Following the ban on the usage of camouflage uniforms in music videos by the Federal Government of Nigeria, entertainers seem to be agreeing, but not without a few ugly incidents which have put paid to the continual usage. ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM writes
Since the announcement of the ban on the usage of camouflages in Nigerian music videos, one is yet to see Nigerian celebrities in any shade of camouflage ensemble at their events or in their music videos.
During the last dispensation, the use and sale of camouflage was normal for citizens and street vendors alike.
It is common place to see a number of people dressed in the top, shorts or combat pants; the ratio was almost 2 in 10 people. Truck-pushers, road vendors and others wear it with without fear of harassment by various security agencies.
Since the announcement by the military hierarchy, it seems that usage of the camouflage, which was once considered prestigious, has now become one every entertainer is wary of being caught in or in possession of. It seems that some degree of compliance is being undertaken.
Though entertainers all over the world are used to shooting music videos in style, tweaking and dancing in the army’s hallowed uniform, perhaps, due to its fashion statement, it has been outlawed in some parts of the world, while it is considered a no-issue in others.
Speaking with INTERVAL mid-week magazine from the United Kingdom, artiste and label-owner, Nannio, disclosed that it is a “rave” among the kingdom’s fashion-conscious young people and entertainers.
He, however, understands why it could be banned in Nigeria.
“The camouflage is very much part of the culture here in the UK. People wear it as a fashion statement. Fair enough, over the years I see people wearing it less and less. If it’s been banned in Nigeria I think I can understand why. I think we are at a stage where it’s better for civilians not to wear the camo for security reasons. For me, I haven’t shot any videos in camo,” he explained.
It could be recalled that some entertainers in the music and movie industries are found of using military outfits in their music videos and movie shoots.
In all these, the police think differently. Entertainers who are keen on using the police uniform must seek permission first, so that the force’s authority can provide or inspect the uniforms to be used, to avoid situations where the police is depicted in bad light because of poorly sewn uniforms or unkempt uniforms used on set.
Singer Kcee’s track Pull Over featuring Wizkid comes in handy as a good example. Though he didn’t use a camouflage, the police uniform used in the video was squeaky clean and enviable; it portrayed the force in good light – but good examples like these have left the military unmoved from its previous position.
When LEADERSHIP put a call through to Nigerian Army’s Directorate of Information, Gen. Chris Olukolade, he didn’t pick his call, but, later, in a text message, directed this reporter to consult a statement released some time ago on the banned camouflage.
Olukolade said the use of camouflage uniforms by various security agencies other than the Armed Forces – namely the Army, Navy and the Air Force – has been banned and should be adhered to by all, irrespective of their class or orientation.
He also said the Nigerian Police will, however, use the uniform during joint operations with the military or on special occasions, such as specific anti-riot missions.
“The use of camouflage/fatigue is, therefore, restricted to the military and for occasional use by the police henceforth.
“The proliferation and imitation by criminals and impostors using uniforms, especially the camouflage, has been generating some concern in the national security circle,” he said.
Reacting to the issue , a movie producer and director simply known as Apanpa confessed that the once fashionable trend has ceased to be a fad among entertainers.
He confessed that he has never used it, though.
“I actually haven’t shot with it, but it depends. If film makers are projecting it well in the right manner, I don’t see any issues with it, considering that a film is make-belief,” he added.
In singer Reminisce’s video for the song ‘Government’, he is seen dancing while wearing the camouflage, with his fist stretched out as if he is about to descend on a prey.
Those who are found wanting are Pop singers Iyanya, Wizkid, Davido, Tekno Miles, Chidinma, Annie Idibia and others.
Former Chocolate City rapper Jesse Jagz and Terry G have been alleged to always have a marijuana stick handy whenever they don the military gear.
The military camouflage is not meant for the entertainment industry; it is strictly for military personnel. The order that it should not be abused is a sensible one which should be obeyed.
During the last dispensation, the use and sale of camouflage was normal for citizens and street vendors alike.
It is common place to see a number of people dressed in the top, shorts or combat pants; the ratio was almost 2 in 10 people. Truck-pushers, road vendors and others wear it with without fear of harassment by various security agencies.
Since the announcement by the military hierarchy, it seems that usage of the camouflage, which was once considered prestigious, has now become one every entertainer is wary of being caught in or in possession of. It seems that some degree of compliance is being undertaken.
Though entertainers all over the world are used to shooting music videos in style, tweaking and dancing in the army’s hallowed uniform, perhaps, due to its fashion statement, it has been outlawed in some parts of the world, while it is considered a no-issue in others.
Speaking with INTERVAL mid-week magazine from the United Kingdom, artiste and label-owner, Nannio, disclosed that it is a “rave” among the kingdom’s fashion-conscious young people and entertainers.
He, however, understands why it could be banned in Nigeria.
“The camouflage is very much part of the culture here in the UK. People wear it as a fashion statement. Fair enough, over the years I see people wearing it less and less. If it’s been banned in Nigeria I think I can understand why. I think we are at a stage where it’s better for civilians not to wear the camo for security reasons. For me, I haven’t shot any videos in camo,” he explained.
It could be recalled that some entertainers in the music and movie industries are found of using military outfits in their music videos and movie shoots.
In all these, the police think differently. Entertainers who are keen on using the police uniform must seek permission first, so that the force’s authority can provide or inspect the uniforms to be used, to avoid situations where the police is depicted in bad light because of poorly sewn uniforms or unkempt uniforms used on set.
Singer Kcee’s track Pull Over featuring Wizkid comes in handy as a good example. Though he didn’t use a camouflage, the police uniform used in the video was squeaky clean and enviable; it portrayed the force in good light – but good examples like these have left the military unmoved from its previous position.
When LEADERSHIP put a call through to Nigerian Army’s Directorate of Information, Gen. Chris Olukolade, he didn’t pick his call, but, later, in a text message, directed this reporter to consult a statement released some time ago on the banned camouflage.
Olukolade said the use of camouflage uniforms by various security agencies other than the Armed Forces – namely the Army, Navy and the Air Force – has been banned and should be adhered to by all, irrespective of their class or orientation.
He also said the Nigerian Police will, however, use the uniform during joint operations with the military or on special occasions, such as specific anti-riot missions.
“The use of camouflage/fatigue is, therefore, restricted to the military and for occasional use by the police henceforth.
“The proliferation and imitation by criminals and impostors using uniforms, especially the camouflage, has been generating some concern in the national security circle,” he said.
Reacting to the issue , a movie producer and director simply known as Apanpa confessed that the once fashionable trend has ceased to be a fad among entertainers.
He confessed that he has never used it, though.
“I actually haven’t shot with it, but it depends. If film makers are projecting it well in the right manner, I don’t see any issues with it, considering that a film is make-belief,” he added.
In singer Reminisce’s video for the song ‘Government’, he is seen dancing while wearing the camouflage, with his fist stretched out as if he is about to descend on a prey.
Those who are found wanting are Pop singers Iyanya, Wizkid, Davido, Tekno Miles, Chidinma, Annie Idibia and others.
Former Chocolate City rapper Jesse Jagz and Terry G have been alleged to always have a marijuana stick handy whenever they don the military gear.
The military camouflage is not meant for the entertainment industry; it is strictly for military personnel. The order that it should not be abused is a sensible one which should be obeyed.
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