Top Picks: Music Videos of 2019

2020 didn’t turn out the way most of us expected. It’s been a crazy year so far. Let’s take a dive into the time before the pandemic to check out the music videos making waves in 2019.

Bye Bye – RJZ

Not what one would expect from this member of “La Même Gang”, RJZ drops another single titled “Bye Bye”. Directed by Henry Akrong, the video tells a tragic love story of a couple going through the daily struggles of life. A tale that resonates with a lot of couples out there, this video in its own subtle way showcases the fragility of life and how our hopes & dreams can be snuffed out in an instant.

La Famillia – Joey B ft. Kwesi Arthur & Sarkodie

Known for his catchy hooks and witty way with lyrics, hitmaker Joey b collaborates with Sarkodie and Kwesi Arthur on this Hip hop joint. Joey once again shows why he is able to appeal to the younger generation without giving up too much of his style of music. Directed by BABS (a young talent in his own right) the video shows a topless Joey B in various scenes living the urban lifestyle (skateboards, motorcycles, gym with the homies, etc), flexing with the homies as the title of the song suggests. Of course, Kwesi Arthur didn’t go unnoticed on this one at all, he comes on this with some wild bars of his own. You love to see it.

Like It – Amaarae

Ghanaian-American singer/songwriter Amaarae released the visuals to her second official single of 2019 “Like it”. A fusion of afro-beats and dancehall-inspired rhythms, Amaarae’s ALT style of music is vividly displayed in this video. The creatives behind the concept brought out the unique vocal style that is Amaarae whilst still being able to captivate the viewer with a kaleidoscope of colour. Just like the famous movie “The Shining”, it’s almost as if Amaarae is lost in her own world of weird things, queer beings and strange impossibilities. Multiple award-winning director David Nicol-sey and famous poet Motumbo really went all out and did a number on this one.

Omo Ada (Remix) – Medikal ft. Shatta Wale & Fela Makafui

Already a hit on the airwaves and the streets, Medikal together with Shatta Wale dropped the video for the hit song. The video is centred around the zombie apocalypse theme. The video’s attempt at depicting a world where everyone is either dead or a zombie is a rather apt analogy of how rappers always feel they are the best and everyone else is just asleep. Directed by famous director Yaw Skyface, the video features dancehall artiste Shatta Wale and actress Fella Makafui in an interesting and fun to watch performance of the song.

Killi Mi – Cina Soul

If you are one for watching deeply moving stories then Cina Soul’s “Killi Mi” will certainly invoke strong emotions within you. The Ghanaian singer-songwriter uses her afro-centric vibes to tell a story of love, hate, infatuation, power and passion. The video shows a woman going through the toxic cycle of an abusive relationship. In this modern era of Women empowerment and the #metoo movement, this Cina Soul’s “Killi Mi” video is very relevant to today’s pertinent issues of sexual abuse and assault.

Account Balance – FOKN Bois

The award-winning musical duo, FOKN Bois are back at it again with the visuals for the song “Account Balance” which is off their latest EP “Afrobeats lol”. Known to make controversial songs laced with provocative lyrics, the duo addresses the issue of money in any relationship. Shot mainly in the cities of Midori-Ku and Tokyo, Japan; the duo uses a mix of English, Pidgin, Ga, Twi to tell the universal story of anyone having or not having money in their bank account. The word “Afrobeats” might sound funny to these guys, but the underlying message they are spreading is one of social awareness and general enlightenment.

Aprodoo – Akan

Following the heels of his hit single “Me Sika Aduro”, Akan drops the video for the single “Aprodoo” off his critically acclaimed album “Onipa Akuma”. The Twi word “Aprodoo” which translates as,”the embarking on a purposeful journey to a faraway destination” is an apt description of how the rapper ties in the lyrics and visuals of the song to tell an interesting story. The video was shot by the director behind hit TV series “Suncity” & Aunshine Avenue”, Kwame Boadi & Fodoa in the areas of Madina and Lapaz, two places the rapper claims to have played a major role in his music career. All in all the video is a creative master piece that will stay on the screens for a long time.

Shugah 2x – Kirani AYAT

Kirani AYAT drops the visuals for his single “Shuggah 2X, which is off his upcoming EP “Her Vibe is Right”. Kirani AYAT’s style of music is very energetic and exciting, something you always see and feel in his songs. Shot and directed by Andy Madjitey, the video’s monochromatic undertones complements the wild dance moves in the video. Kirani’s style of music makes him quite distinct from other mainstream acts in the country. The fact that he projects the Northern region style of sound into his music makes for an interesting listen.

JOLI – T’NEYYA

Cameroon born Afrobeats artiste, T’neeya comes again with another melodious afrobeats tune titled “Joli”. Produced by famous producer Kel-P, the song captures that unique blend of afrobeats and soul the talented songstress has.

The phrase “joli gars” which translates as “fine boy” in French pretty much showcases a bold and care-free side to the Aristokrat Records signed artist. The song was premiered on the 1st of November with colourful visuals directed by well-known video director David Nicol-sey. He was able to capture and give us that “vibe of two people who are so into each other” with T’neeya and her love interest. All in all, it is a really nice video to watch.

Twa Wonan Ase – NiiQuaye ft. Kirani AYAT & Akan

‘Twa Wonan Ase” in the Twi language translates as “dancing your feet off “or “happy feet” which is an ample title for the song. The song gives off a certain old school, feel-good vibe that is reminiscent of the early highlife days. Using natural settings the director is able to keep the video simple and yet fun to watch.

The overall message the song and video seek to convey is that of perseverance, tolerance and optimism when one faces tough situations. When asked about the message in the song NiiQuaye explains saying, “We work all week, when the weekend comes we all just want to have fun. On your way to town, the police might stop you and get in the way. The song tackles these frequent situations, we break them down, but in the end, we are advising the listener to brush over it all and just have fun.”

All is well – Poetra Asantewaa

Known for her skilful play on words and depth in poetry, artiste/designer/poet, Poetra Asantewaa’s visuals for her song “All is Well” off her “Anatomy of a paradox” album is simple yet fun to watch. Written and composed by Poetra, the song is an ode to the fact that regardless of the terrible, horrible things that happen to all us in life, as long as there is a future, there is hope.

Shot and directed by Nelson Desouza, “All is Well” is a feel-good, inspiring video to watch. Coupled with the lyrics, the whole vibe and underlying messaging of the video is not necessarily waiting for tomorrow to get better. But it can get better in the now, the present, this very hour. A lovely piece in this world of uncertainties and tribulations.

Thoughts of a Rising Phoenix – Alex Wondergem

The video for the song “Thoughts of a Rising Phoenix” by underground artist Alex Wondergem is a very simple, mellow type of visual. Filmed by Adu Amadeus Laouschek at the Rising Phoenix beach, the video gives off an alternative hiphop type of vibe with the location as a perfect setting for such moods. Alex goes off hard on this joint (pun intended), and most hiphop heads with an ear for alternate music can attest to that.

written by Ernest Kepomey (twitter/instagram)

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