Last week, popular Nigerian rapper Falz released the video of This is Nigeria, an adaptation of Childish Gambino’s This is America, released earlier in May.
In the video, Falz addressed the ills of the Nigerian society; corruption, drug addiction and security, among others. Watch below.
https://twitter.com/falzthebahdguy/status/1000112155893608448?s=19
The video attracted tons of reactions from Nigerians throughout the week, here are a few of them.
Great job!
https://twitter.com/Iam_Abdulaxis/status/1000326587810832384?s=19
My son .@ChiEzekwesili just got me to watch the video of Falz ‘s #ThisisNigeria . This apple definitely did not fall far from the tree🔥. This activist-artist brilliantly uses his music to fight for a Just and Good Nigeria. I LOVE Falz’s brand of music. #FanClub🌹🚀
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) May 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/ClintonViceB/status/1000304154001145856?s=19
https://twitter.com/Bhadoosky/status/1000353990956257280?s=19
https://twitter.com/deejayfaremi/status/1000264826059444224?s=19
Favs
#ThisIsNigeria is deep on many levels but nothing touched me more than the parent who paid SARS to get his son out & left someone else’s child to be brutalized. That’s us: we solve systemic problems for ourselves alone when we know millions have to navigate the same injustice
— Ayisha Osori (@Naijavote) May 26, 2018
My favourite part of #ThisIsNigeria was when @falzthebahdguy said: “You never end recession o, When looters, killers and stealers are still contesting elections o”. I agree completely with him. We need a new kind of leadership.
— Kingsley Moghalu OON (@MoghaluKingsley) May 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/KobbyShaggy/status/1000584790549188608?s=19
https://twitter.com/t_riumphant/status/1000265454684921858?s=19
https://twitter.com/DonPEKA/status/1000288139859161089
Dear Nigerian artistes, be like Falz
The likes of Wizkid, Davido and Olamide need to take a cue from Falz, sing conscious music that will make Nigeria a better place, not everyday Soco, soco, Wo and Banana fall on you. Let sense fall on you. #ThisIsNigeria
— 🤴🏾Ibadan Lord 🇳🇬 (@degosTee) May 26, 2018
I’m so proud and inspired. More of us need to do this ❤️❤️ #ThisIsNigeria https://t.co/JWuRbmblzG
— Simi (@SympLySimi) May 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/newscantell/status/1000772769750110208?s=19
Finally we get an artist who is hoi g against the norm nd pulling a fela
Atleast Yall other artist can begin to pick a problem nd fight against it
— Khal Bussie (@iam_bussie) May 25, 2018
Not impressed
what's standing out about what we already know ? What new thing did falz say ? What happened in that parody that we don't know already ? What has falz said that the populace hasn't said ? Y'all hype things too much #ThisIsNigeria https://t.co/XzRLAMDCJi
— Omonomose (@nigeriajellof) May 28, 2018
#ThisisNigeria is not a parody, it is an adaptation.
I repeat, #ThisisNigeria is not a parody, it is an adaptation.This is not an "opinion", it is a fact of literary terminology definitions. Look it up for yourself in a dictionary or simply google it.
— Love is the universe's OS (@Pensage) May 27, 2018
I want to understand y falz used ladies in hijab to do d dancing in dat video. Just plain wrong #ThisIsNigeria
— شهيد (@noopeprince) May 26, 2018
#ThisIsNigeria oh yes everyone has been hailing the message passed across in the song. But what message is this passing. Why do you have to use women in Hijab dancing like this. It's an abuse to that dressing . I'm open to criticism. pic.twitter.com/e83uI6UqUs
— Adesewa Odusoga (@AdesewaOdusoga) May 27, 2018
I really am disappointed. Why of all things to use, he decided to degrade the hijab. It shows his level of social etiquette. No matter the message passed across, he has trampled on our dignity and pride… He went overboard thus time around
— seemzDr (@LawalSimbiat10) May 25, 2018
Okay, I'm probably @falzthebahdguy's biggest fan but for the first time, I must disagree with popular opinion. Neither the lyrics nor the video for #ThisisNigeria meet the usual high standards set by the artist. If he had taken more time, I'm certain he'd have done much better.
— Gbenga 'Gøld' Ølørunpomi (@GbengaGOLD) May 26, 2018
Focus on the message!
Nigerians will discard the message and attack the messenger. There's nothing wrong with Falz's #ThisIsNigeria video imo. As a Muslim I understood the video and I'm sure he meant no harm. Damn y'all brace yourselves and focus on the message.
— Hikmah. (@Oyiin_Bee) May 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/The_deminator/status/1000386959603392517?s=19
https://twitter.com/The_deminator/status/1000386959603392517?s=19
So After watching #ThisIsNigeria with all the powerful woke message.. The only thing that is bothering you is the girls in hijab…. Religion has chained some people brain in ds life.
