This Is Nigeria

Last updated
"This Is Nigeria"
Single by Falz
ReleasedMay 25, 2018
Recorded2018
Genre Afrobeats, Political hip hop
Length3:43
Label Bahd Guys Records
Songwriter(s) Folarin Falana
Falz singles chronology
"Foreign"
(2018)
"This Is Nigeria"
(2018)
"Child of the World"
(2018)
Music video
"This Is Nigeria" on YouTube

"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]

Contents

Composition

According 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

The 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

In 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]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donald Glover</span> American actor, comedian, musician, and filmmaker (born 1983)

Donald McKinley Glover Jr., also known by his stage name Childish Gambino, is an American actor, comedian, singer, rapper, and filmmaker. While he studied at New York University and after working in Derrick Comedy, a comedy group, Glover was hired by Tina Fey to write for the NBC sitcom 30 Rock at age 23. He gained fame for portraying college student Troy Barnes on the NBC sitcom Community from 2009 to 2014. From 2016 to 2022, he starred in the FX series Atlanta, which he created and occasionally directed. For his work on Atlanta, he won various accolades including two Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as two Golden Globe Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waje</span> Musical artist

Aituaje Iruobe, known professionally as Waje, is a Nigerian singer. She first gained recognition after being featured on the remake of P-Square’s "Omoge Mi". Waje was also featured on the duo's 2008 hit track "Do Me". She contributed vocals to Banky W's "Thief My Kele" and M.I's "One Naira". In 2016, Waje was one of the four judges in the inaugural season of The Voice Nigeria. In 2018, she appeared on the final season of the Africa Magic telenovela Battleground.

Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, who is better known as Kizz Daniel, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to fame in 2014 with his debut single, "Woju". He signed a record deal with G-Worldwide Entertainment in 2013, but left the label following a publicized contract dispute and court case. He founded the Flyboy I.N.C record label in November 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Falz</span> Nigerian rapper (born 1990)

Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor who began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called The School Boys with his friend before his professional career as a music artist began in 2009. Falz became more well-known after releasing the song "Marry Me" featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dice Ailes</span> Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper

Shasha Damilola Alesh better known by his stage name Dice Ailes, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper. In July 2014, he signed a record deal with Chocolate City. He was nominated for Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2016. In 2016, TooXclusive ranked his breakthrough single "Miracle" third on its list of the "Top 10 Songs for the month of October". In 2017, tooXclusive named him as "one of the sixteen artists you need to know.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Is America (song)</span> 2018 single by Childish Gambino

"This Is America" is a song by American hip hop artist Childish Gambino. Written and produced by Gambino and Ludwig Göransson, with additional writing credits going to American rapper Young Thug, it was released on May 6, 2018, at the same time that Gambino was hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live. The song features backing vocals from Young Thug alongside fellow American rappers Slim Jxmmi of Rae Sremmurd, BlocBoy JB, and Atlanta-based rappers 21 Savage and Quavo. The lyrics and accompanying music video, reflecting the core of the Black Lives Matter movement, confront issues of ongoing systemic racism, including prejudice, racial violence, the ghetto, and law enforcement in the United States, as well as the wider issues of mass shootings and gun violence in the United States. Originally, Gambino intended it to be a diss record towards fellow rapper Drake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Energy (Stay Far Away)</span> 2018 single by Skepta and Wizkid

"Energy (Stay Far Away)" is a song by English grime artist Skepta and Nigerian musician Wizkid. It initially debuted at number 73 on the UK Singles Chart, but reached a peak of number 59 following the release of its music video in September. The song spent a total of 15 weeks on the UK Singles chart. It has been certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bonfire (Childish Gambino song)</span> 2011 single by Childish Gambino

"Bonfire" is the debut single by American rapper Childish Gambino. It was released on September 17, 2011, as the lead single from his debut studio album, Camp (2011), after its music video was released in July 2011. The song was produced by Gambino and Ludwig Göransson, and debuted on Funkmaster Flex's HOT 97 radio station.

The This Is America Tour was the fifth concert tour by American recording artist Childish Gambino. The tour began in the summer of 2018, playing over 30 shows in North America and Europe.

<i>Moral Instruction</i> 2019 studio album by Falz

Moral Instruction is the fourth studio album by Nigerian rapper Falz. It was released on January 15, 2019, by Bahd Guys Entertainment. The album was recorded in Nigerian pidgin and samples musical recordings from Fela Kuti. Its production was primarily handled by Sess, with additional production from TMXO, Willis, and Chillz. The album features collaborations with Demmie Vee, Chillz and Sess. Moral Instruction addresses societal issues such as corrupt politicians, corruption, police brutality, prostitution, social injustice and internet fraud. The album's release was preceded by "Talk", a socio-conscious record that addresses critical events. The cover art for Moral Instruction was created by Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu, a long-time Fela collaborator. The album won Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2019.

<i>Outside</i> (Burna Boy album) 2018 studio album by Burna Boy

Outside is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Burna Boy. It was released on January 26, 2018, through Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit and Atlantic Records. The album is the follow-up to his debut extended play Redemption (2016). Described by the singer as a mixtape, Outside consists mostly of Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae and road rap. It features guest vocals from English musicians J Hus, Lily Allen and Mabel. Outside was supported by six singles: "Rock Your Body", "Streets of Africa", "Koni Baje", "Sekkle Down", "Heaven's Gate" and "Ye". Its production was handled by various producers, including Juls, Leriq, P2J, Jae 5, FRED and Phantom.

