“In 1976, the South African Government declared a State of Emergency,” the opening titles in Kyle Lewis’ video War Ready for Cassper Nyovest . “For the next 13 years, schoolchildren adopted a campaign of resistance. Over 750 were killed, over 10,000 arrested, many more tortured and assaulted. This film is dedicated to them.”
War Ready draws parallels between the 1976 protests, today’s #FeesMustFall movement – where South African students are again squaring off against authorities – and Cassper’s own battle to succeed.
Along with the obligatory protest video images of police brutality, burning cars and Black Panther salutes, the music video is full of distinctly Kyle symbolism, from a mirrored, warping vulture to protestors in African masks.
