Freshlyground’s Powerful “Banana Republic” Targets “Highest in the Land”

Popular South African band Freshlyground released their new video yesterday… deliberately… on Freedom Day. It’s powerful, provocative and holds no punches in addressing President Jacob Zuma. It’s called “Banana Republic”.

Apart from the lyrics – “All your people dying in freedom / Suffering a profound lack of leading / Are you even there when we call? Are you a human, man? / Full of lies! Can’t believe what I’m hearing” – and visuals of the Guptas and Zuma (a laughing one near the end) – the band made it clear who the song was aimed at in a tweet late Wednesday night, saying: “To the highest in the land whose mandate is to serve and protect the people. 2017.”

Lead singer Zolani Mahola told local media “We love this country and its people. This long weekend, with Freedom Day and Workers Day, we are reminded of what we need to hold dear to our hearts, and what we need to protect moving forward.”

The video starts with a definition of “Banana Republic”, a political science term referring to politically unstable states where “certain elites in those countries… benefit themselves at the expense of their country’s population and development”.

Social media users have applauded the band’s bravery and outspokenness. Some messages included “standing up for the voiceless”, “holy crap… love it”, “thought provoking and inspiring”, “edgy”, “exciting” and “thank you, well done”.

Watch: Freshlyground – Banana Republic