Welcome to TWIB’s Weekly Top 10 Videos. This is a segment where we look at some exceptional visuals from various acts around the globe. The music video format has been around for decades, through the 90s and 2000s, it has taken flight from multi-million budget music videos, to mid to low-budget videos with exceptional features. In this section, we will not discriminate but highlight some creative visuals that pop up on our radar.
Again, we promise to bring you the best from high to low budget, to animated to DIY and first and foremost, the most creative visuals we can source.
Read on the previous editions HERE.
Nemzzz – “Evicted”.
Nemzzz returns with the visuals for his new single “Evicted” which sees him teaming with longtime collaborators Zel & Nathan who lace him with an off-beat brooding soundscape. Here, Nemzzz gives audiences his thoughts on the relationship dynamics and complexities as he tries to simultaneously balance his art and life. The single also comes with a fast-paced video shot by DonProd who uses several motifs ranging from footage of Cole Palmer’s goals to shots of Nemzzz in London with his crew to encapsulate the rapper’s life.
FAVE – “No Games”
Nigerian singer-songwriter FAVE’s new single “No Games” gets the official video treatment. The mid-tempo sultry afropop/R&B infused tune produced by Chef Bxrry plus additional production Niphkeys showcases FAVE’s rich vocal tone and range and knack for penning soul-stirring tunes that explore the divine blessing of femininity and strength of womanhood. The visual was directed by Folarin Oludara and produced by Sodiq Lekan Fagbayi, who brings it to life with engaging set pieces inspired by empowering motifs underpinned by FAVE’s commanding performance.
King Lavish Nation – “Rio Banks”.
Emerging rapper/songwriter King Lavish Nation caught our eyes with the visuals for his song “Rio Banks.” Over a retro sublime texture and smooth bouncy groove, the rapper reminds us of how he stays focused on his grind at all times. The visual is a blend of performance shots with engaging effects that capture the rapper’s exquisite lifestyle.
M.anifest – “Puff Puff”.
Award-winning Ghanaian musician M.anifest returns with a new release “Puff Puff” featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and acclaimed Nigerian highlife fusion band The Cavemen. The track produced by Budo blends elements of highlife, Afrobeat, and jazz-hip-hop to create a soul-stirring ambience that is both relaxing and hypnotic. Here, the M.anifest reflects on the never-ending struggles we all face and points out the need to persevere and push through the madness. The visuals are shot in different spots capturing the respective energies of M.anifest and The Cavemen and of course Flea who appears toward the end.
Yoko Gold – “Red Lights”.
Toronto R&B rising star Yoko Gold shares visuals for “Red Lights,” a heartfelt tune that dives into self-doubt and the complexities of human interaction and love. The visual employs a blend of subtle motifs, set pieces and shots of the artist in his element.
Under The Underground – “City to come”.
Helsinki, Finland-based hip-hop collective Under The Underground welcomes us to their stomping grounds in the new release “City to come.” Over punchy boom-bap soundscape comprising warm textures and nostalgia-inducing pads, the emcees give us a glimpse into their journey and the many characters who make the city bubble.
Jay Prince x Sam Wise – “How Far”.
“How Far” is the latest release from Newham-born singer-rapper-producer Jay Prince and South London rapper Sam Wise. The track produced by Jay Prince and German-Afghan beatmaker AgaJon is a mid-tempo synth-driven bouncy tune that explores the dynamics of life as one tries to make progress on all levels. From spiritual, mental and physical, the duo share their thoughts on the struggles that come with the journey. Their melodic flow is well-crafted and the heartfelt lyrics are touching as well. The visual style uses performance shots of both the artist performing in different spots with subtle eye-popping effects to match their energies.
bat zoo – “Intro (The Origin of Things)”.
Emerging singer/songwriter bat zoo caught our ears and eyes with his latest release “Intro (The Origin of Things).” The track dives into the concept of self-identity, awareness and how external factors reshape our thinking. Armed with his expressive vocal runs and laidback delivery, bat zoo pours his heart over the ethereal soundscape laid before him. The visual style is eclectic and motif-driven with a focus on dance moves and moody lighting used to signify motion and the ever-changing element called life.
Alice Ivy x Josh Teskey – “Do I Need To Know What Love Is”.
As Australian producer Alice Ivy prepares to release her third full-length studio album she releases her new single “Do I Need To Know What Love Is” featuring singer Josh Teskey. The track is a blend of pop and R&B with electronic aesthetics that showcase Ivy’s wide range of musical influences. On the other hand, Teskey delivers a resounding performance ripe with raw emotions and relatable lyrics that dwell on the true meaning of love. The accompanying visual captures Alive Ivy setting up her music equipment in the middle of a skating rink in a seance-type arrangement with skaters swirling on ice around her.
“Do I Need To Know What Love Is” is taken from Alice Ivy’s forthcoming album Do What Makes You Happy, which will be released on the 22nd of November via Helix Records.
Bishop The Overseer – “Someday”.
St. Louis, Missouri-born musician Bishop The Overseer helps us close this week’s playlist with “Someday,” a soulful piece which talks about loss, parenthood and the complexities of humanity. The piano-driven track is reflective, poignant and filled with thoughtful rhymes that everyone can relate to.
“Someday” is taken from the album Nation of Immigrants.