With unique football video by urban poet Jason
In the space of just two and a half minutes, My Badge is My Culture not only salutes QPR’s contribution to west London sporting excellence, it also speaks to the multiculturalism of Shepherd's Bush.
At its heart is a specially penned poem by Jason Nwansi, a professional wordsmith and film-maker, read rap-style against a musical soundtrack.
While Jason reads the words, the images are a montage of atmospheric QPR footballing memories from the 70s, 80s and 90s, interleafed with action shots of Gianni Crichlow from the QPR academy.
My Badge is My Culture was partly filmed at the Hoops’ training base at Harlington, near Heathrow airport.
The production is peppered with the title phrase to get the message across, and the intense, punchy film stands as one of the most imaginative ways yet devised to mark a national celebration of black and minority ethnic cultures just shy of its 30th anniversary.
QPR in the Community Trust has supported the innovative project, together with a companion piece, also filmed by Jason Nwansi and entitled The Journey, in which Rangers legend Les Ferdinand discuss the issue of race and football.
A thought-provoking and reflective film, it shows Les – the director of football at the club – reminiscing about being a young kid, playing football in the streets of Shepherds Bush outside the flats where he lived.
The Journey confronts issues head-on. What does it mean to be a black man in England? he is asked. “It’s all I’ve known,” he says, with a chuckle. “Don’t allow doors to be closed in your face!”
While saluting past players such as Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, who inspired him as a youngster, Les insists that racism isn’t a football problem, it’s an issue for a wider society.
Pablo Blackwood, from the QPR Trust, is also interviewed, and points to QPR’s enlightened attitude and commitment to equality.
Check out this YouTube video or visit the QPR website to view The Journey.
November 9, 2015