Diva

The diva - a central figure in the landscape of contemporary popular culture: gossip-generating scandal-courting paparazzi-stalked. And yet the diva is at the epicentre of creative endeavours that resonate with contemporary feminist ideas kick back against diminished social expectations boldly call-out casual sexism and industry misogyny and in terms of hip-hop explores intersectional oppressions and unapologetically celebrates non-white cultural heritages. Diva beats and grooves echo across culture and politics in the West: from the borough to the White House from arena concerts to nightclubs from social media to social activism from #MeToo to Black Lives Matter.<br/><br/><i>Diva: Feminism and Fierceness from Pop to Hip-Hop</i>addresses the diva phenomenon and its origins: its identity politics and LGBTQ+ components; its creativity and interventions in areas of popular culture (music and beyond); its saints and sinners and controversies old and new; and its oppositions to and recuperations by the establishment; and its shifts from third to fourth waves of feminism.<br/> <br/>This co-edited collection brings together an international array of writers - from new voices to established names. The collection scopes the rise to power of the diva (looking to Mariah Carey Whitney Houston Dolly Parton Grace Jones and Aaliyah) then turns to contemporary diva figures and their work (with Beyoncé Amuro Namie Janelle Monáe Cardi B Megan Thee Stallion Shakira Jennifer Lopez and Nicki Minaj) and concludes by considering the presence of the diva in wider cultures in terms of gallery curation theatre productions and stand-up comedy.