— NGUMEX ♦ (@Ngumex321) May 25, 2018
Some people are saying "This Is Nigeria" by Falz is a spoof of This Is America by Childish Gambino, yes we know that. Does that mean it should be disregarded? NO! The song and music video touched on the issues affecting Nigeria, focus on that. Parodies have a "fair use" permit!
— Isima (@IsimaOdeh) May 26, 2018
Just because we cannot help it
Let’s settle this once & for all, who killed the concept? 🙅♀️
RT for #ThisIsNigeria 🇳🇬
LIKE for #ThisIsAmerica 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/03vRXTUhuJ— KOBZ (@AgbaKobz) May 26, 2018
Let’s settle this once & for all, who killed the concept? 🙅♀️
RT for #ThisIsNigeria 🇳🇬
LIKE for #ThisIsAmerica 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/r7dsTTnSo6— #Drillsecurity💪 #DrillConsult🚨🚨🚨 (@Teadrill) May 28, 2018
#ThisIsNigeria
"Take this course, when you get to 200level you will cross to your desired course"
That was how most of us found ourselves in the University.
😁😁😁😁😁How many of you later crossed? #ThisIsNigeria
— Alex Oluwatobi (@alexlobaloba) May 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/officialdaddymo/status/1000357929088761856?s=19
6 hours with Sars, Countless slaps and death threats. This happened to a friend of mine. We are not safe #EndSARS #thisisnigeria pic.twitter.com/WF3qFclDNt
— Kofo (@Kofowor0la) May 28, 2018
#ThisIsNigeria, Girls criticize yahoo boys online and sleep with them offline 🙄
— Destiny Ezeyim 🇳🇬🇺🇸🇬🇧 (@radiogad) May 27, 2018
Threads explaining the messages in the video
https://twitter.com/Rouvafe/status/1000314683998556160?s=19
https://twitter.com/newscantell/status/1000307353760272384?s=19
https://twitter.com/Rouvafe/status/1000685779813793793?s=19
A message from the rapper
https://twitter.com/rada_aa/status/1000370578514153472?s=19
Diddy reposted the video on Instagram
https://twitter.com/OfficialBmax/status/1000725253411213312?s=19
Wawu. Diddy posted #ThisIsNigeria on the gram. Blown 😩
— Bop Daddy (@falzthebahdguy) May 27, 2018
Am I the only one somewhat sad that its the song casting nigeria that is getting the international recognition#ThisisNigeria
— Lady A (@ahneeka1) May 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/RovielOfficial/status/1000835346559635457?s=19
A lot of our Nigerian Artistes are trash TBVH.
Falz released #ThisIsNigeria And very very very few of them showed support by posting it.
P. Daddy posts the video on his instagram and they are all jumping in commenting and hailing Daddy.
Hypocrites! 🤦🏾
— CHISOM (@_chisomokafor) May 27, 2018
Other reactions
https://twitter.com/RovielOfficial/status/1000390299531862017?s=19
https://twitter.com/Josh__IK/status/1000145242123915270?s=19
The person who shot #ThisIsNigeria video deserves some accolades pic.twitter.com/TiiTtbf3GK
— Kaybest (@kaybest__) May 26, 2018
I appreciate what FALZ is doing but I’m not seeing that #ThisisNigeria song as a big deal, the likes of Eedris Abdulkareem and African China did more than that.
— Doctor YazzY (@Dr_Yazzy) May 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/Gambit_off/status/1000723682216566786?s=19
This piece was inspired by @falzthebahdguy new music video #ThisIsNigeria i had to do this for the culture 🙂
151/365 #wearenigeriancreatives pic.twitter.com/Od3yqOTeyy— Olaloye Bolaji (@artnerdx) May 31, 2018
Watch this
https://twitter.com/thecablestyle/status/1001870434109968384?s=19
Read on for other trending topics on social media this week.
New Narratives 2019
Yesterday, President Buhari finally signed the “Not Too Young To Run” bill into law. The bill was passed by the National House of Assembly last year to reduce the age qualifications for political office.
At 2.30pm today May 31, 2018, I signed into law the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that was conceived, championed and accomplished by young Nigerians. The Bill has now become an Act of Parliament. It is a historic day for Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/yDbiQUX6l5
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) May 31, 2018
A summary of the bill;
This is the new age qualification for running for the office of the President, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly #NotTooYoungToRun #ReadyToRun pic.twitter.com/DKcTlxiauc
— Yiaga Africa (@YIAGA) May 31, 2018
Reactions
Victory at last!
With the signing of the #NotTooYoungToRun bill, young Nigerians have again shown that nothing is beyond their reach. Today’s victory is just the beginning of many more because your time has come.
