Another day, another lyric from the music of our youth we’ve just discovered is… wildly problematic.
But not just any old music – arguably the most iconic song of our childhood and maybe even the entire ’90s era.
(There, I said it).
We’re talking about none other than Spice Up Your Life.
And the lyric in question?
“Yellow man in Timbuktu.”
Oh.
Yeah, that’s… not great.
Apparently, the newly reunited Spice Girls (minus Posh) have held fraught discussions over fears the lyric has rendered the entire song politically incorrect.
According to Fox News, Mel B and Melanie C have apparently locked horns during said discussions, with Mel B disagreeing with Melanie C’s suggestion to change the line to “happy people in Timbuktu”.
Yikes.
An unnamed source said: “The original lyric was meant to be a bit of fun and never intended to be offensive.
“The reality is it’s not acceptable to say that now. Some of the girls feel uncomfortable getting up on stage and performing that lyric, especially when they have such a diverse and multicultural fanbase.
“They pride themselves on standing for inclusivity, so they don’t want to run the risk of offending anybody.”
Fair enough.
The girl band will don their platforms and kick off their 2019 reunion tour at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on May 27, where the crowd will no doubt lose their minds to the 1997 hit.
…But it turns out it might not be the only song requiring a little bit of an update.
The Spice Up Your Life chat has seemingly triggered discussions about the rest of their back catalogue, in an effort to ensure there aren’t any other insensitive lyrics lurking behind the catchy melodies.
The source added: “In light of the #MeToo era, they are being extra cautious.
“They don’t want anything to overshadow their reunion for the wrong reasons.”
The unnamed contact may be referring to some ~saucy~ lyrics the band may not feel comfortable singing now they are all mums in their forties.
For example, Mel B sings in First Time Lover: “First bite whet my appetite, second helping’s always better, started getting burning hot.”
While in 2 Become 1 (banger) Emma sings about having safe sex with her partner: “Be a little bit wiser, Baby, put it on, put it on, ’cause tonight is the night, when two become one.”
I mean… could be worse ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Fox News also revealed that band’s tour rehearsals are in jeopardy after Mel B broke three ribs and needed a three-hour operation following an accident earlier this month.
A source added: “It is estimated she will take eight to 12 weeks to fully heal, which sets them back massively.”
The details surrounding the accident are scarce, but we hope she makes a full recovery in time for the tour.