This is an analysis of Kardinal Offishall's music video for The Anthem. Here is the music video.
Initial Reaction: I think the video accompanies the song very well. It definitely represented Toronto.
Analysis and Interpretation: I think Kardinal Offishall created this video along with the song to show his pride for Toronto. But like all music videos, the purpose of the video is to promote the song. Through this video, Kardinal shows us around his hometown Toronto and his perception of it. The theme of the video is hometown pride. In his lyrics and video he shows the diversity within Toronto and that we see past our differences even though we are multicultural. This video does align with gospel values such as loving our neighbours and living as a community, and equality.
Consideration of Cultural Context: The director was definitely influenced by Kardinal's song to make this video as shown by the literal interpretation of the lyrics. Well it may not have been a single event that influenced Kardinal to write the song and put out a video for it, but attending a festival or event in Toronto could have been one event that influenced him. Just going around the city and seeing Torontonians and feeling a sense of pride was probably his inspiration for this song and video. Kardinal wanted to share this to fellow Torontonians and create an anthem for the city.
Expression of Aesthetic Judgement: The music video was a documentary rather than one with a storyline and and acting. Some of the visuals were on point with the lyrics. The flashing of images of the city were beautiful. They had some great shots of the CN Tower to the Scarborough Bluffs and everything in between. They also had shown a variety of Torontonians from different cultures. The video showcases life in Toronto. All this creates a somewhat familiarity for those who consider Toronto their home. With the music video and song well put together, they made me proud to live in such a great city.The visuals along with the entire music video was a celebration of Toronto, which has increased my appreciation of the song.
Ongoing Reflection: The music video has influenced my reception of the song. I loved the song when I first heard it because it was catchy and it was about Toronto. But seeing the music video allowed me to see the song was more than just catchy and about Toronto. It forced me to look at the lyrics and the true sense of pride behind it. It just gave a greater appreciation of the song. Whenever I hear this song, I see images of Toronto and its people and I think of what a great city it is.
