Video

Riky Rick, Davido and Gemini Major Throw A Private Party On The Video For ‘Murdah’

This monumental collaboration just got treated to a fitting visual.

South African rapper Riky Rick raises the bar with every music video he releases. His previous video for "Stay Shining" was a modern take of the video for TKZee's "Dlala Mapantsula," and we absolutely loved it.


For his latest video for the dancehall-influenced collaboration with Davido and Gemini Major, "Murdah," King Kotini enlists the unmatched skills of the directorOfentse Mwase aka Uncle Scrooch (look him up) for an explosive visual.

The artists perform in a mysterious location surrounded by women dancers who sometimes just disappear into thin air. Uncle Scrooch is a beast with the visual effects.

"Murdah," being the monumental collaboration it is, just got treated to a fitting visual.

Watch the video for "Murdah" below, and revisit our take on Riky Rick's Stay Shining EP, here.

Photos
Image courtesy of the artist via Usher Nyambi

Spotlight: Prudence Chimutuwah Is Narrating The Rise of the 21st-Century Woman

We spoke with the Zimbabwean contemporary artist on adding color to the rise of female empowerment and commanding attention.

In our 'Spotlight' series, we highlight the work of photographers, visual artists, multimedia artists, and more who are producing vibrant, original work.

In our latest piece, we spotlight Zimbabwean painter and collage artist Prudence Chimutuwah. The mixed media art and collage enthusiast centers her creativity around the empowerment of African and Black women as we continue to make strides toward true freedom. Navigating a patriarchal system and ultimately strengthening their capacity to grant resilience and joy to the world around them, Chimutuwah's artistic depictions of the female form offer a hopeful glimpse into a bright, woman-centric future. In her early years, the artist gained inspiration from prominent and fellow Zimbabwean female sculptors Seminar Mpofu and Colleen Madamombe, choosing to major in painting and sculpture at the National Gallery Visual Arts School in Harare as a result. Chimutuwah's career has taken her to exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates, France, Nigeria, South Africa, and more, winning numerous awards along the way, including from the Zimbabwean National Merit Awards (NAMA) and The Delta Gallery Foundation of Art and Humanities. In 2019, Chimutuwah sold out an entire collection to one sole collector, on her opening night. Since then, the collagist continues to highlight and honor the women around her and the ways in which they choose to exist in the world.

We spoke with Chimutuwah about demanding attention, engaging your audience, and believing in a future worth fighting for.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Can you tell us about the project that first inspired you to create?

The first project that inspired me to create was an exhibition called 'Purple Rhythm' by a Zimbabwean artist named Calvin Chimutuwah -- my husband. It included his paintings and some of my mixed media artworks, and it was about celebrating the streets and people of Harare. It sold out! Which pushed me into exploring my own work further.

What are the central themes in your work?

My work is about the emergence of the 21st-century woman as she steps out, and up to take charge in spaces seemingly dominated by males. My body of work exists to narrate, describe and inform the audience about the evolving world of women, and how we exist in patriarchal societies.

Where do you seek inspiration and how does it find you?

I’m informed and inspired by the everyday lives of women; their economic aspirations, desire for spirituality, need for attention, and energy for hustling. Witnessing all of this around me inspires me to tell their stories through my work.

What do you believe sets African artists apart from the rest of the world?

I believe that African artists mainly draw their inspiration and narratives from their own experiences and stories which then gives their work more depth. It's a form of storytelling.

Can you talk about your use of colors and accessories?

I am fascinated with bright colors. I use neon pigments a lot as they command a presence and compel one to look. Colorful African textiles dominate my women’s attire, as it's where I feel most at home. I paint my subjects in portraiture, fully figured and naturally expressing themselves in engaging looks and poses. I focus my art on the joy of being an African woman.

What’s something you wish someone told you at the beginning of your journey?

I wish I had a better understanding of the fact that being a creative is a full-time job that requires a lot of work and focus.

Image courtesy of the artist via Usher Nyambi

Zimbabwean contemporary artist Prudence Chimutuwah

Photo by Robert Okine/Getty Images

Davido Releases His Highly-Anticipated ‘Timeless’ Album

Afrobeats megastar Davido has released his highly-anticipated fourth studio album Timeless.

After months of anticipation, Afrobeats superstar Davido has finally released his fourth studio album, Timeless.

The album, which is the first since his 2020 album A Better Time, includes 17 tracks featuring music heavyweights like the legendary Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Skepta, The Cavemen, and more. The album also includes the smash hit “Champion Sound,” which features Amapiano frontrunner Focalistic.

Timeless is Davido’s first album following his long hiatus from the limelight. After the loss of his three-year-old son Ifeanyi Adeleke—and his social media pause—fans poured out love to the artist in droves. In many ways, Timeless is a sonic resurgence of the “FEM” singer, albeit in a more seasoned way. With Timeless, Davido peels back another layer to his artistry, showcasing his ability to evolve as an entertainer.

The album also arrives on the heels of Davido’s revelation that he had married longtime sweetheart Chioma Rowland. During an interview with actress Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, he said:

“Just being away, you know I have had a lot to think about definitely. Time to rest, reflect on a lot of family time and time to make music again. You know, I remade the album. Before I went on a break I actually had an album ready... I had a tour ready. You know we did the album. I traveled. It was crazy. I’m married. A lot of different things but yeah, we are ready now to get back on the road. The album is out, it’s amazing.”

A day before the album’s release, Davido partnered with Spotify to release an exclusive trailer.

In a statement about the album roll out, Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artist and Labels Partnerships Manager for West Africa, said that the platform was excited to support the album.

“This release is a much anticipated moment for one of African music’s greatest ambassadors of the digital era,” Okpala said. “Spotify is committed to providing a platform for global audiences to connect with African content and we are glad to support Davido as he achieves another milestone.”

Exciting things are in store for the Davido Music Worldwide boss, who also recently signed two new artists, Morravey and Logos Olori, to his DMW record label.

Stream the new album below.

Timeless


Timeless by Davido


Timeless by Davidomusic.apple.com


Photo Credit: Wizkid's YouTube

Watch Wizkid’s Glitzy New Video For ‘Money And Love’

Afrobeats singer Wizkid has released the music video for his song “Money and Love.”

Nigerian superstar and Grammy award-winning artist Wizkid has just released a new music video for his song “Money and Love.” The DK- directed music video features vibrant colors and beautiful people. In November last year, the “Essence” crooner treated fans to his highly anticipated fifth studio album, More Love, Less Ego. “Money and Love” is one of the album's top tracks. Wizkid —who is also known as “Machala '' by his loyal fan base, Wizkid FC — displays his suave star power and swagger in the music video.

Throughout his career, Wiz has garnered a reputation for taking his time with his art, and this music video reflects that. The offering is a deliberate and well done visual output that showcases his ability to be chill, yet intentional about whatever project he puts his name on.

Over the years, the “Bad to Me” singer has been known to use a blended aesthetic of urban energy and relaxed, Afro-centric glamor in his visuals. In “Money and Love,” Wiz leans into that same urban energy by basking in vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles.

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, first caught his big break in 2010, and has come a long way since his "Holla at Your Boy” days. He has since released several successful singles and albums, including Superstar (2011), Ayo (2014), Sounds from the Other Side (2017), Made in Lagos (2020), and More Love, Less Ego (2022). He has also collaborated with several international artists, including Drake, Beyonce, and Skepta.

Beyond the release of his recent music video, Wizkid has been booked and busy. The 32-year-old Afrobeats icon will be performing at festivals across Europe and the United States this the summer.

Watch the spanking new video below.

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