— Kingsley Moghalu OON (@MoghaluKingsley) May 31, 2018
Congratulations to the Nigerian youth! #NotTooYoungToRun bill signed into law by @MBuhari pic.twitter.com/x9EeCfAbKt
— KC Nwakalor (@kcnwakalor) May 31, 2018
Kudos to everyone that made this happen. Pressure groups, NGOs, state assemblies, House of Representatives, the Senate, the Presidency and ALL NIGERIANS. #NotTooYoungToRun
— Oloye Akin Alabi (@akinalabi) May 31, 2018
It is done! The #NotTooYoungToRun Bill has just been signed into law by @MBuhari! Congratulations to young people across the country, and across the continent! There's nothing we can't achieve when we put in the work and use our numbers! History's been made! #NewNarratives2019 pic.twitter.com/y3HHvYSxkm
— Chioma Agwuegbo (@ChiomaChuka) May 31, 2018
It doesn’t end here
It’s not enough to start shouting #NotTooYoungToRun. You must:
Join a political party;
Have money or raise money;
Build structures;
Become friends with delegates in your locality;
Operate in the grassroot;
Build a solid political team.Then you are ready. Same applies in the US
— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) May 31, 2018
#New age for public offices are now.
35years for President
30years for Governor
30years for Senate
25years for House of Representatives
25years for State House of AssemblyStill, go & join a political party & be actively part of the game ooo 🎤#NotTooYoungToRun
— Elsie Godwin (@ELSiEiSY) May 31, 2018
Although the truth is… this isn't the end. It's only just the beginning of this movement. A shift is coming!!!! #NotTooYoungToRun
— Maryam Laushi Dasilva (@MimieLaushi) May 31, 2018
Not too young to run bill passed, time for young Nigeria to boldly occuy position of power. Get a skill and add value to the nation. #nottooyoungtorun
— Akuson Henry (@akusonhenry) June 1, 2018
Other reactions
https://twitter.com/eadewunmi/status/1002302524509118464
https://twitter.com/askimini/status/1002437632192843776
The #NowTooOldToRun will keep determining who is #NotTooYoungToRun for a long time. Ask excos of youth groups and SUGs how it is
— Olumide (@itsOLUMIDE) June 1, 2018
#NotTooYoungToRun @MBuhari @USEmbassyAbuja since the law highlights the person's age before he contests, it means the law should also provide the over-age stage for a citizen to contest in the House of Assembly, House of Reps, Senate, Governor as well as the presidential position
— A R F A T (@arfat_danmaliki) June 1, 2018
Read more reactions here.
The Super Eagles Jersey
With the World Cup around the corner, Nigerians have been seen across the country donning the Super Eagle’s new jersey, which has been voted as number 1 in the world.
However, there’s a twist. Nike, the official sponsor of the Nigerian jersey, was yet to release the jersey, up until today, June 1. Also, the jersey reportedly costs about ₦41,000.
You already know Nigerians cannot get past the ridiculous cost. Here’s how they reacted on social media.
Wait, what?
That N41,000 for Super Eagles jersey, is it plus flight to Russia?
— Yomi Kazeem (@TheYomiKazeem) May 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/Rouvafe/status/1001390113052557313
https://twitter.com/Iam_Abdulaxis/status/1001086266501419009
Original Super Eagles Jersey is 41k ?!??!! pic.twitter.com/8bd82uMCmZ
— Paul Atreides (@bolu_ay) May 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/UNCLE_AJALA/status/1001151694317727744
Buy the one you can afford
https://twitter.com/newscantell/status/1002301496309043200
https://twitter.com/Bhadoosky/status/1002064749343985670
https://twitter.com/OsasCruz/status/1001114308875563009
Somebody lied
Somebody at NFF has gone to China…. you know the rest 😆😆😆
"#ThisIsNigeria Everybody Na criminal" pic.twitter.com/X0QuRUfrHw
— Wale Gates (@walegates) May 27, 2018
Other reactions
The new super eagles jersey will be the new yahoo boy’s T shirt. 41k is small money for them because it is another Man’s sweat. 😂😂😂😂
— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) May 28, 2018
Thank God for Aba boys 🙌🙌, if not for them na only rich people for they wear Super Eagles jersey.
— E-zrael Ani (@EzraelAni) May 28, 2018
So if I buy the original super eagles Jersey for 41k. And someone touches the hem of my garment. Will he be made whole ? pic.twitter.com/dpHY2vQyKy
— O'nerio Aganbi (@AganbiJosh) May 31, 2018
https://twitter.com/officialdaddymo/status/1001101832557445120
Dear Online jersey vendors, if your Super Eagles jersey isn’t N41,000, then it should be N5,000.
Fake is fake.
— Tèmítópé (@TEMIT0PE) May 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/Emperor_derek/status/1002262203750408192
Read more here.
