Africa Is a Country

When Miley Cyrus met Nigerian parents

When Miley Cyrus met Nigerian parents

By
Serginho Roosblad

It is very likely that Miley Cyrus will end up somewhere in a number of “best of 2013” lists, for reasons many still struggle to understand. Maybe for culturally appropriating ‘twerking’ and making it popular with white suburban kids in the US, and probably beyond. At least it was not the South African “pro” twerk team. Miley  even managed to inspire the American-based Naija Boyz (remember them? Here and here are reminders) for their take on Miley’s “Wrecking Ball”:  ‘Wrecking Ball – African Remix’. It’s a spoof that both mocks Miley and takes on a bunch of stereotypes of strict Nigerian parents beating their kids around because of their Miley-inspired behavior.

You could read it as the Naija Boyz critically taking on American/western influence on Nigerian youth. But the guys were probably just having lots of fun … and Miley happened to make people laugh and inspired them.

Further Reading

No one should be surprised we exist

The documentary film, ‘Rolé—Histórias dos Rolezinhos’ by Afro-Brazilian filmmaker Vladimir Seixas uses sharp commentary to expose social, political, and cultural inequalities within Brazilian society.

Kenya’s stalemate

A fundamental contest between two orders is taking place in Kenya. Will its progressives seize the moment to catalyze a vision for social, economic, and political change?

More than a building

The film ‘No Place But Here’ uses VR or 360 media to immerse a viewer inside a housing occupation in Cape Town. In the process, it wants to challenge gentrification and the capitalist logic of home ownership.