Visual story telling has always played an important part in the creative of any artist, especially musicians. Music videos have become a lot more complex and visually captivating as a form o “promotion” and entertainment. This week, we have compiled some of the impressive videos that not only complements the music but also stand as a form of artistic expression. To celebrate this dynamic blend of music and visuals, we present to you selection of the top five music videos each week in what is becoming a cherished tradition: the AFROPUNK ‘Video of the Week.’
Desire Marea – If You Know: Today South Africa-based artist Desire Marea has announced news of a new EP, The Baddies of Isandlwana, alongside the Triana Hernandez directed video for first track “If You Know”, described by Desire as “Orchestral Gqom”. Talking about the video, director Triana Hernandez (Amyl & the Sniffers, Harvey Sutherland, KYE) explains: “‘If You Know’ is inspired by that long-gone but never forgotten ‘80s period when pop clips were serving flamboyant, abstract and melodramatic. Desire and I wanted to pay homage to this iconic period through a modern, queer and dreamcore lens.
Tyler Cole, Teezo Touchdown – Crying In My Car: This is one of those videos that’s fun, simple and yet memorable. The visuals match the laidback theme of the song with both Cole Teezo displaying candid chemistry. Crying in My Car comes from Cole’s upcoming album Existential Crisis Boy: Part 1 is due out September 29th.
MUZI – Light: Muzi is undeniably one of my favourite artists, and i always get excitied when he gets into his “album mode zone” because I know it’s going to be fuego. This week he announced his upcoming album, uMuzi and shared two singles, “Milk & Honey” ft The Last Skeptic, and “Light” which is accompanied by the below visuals. ‘Light,’ flaunts Muzi’s spirited house inclinations. Rolling percussion, shiny synths and groovy bass-lines lay a charismatic backdrop for Muzi’s soulful vocals as he smoothly transitions between English and Zulu.
Killer Mike – YES!: Killer Mike’s 2023 offering “Micheal” is arguably one of this year’s best rap albums, and today he has extended the album with four more songs for the deluxe version. I’ve always liked how Killer Mike is unapologetic with his music, and whether you agree or not with his political views, he never wavers. The deluxe version of “Micheal” comes with the release of the video for “Yes!”, which you can check down below.
Bakar – Right Here, For Now (Live Session): Resisting categorization during his steady growth into the spotlight, Bakar offers all the lyrical prowess of a rapper, the virtuosic poise of a producer, and the pop craft of a singer-songwriter. On his upcoming second album “Halo”, the young artist explores the dichotomy between the nomadic loneliness of a life constantly on the road and the “lifestyle” of being a musician.
