Africa Shox Case Study

1. Africa Shox case study

2. Generic references
Much of the video of 'Africa Shox' places emphasis on the representation of an
Urban environment as a disjointed and chaotic place, as with the uneven cutting
of the footage, and the very shaky camera angles. One possible representation
to be gleaned from this is that the urban environment is very dark and dystopian
in nature, looking much like the mise-en-scene of films such as Blade Runner, or
Metropolis, with the muted Noir colour palette.
Another generic reference to be noted is the many forms of electronic items in
the video, such as the walk/don't walk lights, and more notably the Police lights,
as a reference to the typical environment of house and electronic music of the
club.
The use of many low-angle shots of the skyscrapers of New York is a highlight of
the nature of house and electronica as an 'underground' form of music, lying
below the established order which is, in this case, the monuments to business
and 'The American Way' that are the World Trade Centre and the Empire State
Building.

3. Cultural references
There are some notable references to the slave trade that was one
synonymous with American culture 150+ years ago – such as the
possible link to be drawn from the fact the man is partially blind and
disorientated to the slave ship slaves. These slaves, when they came off
the ships, were partially blind and, in many cases, unable – or found it
very difficult – to walk.
Another cultural reference is the case to be made against US cultural
colonialism, presented in the form of the use of break-dancing by white
dancers in the parking lot. Break-dancing is typically synonymous with
the African American communities of New York, and is almost intrinsic to
those communities as a form of artistic expression.

4. Contemporary interpretations
One notable interpretation to be gleaned from the music video is the
comparability to the current refugee crisis affecting south and south eastern
European countries, with the sudden influx of migrants, and a seeming
resurgence in right-wing anti-immigration ideals. This is reflected in the video
with the way in which the African American is treated with almost contempt by
his white peers, and is left almost completely out of the system. This itself is a
reflection on many of the misconceptions that surround America as a 'land of
opportunities'; seemingly the only way to truly be free in the United States is to
be White, Male and wealthy – unlike the protagonist of the video.