective of the views of all individuals within the African community. However, it is important to acknowledge the existence of these beliefs and their potential impact on individuals who are accused of witchcraft or who are suspected of engaging in supernatural practices.
