Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud BONUS Sombr and the debate over concert criticism
Nov 6, 2025
Freelance music journalist Emilie Hanskamp joins to dissect the TikTok controversy surrounding pop star Sombr, who faced criticism for being 'cringe' from a fan. They delve into the generational divide in music tastes, contrasting Sombr's youthful comedic style with audience expectations. Emilie argues that the TikTok fame can hinder artist development, raising questions about readiness for large performances. They explore whether Sombr's response can lead to growth or deeper entrenchment in his echo chamber.
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Fan's Viral Critique Of Somber's Show
- Meg, a 25-year-old fan, posted a TikTok calling Somber's show 'like a middle school dance' and criticized immature jokes and inappropriate bits.
- Her video sparked backlash and debate about artist responsibility and audience age dynamics.
Age Used As A Gatekeeping Excuse
- Somber's reply framed the disagreement as an age problem, saying a 25-year-old shouldn't be surprised by a 20-year-old's audience.
- Emilie Hanskamp argues that tying musical quality to listener age is toxic and fractures audiences.
Quality Trumps Age For Broad Appeal
- Emilie contrasts Somber with bands like Geese to show music can move listeners across ages if it has quality.
- She maintains that quality, not youthfulness, should determine broad appeal.