It’s the first quarter of 2019 and as we wait for the year to unravel the latest visuals, let’s take a moment to peep our top picks of 2018 Ghanaian music videos (second half)! ?
Economy – Magnom feat. Nshona Muzick
Badman Magnom links up with Nshona Muzick to bring this animation to life alongside Ebien Studios. The characters were designed by Hanson Akatti and entire video game experience was directed by Barimah Boateng. The video brings back nostalgic feelings of times spent playing Nintendo. It’s a well-crafted animation experience which brings back memories, while still communicating a strong message about the reality we all live in as Ghanaians in Ghana, especially in this unfavourably growing economy.
Je M’en Bats Les Couilles – Eli A Free & Alex Wondergem
Eli A Freee and Alex Wondergem, known for their audiovisual project Buying Our Freedom, strike back with a vengeance. “Je m’en bats les couilles” when translated means “I don’t give a F*ck!” in french. This is exactly what this audiovisual makes us feel, no fu*ks. The visuals were shot in one of the the world’s biggest basilica. Will Niava orchestrated the imagery in a style that feels more on the move, very particular to the Buying Our Freedom project. He calls it black gorilla style. Amazing to see what these boys could achieve on a road trip to Ivory-Coast. Brought to you by #CLOVEWORLD
GUDA – Kirani AYAT
Guda is one of the most relevant music videos on the list. Relevant for its timelessness, relevant for its style but most relevant for its sleek depiction of the beauty behind the rich culture of the North of Ghana. An exquisite work from David Nicol-Sey who masterfully captures the essence of what it means to be a dripped out Young Boss in 2019, shamelessly giving the world that good GUDA from Bolgatanga. The stylish drip was provided by “Get Up Stand Out“, and boy did they stand out. Seeing those magical colors merged to the greenery, one would think we were in the ’80s, somewhere between “The Black Panthers” liberation group and the future of Wakandan swagu. Kirani AYAT burst of energy makes something inside you awake, almost like the calling of our lost ancestors ringing through his vibrations.
Ojorley – Cina Soul
This beautiful short film by Cina Soul highlights the significance of what it means to be a Ga in Ga Mashi. It’s the tale of a community filled with love, passion, trust, and betrayal. Directed by Gene Adu, this wonderful piece starts with a gripping intro; quick-paced in its editing, truly telling of Gene‘s striking style of direction. The gorgeous Cina Soul graces us with her royal presence as she takes a stand in the foreground in multiple paradise-like locations. We’re proud of this one because of its authentic representation of Ga culture and it’s an honest take on human relationships.
Saa Ara – Juls feat. Kwesi Arthur and Akan
Juls delivers a boom-bap highlife hip-hop package with Kwesi Arthur and Akan. This great piece was captured by the master Babs in the Cape Coast. It depicts the vibrant life around the castle, the fishermen’s daily routine as well as the eager future generation of children passionately residing next to their idols. Juls is a new age pioneer and shows it once again through this song.
Bibii Ba – Sarkodie ft. Toy Boi, Tulenkey, Kofi Mole, CJ Biggerman, Amerado, Yeyo, 2fingers, Lyrical Joe, OBKAY and Frequency
Sarkodie delivers one of the most talked about music videos in the Ghana hip-hop scene this year. Sark comes through with an a league of lyrical titans, who craftily deliver their hard bars each in their own world and unique mise-en-scene. Sarkcess Music with rapturous heat. No words, just gold delivery. Another Babs Direction.
Sheen – Kuvie feat. KwakuBS and $pacely
Live on Gruvie Sports, Kantamanto Kardashian and Mario break down La Meme Gang’s sheen winning streak. They’ve been on an incredible row, catching waves after waves. In front of the wavy and colourful backdrops, $pacely, KwakuBS, Kuvie, with a special appearance from Nxwrth, Kiddblack, TinukĂ© and Joey B, the squa be sheening! Andy Madjitey managed to get the boys to make a simple video look so lit.
