Released December 2, 2012 Recorded 2012 Label Chocolate City | Format Digital download Length 3:26 | |
Genre Reggae, Hip hop, African hip hop | ||
"Murder Dem" is a song by Nigerian recording artist and record producer Jesse Jagz, released by Chocolate City on December 2, 2012. The song was originally intended to be included on Jesse Jagz's second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come (2013), but was ultimately removed from the final track-listing due to Jagz's departure from Chocolate City.
Contents
Sample and performance
The song samples the church hymn, "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee". Jesse Jagz first performed the song on the reality TV show, Nigerian Idol.
Music video
The music video for "Murder Dem" was directed by MEX films. It was uploaded onto YouTube on February 27, 2013, at a total length of 3 minutes and 47 seconds. In the music video, Jesse Jagz played a "general" of Jagz Nation who is on Nigeria's "most wanted list". Throughout the music video, several newspaper headlines hinted to the possible assassination and capture of the "general". In addition, footage of the Nigerian Army was shown in the video. Footages of Bob Marley and Fela Kuti were also shown. The video's primary scene was a room equipped with a television set and posters on the wall.
Critical reception
Upon its release, the song was met with positive reviews. A writer for Nigerian Sounds said: "The track showcases Jesse’s Avant Garde production style beginning with the popular Christmas carol, “Joyful Joyful” and the bars alert people that “he’s been gone for a minute but he’s back like he left sum’n!” The concept behind the video is fairly simple. Jesse – the lone ranger – is wanted for not conforming to the social expectations. One step ahead of the game, he plots his escape and is determined to fight the system. Spotting a new look with the red dreads and quite a lot of weight off, Jesse returns to prove a point one hit at a time."
Accolades
The music video for "Murder Dem" was nominated for Most Gifted Ragga/Dancehall Video at the 10th Annual Channel O Music Video Awards, which took place at the Walter Sisulu Square, in Kliptown, Soweto, on November 30, 2013.