Tina Turner was “simply the best,” but her hometown fans are less than enthusiastic with a new statue unveiled this weekend, paying tribute to the deceased rock icon.
A 10-foot bronze statue of Turner, who died in May, 2023 at the age of 83, was revealed in the singer’s hometown of Brownsville, Tennessee.

On Saturday during the city’s annual Tina Turner Heritage Days celebration. The monument, designed by Atlanta-based sculptor Fred Ajanogha, depicts Turner mid-performance as she strikes a confident pose in a mini-dress and high heels.
Ajanogha said he aimed to reflect Turner’s ability to move dynamically on stage, the way she grasped the microphone with her index finger pointing out, and her hairdo, which the artist likened to a “lion’s mane.”

The statue was installed in Brownsville’s Heritage Park near Turner’s alma mater, Carver High School, and was created as part of Ford’s Good Neighbor Plan for West Tennessee. The automotive brand contributed $150,000 toward the statue’s manufacture in partnership with the city of Brownsville.

Ajanogha said he aimed to reflect Turner’s ability to move dynamically on stage, the way she grasped the microphone with her index finger pointing out, and her hairdo, which the artist likened to a “lion’s mane.” However, the tribute did not receive a warm reception from Turner’s fans, many of whom took to social media to criticize the statue’s design and its questionable resemblance to the real-life Turner, with some calling it an “atrocity”. 

Some in the community are already urging tearing down the statue and replacing it with something that actually honors the beauty and talent of Turner.

That Tina Turner statue is a tragedy. She deserves better,” @newunderwurdwrote. “Tennessee will pay for their crimes. 
“I’m sorry, but the Tina Turner statue is hilarious. I can’t look at it without laughing,” @ChiBoyJimmy wrote. “And that’s my girl, but why they do that to her hair? “

Those in attendance at the unveiling report that there were audible gasps from the crowd when they saw the depiction of Turner, especially the brutal rendition of her face. “She was beautiful,” one said. “Did the artist ever see a picture of her?”

Others have questioned whether those who approved the statue saw any preliminary drawings or versions of the statue before it was cast.

“The committee that approved this had to have been as blind as the artist who sculpted it,” one said.

At this point, it is unclear what, if anything, will be done to deal with the criticism of the statue.

Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.