Flowing with the times, film maker Jordan Rawl worked to re-create the essence of a Chiminyo stage performance in a live session video. Chiminyo is the brilliant composer and drummer behind thet rack featuring K.O.G. (of Onipa) on vocals. Dancer and creative producer Muti Musafiri pulled the vision together with his contribution of sick choreography for the three dancers. Rawl captured this performance in a five-minute on shot filmed on roller skates in a North London warehouse. The synergy of the project through and through is tight, making it one of the freshest things I’ve seen all year.
“See Me,” released by Gearbox Records, comes from Chiminyo‘s 2019 EP “I Am Chiminyo,” recorded by Ricardo Damian (Jorja Smith, Sampha, Binker & Moses). It features Kweku Sackey aka K.O.G, singer Dunja Botic, and spoken word artist Brother Portrait of Steam Down Fame. Think Afrobeats fused with Nu Jazz and that’s the glorious concoction you get from this mastermind artist.
“His joint use of digital technology and analogue meaningfully honors both the manic city lights of London’s metropolis and the natural wonders of the wild, conflicting duality reflected in his music.”
Chiminyo PR
The project has a very spiritual feel to it from the get-go, with flute melodies leading the sound palette. Chiminyo meditates on a bouncy riff until the first beat drops, then the dancers enter the picture. The vision is brilliantly executed as Musafiri circles around the subjects from various angles, smooth as butter leaving you wondering exactly how he captured this footage. Musafiri is just as essential as the performers in creating the build-up of energy throughout the entire visual. When K.O.G comes out, the energy peaks and keeps on soaring, ricocheting off his counterparts, the dancers and every inch of the warehouse walls bombastically, undeniably full of passion.
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