slide show of representation

1. Representation Case Study
Dave – Question Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ff6CjYBhoI
By Thor Forster

2. Context
 'Question Time' is by London born rapper Santan Dave, published as an EP on 9th October 2017, prior to
his most recent album Game Over which it later featured on. Dave, whilst only being 19 is referred to by The
Guardian as a 'politically charged rapper', 'Question Time' defined and encompassed by current affairs is
labelled by Redbrick as 'lyrics excellently written'. The music video released on the 9th October 2017 and
currently has 1.9 million views, this number may not seem too staggering within the music scene, but for a
19 year old rap artist, who's lyrics are centred around the current political situation and current affairs in
England. The name of the song ‘Question Time’ is in reference to the political TV show, Dave’s thought
process is that his song, is going to be a political statement, similar to the show.
 The music video, produced by Fraser T Smith and directed by Nathan James Tettey, displays a simple
setting and narrative, yet is still captivating and highly immersive. The narrative consists of Dave,
maintaining direct address with the audience achieved through staring straight down the camera, rapping
in front of a camera, the setting presented as if he was going to do an interview. This perfectly coincides
with the message of the song which is too, through his rap track, raise questions and present typical views
to significant member of authority, for example he targets David Cameron, Theresa May and Donald Trump.
 A large proportion for Dave's popularity spike in recent times is not only down to his exquisite word play
and tight flow, but his ability to connect with his audience, he presents many young English people with a
voice.

3. Goodwin’s theory
 Goodwin’s theory of the correlation between lyrics and visuals especially applies to
‘Question Time’, each lyric relates to a current event or inter textual reference; these
events are projected on the wall behind Dave whilst he is maintaining direct address
and staring down the camera. When a lyric, for example when he is talking about
Theresa May, a cartoon image of the Prime Minister is shown on a newspaper. The
effect of this correlation is that it engages the audience in the narrative and message of
the song through visual aid.
 However, Dave’s music video does challenge Goodwin’s theory of showing genre
characteristics; as stereotypical conventions of a rap music video would include cars,
women, groups. But Dave has carefully thought about how he wants to be represented
in this music video, and how he wants to come across.
 Although, Dave’s music video does coincide with Goodwin’s theory of frequent
references to notion of looking; this applies strongly to ‘Question Time’ as there are
multiple cameras, Tv’s and screens. Most of which are pointed at the audience, this is
due to the message of self reflection and political questioning that Dave is achieving.
As seen in the screenshot, Dave is
pointing his finger at the camera,
seemingly at the Government
based on his repetition of lyrics
relating to ‘I’ve got a question
for…’. This matched up with the
numerous images on the screen
behind him create a powerful
music video set to challenge
stereotypes, question politicians
and call for answers on current
affairs.

4. Current Affairs
 The first representation that is explored within Dave's 7 minute masterpiece is that of current affairs, more
specifically the UK's military intervention in the Middle East, citing it as immoral and unnecessary. Not only does
he question this but he then proceeds to push for answers, asking for reasoning for the government's
intervention in the first place ('and then they try to tell you it's ISIS , it's ISIS'). Obviously, this isn't the first time
that a musician or band has referenced the conflict in the Middle East, Green Day's 2009 anti war anthem '21
Guns' makes similar ambiguous claims. Furthermore, Dave explores various more current events that have
influenced his writing, namely the NHS crisis, Dave draws upon his mother's nursing profession and condemns
the government, asking 'Where's the discussion on wages and budgets?'. This representation is emulated
through the video, simply through direct address, staring straight down the camera Dave is attempting to hit the
government directly with his questions. Too further this, Dave is seen almost begging, or pleading when he raps,
this amplifies his message and representation of oppression, corruption and unfairness. Also, this representation
of oppression through current affairs is perpetuated through low key lightening, the set is lit up by one key stage
light in the back, this could be interpreted to be metaphor for Dave’s voice being a spark of light and truth in a
dark and corrupt world. Interestingly, the light is also pointed towards the camera, as if Dave is interrogating the
government and audience.

5. Brand Identity
 Dave’s ‘Question Time’ music video focuses on him as an artist, and his relationship
with his audience, demonstrated as the entire video consists of him focused on the
camera. By doing this, not only does he ensure a powerful message but he creates
a brand identity, through being the main focus of the video thus making him
recognisable face. Furthermore, Dave wears similar brands to that of his fans, often
rapping about wearing Stone Island, as he sates in his song with J Hus ‘Samantha’
he states, ‘Stone Island from my head to my toe’. This then leads to his fans
wearing Stone Island, Dave then becomes a front for Stone Island; it becomes a
sound bite for Dave.

6. Ethnicity and Race
 Another representation that is explored within Dave’s track is ethnicity, as
seen in the screenshot within the music video Dave has images up on the
screen behind him of ‘black lives matter’ and clips of riots, this amplifies
Dave’s messages that he distributes through his lyrics. This is very typical of
the rap genre, as the artists often undergo oppression or discrimination
against them due to their race, with rap being a predominantly black genre.
Through this music video Dave gives a voice to the youths of the UK,
making references to the fact that we don’t live in ‘Donald Trump’s America’,
and that we should be more liberal. Dave, to the general population may
seem like the stereotypical rapper, but Dave plays into this stereotype and
uses it to get his voice and lyrics heard. This links with Tessa Perkins idea of
‘Stereotyping having elements of truth’, Dave adopts this stereotype and
challenges it with his intellect and sophisticated political view. Furthermore,
a clip is shown to the audience behind Dave, of ‘Charlie Hebdo’ across a
newspaper, this is a reference to the French satirical magazine that produces
anti-facist cartoons.

7. Current Affairs
 As I explored earlier, Dave touches on many current affairs, most dominantly
Theresa May and the Grenfell Tower incident. On 14th June 2017, The Grenfell
Tower block in North Kensington caught light causing 71 deaths and over 70
injuries. The reason for this fire growing to the length that it did is due to the
Government not fire proofing it correctly; Dave addresses this in his lyrics, stating
that the government’s ‘response was ridiculous’ and accusing Theresa May for
being a ‘coward’. By drawing upon topics such as the Grenfell Tower incident,
Dave is addressing the interests of his audience, the citizens of United Kingdom,
appealing to their grievances. The representation that Dave is creating is
promoting a left wing, progressive ideology that critiques corruption and hatred.
Through maintaining this direct mode of address Dave manages to captivate and
indulge the audience into his message and lyrics.
This shot specifically, displays
the motive and message
behind Dave’s politically
fuelled track, he’s putting the
Government and prime
minister on trial for their
actions on current events. The
low key lighting draws your
attention to the only lit up
section, Dave, immersing you
in his direct address.

8. Influence on our own music video?
 In relation to how I will incorporate some features from this music video into ours,
the strong use of brand identity and direct mode of address immerses the
audience into the message of the artist and also the artists persona. By featuring
the artist in every shot, the audience remember the artist and their song; creating a
brand identity.
 Also, the way Dave’s song references current affairs and sensitive subjects enables
him to get his message across and really indulge the audience.