After Childish Gambino’s video “This is America“, which conveys the state of play in a country that worships the gun over human life, went viral.
Nigerian rapper Falz has made his own adaption of Gabino’s video entitled “This is Nigeria”.
Falz brings back that real Fela Kuti spirit, where political and social issues are put forward via music to provoke discussion about serious issues that many choose to ignore.
The rapper stated we live in an era where an artist doesn’t have the confidence to speak on issues that are plaguing the country, but they have the confidence to make music portraying negative lifestyles and poisoning the youth.
“This is Nigeria” video
The visuals highlight’s the dozens of school girls who were kidnapped by the terrorist group Boko Haram, and the youth addiction to codeine.
The corrupted churches and their ministers, the corrupted police, the robbers, and sheer disregard for life.
Falz has put his life on the line by being vocal about such issues, and is really exposing the failings of the present and past governments of Nigeria, and could be paid a heavyweight visit from the powers that be.
Falz explains his messages behind the video
The legend Fela Kuti, Afro-Beat pioneer, human rights activists and political maverick was beating up by the police, his Mother was thrown out a window and seriously injured.
As well as his studio equipment and instruments were destroyed by the authorities. Not much has changed, so we admire Falz’s courage.
The rappers Father is a Human rights lawyer who once represented the music icon Fela Kuti, and his Father’s speeches are sampled in the beginning and the end of “This is Nigeria” track.
Being heavily influenced by his Father, the rapper also studied law and earned himself a law degree. I must add, his Mother and sister are also lawyers.
We at Itch FM salute Falz for being vocal on such societal issues and wish many more artists would use the very powerful medium which is music to shed light on such problems.
Check out Falz on Twitter