"This Is Nigeria" is a song by Nigerian rapper Falz, released on 25 May 2018. It is a cover of Childish Gambino's "This Is America". Falz's father Femi Falana performed background vocals on the track.[1] "This Is Nigeria" addresses a number of societal issues prevalent in Nigeria, including SARS brutality, codeine abuse and unrestrained killings.[2] The music video for "This Is Nigeria" runs for a total of three minutes and 43 seconds. It was directed by Prodigeezy and produced by Wande Thomas.[3]
| "This Is Nigeria" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Falz | ||||
| Released | May 25, 2018 | |||
| Recorded | 2018 | |||
| Genre | Afrobeats, Political hip hop | |||
| Length | 3:43 | |||
| Label | Bahd Guys Records | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Folarin Falana | |||
| Falz singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "This Is Nigeria" on YouTube | ||||
Composition
editAccording to Falz, the song "addresses numerous political and social ills" and is an attempt "to spark a reaction in the positive direction". The video highlights Nigeria's issues with violence, political corruption, policing and organized religion.[4][5][6]
Music video
editThe accompanying music video for "This Is Nigeria" was directed by Prodigeezy.[7] Shot in an empty warehouse, the video depicts a Fulani man committing murder,[1] Chibok/Dapchi girls dancing, young men getting high off codeine and undergraduate students being assaulted by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
The music video has received over 20 million views on YouTube. American rapper Sean Combs uploaded the music video onto his Instagram page and captioned it with the hashtag "#Nigeria LETS GO!".[8][1]
Critical reception
editIn a video interview with Hello Nigeria, Falz discussed the inspiration behind the video. On June 5, 2018, the Muslim Rights Concern demanded that Falz withdraw the music video or face legal action.[9] He was also asked to apologise for using women wearing hijab while dancing Shaku Shaku. This triggered a viral outrage on social media. Nigerian Twitter users showed support for the video and also advised the rapper not to take down the video. Falz's management later released a statement stating that the music video will not be taken down.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c Akan, Joey (28 May 2018). "Rapper Falz's 'This is Nigeria' video holds up a mirror for the country". CNN. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
- ^ Ohunyon, Ehis (29 May 2018). "10 songs you should listen to on May 29". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
- ^ Ohunyon, Ehis (30 May 2018). "Director Geezy talks about Falz"s "This is Nigeria" video". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
- ^ Khumalo, Fred (10 June 2018). "'This is Nigeria': Childish Gambino's 'America' has found an echo in Africa". Sunday Times. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
- ^ AFP (7 June 2018). "Nigerian version of Childish Gambino's This Is America by rapper Falz highlights violence and corruption". The Straits Times. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
- ^ a b Unah, Linus (1 June 2018). "Not Everyone Is Happy With Nigeria's Viral Version Of 'This Is America'". NPR. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
- ^ Okpala, Victor (28 May 2018). "Meet Prodigeezy, The 23-Year-Old Director Behind Falz's #ThisIsNigeria Video - NET". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
- ^ Augoye, Jayne (27 May 2018). "Hip-hop star P Diddy hails Falz's 'This is Nigeria' video". Premium Times. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
- ^ Agency Report (6 June 2018). "ICYMI: Women in hijab dancing 'Shaku shaku' offensive to Islam, MURIC tells Falz". The Punch. Retrieved 6 June 2018.