Falz is once again the center of attention with regards to his “This is Nigeria” video. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has given Falz a 7-day period within which to withdraw the video and apologise to Nigerians. According to the group, if he does not do this, he will face legal actions.
The group particularly had issues with the girls dancing “shaku shaku” while dressed in hijab. They also commented on the Fulani man who was shown beheading someone after dropping his traditional guitar.
Falz’ attempt at explaining the concept of the video – where the girls wearing hijab and dancing “shaku shaku” represented the Chibok girls – was found unacceptable to the group.
The group believes among other things that the video could instigate religious unrests as according to them it was intended to ridicule Islam and Muslims.
The statement released by the group’s director reads in part:
“At least none of the Chibok girls have been seen dancing like a drunkard. They are always in pensive mood. Do they have any cause to be dancing? Are they happy?
“The video manifests ethnic bias against Fulanis while it ignored the criminal activities of ethnic militia of the Middle Belt who have also massacred Fulanis and rustled their cattle in their thousands.
“It is a hate video. This video has the potential of causing religious crisis of unprecedented dimension.
“It is an assault on the self-dignity of every Muslim. It is freedom of expression gone haywire.
“We therefore demand its withdrawal and an apology to Nigerian Muslims within seven days or the authors and their agents will face legal action if they fail to comply.
“Only the scenes portraying police brutality and the money-swallowing snake in the video are near the truth.”
“We call the attention of security agencies to this hate action,” the statement continued.
“We remind Nigerians of the outcome of similar provocative actions in the past and their unpalatable outcomes.
“The National Film And Video Censors Board (NFVCB), a regulatory agency set up by Act No. 85 of 1993 to regulate films and the video industry has a case to answer. ‘Shaku Shaku’ video was shot and released under its watch.
“Instead of going violent, Nigerian Muslims should take those behind the ‘Shaku Shaku’ video to court in order to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We therefore give notice of impending legal action against the artist behind the ‘Shaku Shaku’ video unless the latter is withdrawn and an apology is widely published within seven days.”