There is a reason why musicians go the extra mile to create music videos for the songs they sing. They are very much aware of the fact that as much as we love their songs, we are also captivated by the visuals that interpret these songs.
On numerous occasions, music videos have saved songs that would otherwise have been considered “bad” by the audience. Songs like Wizkid’s “Fever” and Davido’s “Fall” – although outstanding nonetheless- gained more buzz after music videos accompanied them.
Little attention is often given to the brains behind these music videos simply because they are at the background. These video directors may be behind the scenes but they determine to a large extent how successful a song will turn out.
Below are 5 music video directors who are on top of their game when it comes to creating captivating visuals for Nigerian songs
Clarence Peters
“Clarence shot it.” That’s Clarence Peters’ trademark and that’s what you come across in any video he directs. Clarence Peter has made his mark as Nigeria’s most prolific music video director and cinematographer and has worked with virtually all the A-list musicians in Nigeria.
Interestingly, he is the son of legendary Afro-Juju musician Shina Peters and veteran Nollywood actress, Clarion Chukwura. Perhaps, this is a contributing factor to why he strives for excellence in the music industry. Clarence is the founder and CEO of Capital Dream Pictures and he is a pioneer music director who has been in the business of directing music videos since 1998.
He is known for his extensive work in the popular TV series Everyday People has worked with the likes of Wizkid, Darey, Naeto C, Tiwa Savage, Banky W, and Omawumi.
Sesan Ogunro
Brother to popular Beat FM OAP, Gbemi Ogunro, Sesan Ogunro is a UK-based music director who has been making some of the best music videos since his foray into the music industry in 2005.
He gained massive recognition when he directed Dbanj’s “Mr. Endowed” and has gone on to work with the likes of Wizkid, Davido, and Tiwa Savage. Some of his most prominent works include Dbanj’s Oliver Twist, Wizkid’s Soweto Baby, and Dbanj’s Oliver Twist.
Unlimited LA
Olaleke Buhari (also known as Unlimited LA) had his big break in 2013 with the release of Sean Tizzle’s Sho Lee. He is the CEO and founder of Msayc Productions and has worked with various ace musicians including Maleek Berry, Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy. In 2015, he won the award for the Best music video of the year (Director) at the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Awards which goes to show how much impact he has had on the music industry.
Speaking with Parle Magazine on what inspires him as a music director, he said,
First, it has to be the song, it has to be the sound, ya know Reggae, Dancehall, RnB, Rap, Trap. Then after the sound, I listen to the lyrical content, then after that, you get to understand what type of artist you’re working with. So putting all those three together you definitely arrive with a particular result.
– Olaleke Buhari aka. Unlimited LA
Adasa Cookey
Another household name in the Nigerian music industry, Adasa Cookey left his well-paying job in a telecommunication company to pursue his dream in entertainment. And to say the man has done well for himself is an understatement!
He is the CEO of Square Ball Media and a self-trained director who gained recognition after directing Burna Boy’s Like to Party video. Since then, he has gone on to work with other popular stars like Ycee, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage.
Moe Musa
Mohammed Musa aka Muhammed Musa is a music director who despite being in the UK has earned recognition in Nigeria for his undeniable expertise behind the camera. Due to his passion for art, he obtained a degree in Media Technology from Thames Valley University. He got his big break when he directed EME’s ‘Get Down Tonight. Since then, he has worked with many A-list artists and has earned the reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading music directors.
Featured Image Source: Music In Africa