Englistan
- Dania Tariq Butt
- Jun 14, 2024
- 2 min read
“Englistan” is by Riz Ahmed, a British-Pakistani rapper. It critiques contemporary British society, blending themes of identity, class, race, socio-political issues, colonial history’s impact, and the struggles of navigating a multifaceted identity. Despite the challenges, the song also conveys a sense of pride and resilience within the British Asian community.
He employs vivid language and symbols to communicate the lived realities of British Asians. The term “Englistan” itself is a fusion of “England” and “Pakistan“, symbolising the dual identity many British Asians navigate (he is also wearing a half-Pakistan and half-England cricket team shirt). The phrase “politeness mixed with violence” showcases hypocrisy/contradiction, the subtle nature of the way xenophobia and racism perpetuate the decorum of British society via microaggression, institutional racism and inequalities. The “bridge,” is a place of transition and mixture. “Kicharee simmering” symbolises a multicultural society where diverse cultures mix together, not always harmoniously (also shown in the video). The juxtaposition of “women in hijabs” and “syringe popstars” juxtaposes the coexistence of different lifestyles and issues within the country.
The “Patel as a ‘Man U’ star” signifies the aspirations of immigrants and minorities for success in mainstream British culture. The tension between economic status and personal identity (“the money you make and the man you are”) reflects societal pressures and coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking (“we drink too hard”). It is also a critique of the media as it suggests sensationalism in the news, prioritising entertainment and superficial content over substantial truths. (“The banks rob you and the news is half; The truth wrapped up in boobs and arse”)
Moving forward, he mentions “racist beef” alongside quintessentially British “cakes and tea”, emphasising how ingrained racism is in everyday life. The “Empire Strikes Back” is a reference to the British Empire’s lingering influence, though its power is now contested (“sides are packed”). “Schools that creak” suggests underfunded education. But then, at the end, “Is Britain great? Well, hey, don’t ask me / But it’s where I live and why my heart beats” is arhetorical question about British greatness, with the answer left ambiguous. Despite its flaws, it’s still his home.
Musically, “Englistan” is rooted in the grime genre, known for its raw, unfiltered portrayal of urban life. The genre is a voice for the marginalised, often addressing social injustice and resilience issues. The beat is intense and unrelenting, mirroring the song’s urgent call to recognise and address the marginalisation of British Asians.
Ahmed’s delivery is also assertive and impassioned, underscoring the frustration and defiance of those who feel perpetually out of place in their homeland. With its gritty, streetwise aesthetic, the grime backdrop enhances the song’s message of struggle and endurance.
In an educational setting, “Englistan” can be a powerful tool for exploring themes of multiculturalism, identity, and representation. It prompts critical discussions on how history and media shape contemporary identities and societal attitudes. The song’s explicit references to colonial history and its aftermath offer a gateway to understanding the long-term impacts of colonialism on former colonies and their diasporas.
Link to the music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5W8x4Q7N9c