- Words Maria Mukaranda
Grammy Award-winning artist and afrobeats icon Mr Eazi has unveiled the mesmerising music video for the fan-favorite track 'Òròkórò' from his critically acclaimed album, 'The Evil Genius.'
Mr Eazi’s musical spectacle ‘Òròkórò’ features the legendary Angélique Kidjo, a five-time Grammy Award winner and 2023 Polar Music Prize laureate.
The ‘Òròkórò’ video, released in collaboration with filmmaker Thomas Leloup of French creative collective Minuit/Une, transforms the song into a spiritual and visual vision. Filmed in Paris and the enchanting Forêt de Fontainebleau, the video seamlessly blends modernity with legacy, weaving a narrative that delves into West African spirituality and cultural heritage.
The artistic direction of the video draws inspiration from West African traditional religion, portraying Mr Eazi as a prophet sharing a message of thanksgiving and Angélique Kidjo as a queen symbolizing strength and resilience. The meticulous cinematography, resembling a precise painting, marries expressionism with a natural aesthetic, resulting in a visually striking representation of the rich spiritual and cultural legacy of West Africa.
Recorded over two years in various global cities, ‘The Evil Genius’ is Mr Eazi’s first official album, showcasing his musical evolution and blending afrobeats, afropop, gospel, hiplife, highlife, and folklore. The album’s unique aspect lies in its visual art component, with 16 commissioned art pieces accompanying each track, representing a collaboration with contemporary visual artists across eight African nations.
As a musical innovator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Mr Eazi’s influence extends beyond his chart-topping hits. With over 4 billion streams, he has become one of the most streamed African artists globally. Additionally, his emPawa Africa initiative has successfully nurtured emerging talents, breaking global stars like Joeboy and Major League DJz.
Mr Eazi’s journey, from his accidental local hit in college to his current international acclaim, showcases a fusion of Ghanaian and Nigerian musical elements, creating the unique Banku Music style. ‘The Evil Genius’ and its accompanying visual art not only mark a milestone in Mr Eazi’s career but also highlight the power of collaboration between Africa’s music industry and fine art creators, bridging gaps and expanding the global reach of African music.