Too many Nigerian music videos are boring retreads of already tired concepts. That’s why we created #WatchThis — a weekly series that will dutifully curate visuals from the past week that deserve your attention.


Patoranking — “Open Fire” ft. Busisiwa 

When it comes to music videos, Patoranking has been killing the game for a while now. His Clarence Peters-directed video for “Available” deservedly scored a ‘Video of the Year’ nod at the upcoming Headies, and with his new video for “Open Fire”, it seems he’s already gunning for next year’s award.

The Sam Coleman-directed clip plays like a much quirkier version of “Available” — with even more eccentric outfits, more energetic dancers and even weirder locations. It’s the rare video from a Nigerian artist that manages to make the song it accompanies so much more enjoyable.

Reekado Banks — “Rora”

Reekado Banks has always been one of afropop’s most consistent stars, but as strong has his songs usually are, their music videos are rarely ever as good. Thankfully, that seems to be changing, and the new video for his latest single, “Rora”, might just be his most visually appealing to date. 

Shot in Los Angeles and directed by Dalia Dias, the video isn’t particularly complex — Reekado Banks and his love interest simply enjoy being in each other’s company — but what it lacks in narrative depth, it more than makes up for with breathtaking scenery and lush cinematography.  

>

OUR MISSION

Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.