Hungarian rapper's video taking aim at Viktor Orban and corruption goes viral

Hungarian rapper's video taking aim at Viktor Orban and corruption goes viral
Video clip by Majka goes viral on internet. / bne IntelliNews
By bne IntelliNews January 22, 2025

The music video by Hungarian rapper and television personality Majka has sparked significant political repercussions and dominated public discourse over the last few days as it has targeted the ruling party and its leader Viktor Orban. His latest clip going viral on the internet is seen as biting criticism of systemic corruption in Hungary.

The clip, Drip, drop (Csurran, cseppen) features a corrupt, fictional leader of "Bindzsisztan", who is ready to give his first interview to national television in years, driven by the need to respond to corruption allegations. This is seen as reference to Viktor Orban, who has shied from giving interviews to independent media since 2010.

While the head of Bindzsisztan visually resembles a caricatured version of Tom Cruise's character from Tropic Thunder, the script and tone unmistakably reference the policies and corruption of the regime.

After having been injected with a truth serum by a young waiter, who resembles opposition leader Peter Magyar, the prime minister reveals his corrupt practices and crimes: corruption, nepotism, propaganda and the love for money. It drips, it drops, just enough to keep us stuck, the greedy leader sings, while banknotes keep falling from above.

Majka, born Peter Majoros, leverages the sharp critique alongside a catchy melody, making the video an instant hit.

The video has gone viral, topping YouTube's trending charts in Hungary and abroad. The music video garnered 5.5mn views on YouTube as of Tuesday night.

It has also entered top lists in Austria, Germany, the UK and other countries, further amplifying its political commentary.

Opposition leader Peter Magyar also commented on the song, further amplifying its political resonance. The head of the Tisza Party shared a 2024 TikTok video featuring the prime minister playing a game where he had to choose between options, ultimately selecting Majka over pop sensation Azariah.

The 45-year-old rapper has faced both praise and criticism, including from his former employer, pro-government TV2, which published an anonymous editorial attacking him.

Responding to the backlash, Majka asserted that the song aims to entertain and provide critical reflection rather than align with any political side. His focus, he says, is on holding all political elites accountable.

The rapper, who hails from one of Hungary's poorest regions, has risen to prominence as one of the country's most popular television personalities. Political analysts suggest that his background lends authenticity and relatability to his stance on public issues, particularly during times of economic hardship.

While the rapper avoids overt alignment with any political side, the song may strengthen anti-government sentiment among younger listeners, they added.

News

Dismiss