Wole Rmx – Ko-Jo Cue feat. Worlasi, Kwesi Arthur, Shaker, Kay-Ara, Temple & C-Real
Oseikrom President Kojo-Cue takes a trip with his gang to an underground MC battle arena to discover Worlasi, Kwesi Arthur, Shaker, Kay-Ara, Temple and C-Real. This all-star reunion brings us one of the most anticipated videos of the year. The gang delivers raw hip hop bars with high energy.
2 Strings – Soorebia feat. Akan
Another one from the North! “It’s hip hop and it’s coming from Bolga”! Directed by Babs, Soorebia takes us back to his home town to show us hard-working farmers of Bolgatanga taking no breaks as he and Akan wander through the corn fields. From traditional dances to Tuk Tuk taxi stunts, this video is jam-packed with high energy. This video is a refreshing reminder that the North is nothing to be played with. They’ve got the juice!
Ninety8 Freeze – AmakyeTheRapper feat. Fameye & Ankwa
AmakyeTheRapper, Fameye and Ankwa dropped this one to display their raw talent and punchy rap skills. Captured by Jeneral Jay, the animations and typography complement the minimal set design. Just raw and straight to the point.
Fear No Koti – Ga Boi
Directed By Oris, Ga Boi lets us know that he “No dey fear no Koti” with visuals of him picking up the guap at Western-Union and returning to the hood to mob with the gang! Simple in essence but truly telling of the hustling lifestyle that the youth go through.
Kemor Ame – La MĂŞme Gang
The MĂŞme Gang & David Duncan strike back with another banging video and set new trends. The crew is relentless with their hard vibes and grungy sense of style. The audio and visuals takes us into the gangs wavy psychedelic world. David Duncan delivers one of his best works of the year on the Gangs first single from their latest album Linksters. We are expecting more greatness from this crew in 2019.
Greetings from Abroad – Joey B feat. Pappy Kojo
Remember that show on GTV “Greetings from Abroad” with Ghanaians abroad giving shoutouts to their family back home? It had to be one of the cheesiest and most unintentionally hilarious shows that ever aired on Ghanaian television. Hats off to the boys Joey B (Darryl) and Pappy Kojo for accurately recounting this amusing era. Their vintage wear and highlife borga steez truly take us back to them times while still keeping a fine touch of today’s re-appropriation of that ’90s fashion. Directed by GOLDYUNGE & Darryl.
Adze Kolo – Voodoo Pussy – Azizaa Mystic
A pastor on the quest for voodoo pussy finds himself in the Volta region on Azizaa turf attempting to convert her. However her traditional spiritual powers prove to be much stronger. Captured by the one and only Wanlov the FOKN Kubolor.
Mensah – Kofi Mole feat Kwesi Arthur
“Mensah is dedicated to every youth who is trying to make his or her dream come true but unfortunately living in a society full of critics. Haters always got something to say. In a situation like this, you just have to act deaf, dumb and blind to the shots they throw you and keep your head up high, eyes focused on the price. Everything becomes sensible only if the dream works. Prove them wrong!” A message from Kofi Mole, Kwesi Arthur, and Kayso. YAW PHANTA wid the visuals#BUSHBOYS
86 – Nothing
This mellow and kickback piece, directed by E.K BazaWule for 86 takes us into a minimal yet solid retro music video. From the film scratches and VHS effects to the old fashioned art direction and vintage costume design, the video does not fail to spring up a nostalgic feeling of a time not so long ago.
Desire – Daney King Eli ft Kirani AYAT
Daney King Eli and Kirani AYAT take us on a trip into nature to reflect on their desires. This figurative piece tells the story of man’s struggle through the hustle and the grind for the pleasures of life. The visual metaphors captured by KTO tell us that in the end, it doesn’t really matter.
Be sure to check out Top Picks: Music Videos of 2018 (First Half) for more awesome music videos!
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