<i>The Mayor of Lagos</i> 2018 studio album by Mayorkun

The Mayor of Lagos is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Mayorkun. It was released on November 16, 2018, through Davido Music Worldwide. The album's production was handled by Speroach Beatz, Cracker Mallo, Fresh VDM, Kiddominant, DJ Coublon, Phantom, Northboi, Killertunes and Lussh. Mayorkun enlisted Davido, Sarkodie, D'banj, Patoranking and other label mates to appear as guest artists on the album. Preceding the album's release were five singles: "Mama", "Che Che", "Bobo", "Fantasy" and "Posh". The album won Best R&B/Pop Album at The Headies 2019.

<i>Steel & Copper</i> 2019 EP by Burna Boy and DJDS

Steel & Copper is a collaborative extended play by Nigerian singer Burna Boy and American production duo DJDS. The EP comprises four tracks and was released on March 21, 2019, through Spaceship Entertainment, Bad Habit, Atlantic Records and Loma Vista Recordings. It is the follow-up to Burna Boy's third studio album, Outside (2018), and DJDS' fourth studio album, Big Wave More Fire (2018). Steel & Copper blends Burna Boy’s upbeat melodies with DJDS' slinky trap beats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wetin We Gain</span> 2018 single by Victor AD

"Wetin We Gain" is a song by Nigerian singer and songwriter Victor AD. It was released by ETIN Records on June 17, 2018. The song peaked at number 3 on Africa Charts' list of the "Surprise Nigerian Hit Songs of 2018". The accompanying music video for "Wetin We Gain" has garnered over 12 million views on YouTube.

<i>Black Magic</i> (Yemi Alade album) 2017 studio album by Yemi Alade

Black Magic is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, released by Effyzzie Music Group on December 15, 2017. A follow-up to her 2017 extended play Mama Afrique, the album features guest appearances from Falz and Olamide. Black Magic was made available for pre-order in November 2017. Prior to disclosing its title, Alade posted the acronym BM on social media and wanted her fans to guess its meaning. The album was produced by DJ Coublon, Vtek, Sarz, Krizbeatz, Young D, Sess, Fliptyce, IAmBeat, Philkeyz, 2Kriss and Echo. It was supported by the singles "Knack Am", "Single & Searching", "Heart Robber", "Bum Bum", and "Kpirim". Black Magic received generally negative reviews from music critics, who panned its lyrics and Alade's songwriting.

Iyobosa Rehoboth, also known as Prodigeezy, is a Nigerian music video director and cinematographer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dremo</span> Nigerian rapper

Aboriomoh Femi Raymond, known by his stage name Dremo, is a Nigerian songwriter, singer, record producer, recording artist, and stage performer. He was currently signed to Davido Music Worldwide (DMW). He recently dissed sarkodie for saying he is the best rapper in Africa.

<i>King of Love</i> 2020 studio album by Kizz Daniel

King of Love is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel released on 25 June 2020 through Flyboy I.N.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fvck You</span> 2019 single by Kizz Daniel

"Fvck You" is a song by Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel. It was released as the lead single from his third studio album King of Love (2020) on 15 March 2019 and was produced and co-written by Young Jonn. The song went viral after an open-verse challenge with many different African artists participating such as Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay, Simi, Falz, Wyclef Jean, Pasuma, Ruggedman, and Sound Sultan, among others.

<i>No Bad Songz</i> 2018 studio album by Kizz Daniel

No Bad Songz is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel. It was released on 30 November 2018 through Flyboy I.N.C, and features guest appearances from Davido, Diplo, Diamond Platnumz, Sarkodie, Nasty C, Wretch 32, Demmie Vee, Philkeyz, and DJ Xclusive. Production was handled by Pheelz, Jay Pizzle, Philkeyz, Diplo, M.O.G Beatz, Major Bangz, Lussh, Magicsticks, DJ Coublon, Runtinz, and Killertunes. It serves as the follow-up to Kizz Daniel's debut, New Era (2016).

References

  1. 1 2 3 Akan, Joey (28 May 2018). "Rapper Falz's 'This is Nigeria' video holds up a mirror for the country". CNN . Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  2. Ohunyon, Ehis (29 May 2018). "10 songs you should listen to on May 29". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 10 June 2018.
  3. Ohunyon, Ehis (30 May 2018). "Director Geezy talks about Falz"s "This is Nigeria" video". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  4. Khumalo, Fred (10 June 2018). "'This is Nigeria': Childish Gambino's 'America' has found an echo in Africa". Sunday Times . Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  5. 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.
  6. 1 2 Unah, Linus (1 June 2018). "Not Everyone Is Happy With Nigeria's Viral Version Of 'This Is America'". NPR . Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  7. 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.
  8. Augoye, Jayne (27 May 2018). "Hip-hop star P Diddy hails Falz's 'This is Nigeria' video". Premium Times . Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  9. Agency Report (6 June 2018). "ICYMI: Women in hijab dancing 'Shaku shaku' offensive to Islam, MURIC tells Falz". The Punch . Retrieved 6 June 2018.