Let’s talk about Neta Ji by Joint Nepal Family Internationale, which is still relevant to Nepal’s political scenario
Released in 2013, Neta Ji, a reggae song by Joint Family Internationale, had gone viral on YouTube and social media due to its unique lyrics about Nepal’s typical political leaders. The song is a satire on all inept and ineffective leaders whose egoistic squabble resulted in the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly without the promulgation of a new constitution. The song even warns them that if they continue to do so, real people (not their followers) will boycott them, as depicted in the music video by people throwing eggs and tomatoes at a Neta Ji wall paint. The band even asks Nepal’s leaders to put aside their personal and political interests in order to work selflessly for the country and its people. Let there be light in the minds of the leaders. While the song has an authentic reggae sound and a positive attitude, drummer’s linear hi hat, snare, and bass drum “licks” that he subtly weaves into his drum part give a hint that the band’s proficiency in covering social issues and messages is always slightly restrained to serve the groove.
The song is still relevant after 10 years in Nepali political scenario; what a social message and scenario captured by the Joint Nepal Family. This song can be considered as a songplay for change. You can listen to the song here;
