Over the years in the Gospel space, there has been a huge gulf between the quality of music being released and the accompanying visuals. The latter reeking of minimal or no effort.
And the results have been songs racking in numbers, going viral, establishing longevity, but the music videos not giving the same energy.
But lately, that has changed. And although it is still a gradual process,we are slowly witnessing the evolving of our gospel music videos.
The stories have become believable; owing to the efforts being put in. Technicalities such as lightning, colour grading have improved. Even style direction has witnessed an upgrade.
And so while we wait for the visuals to match up with the quality of music being released, we can find solace in the slow and steady evolution we are currently witnessing.
For the third instalment of The Baton Spotlight which is a listicle of various impact making creatives in culturally defining fields. We spotlight on Eight Video Directors influencing the evolution of gospel music videos.
Akin Alabi
Akin Alabi is a Nigerian music video director, writer and entrepreneur.
He is renowned as one of the video directors that pioneered the era of hip hop music video production in Nigeria and has worked with several top artistes including Tope Alabi, Onyeka Onwenu, Tim Godfrey, KennyBlaq, Ayanjesu, Paul Ik Dairo and many others.
Some gospel videos that he has directed include: 'Amazing God' by Tinu Ade, 'Settled' by Ada Ehi and 'I thirst for you' by Sammie Okposo, 'God alone' by Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun, 'Lover' by Jimmy D Psalmist featuring Prospa Ochimana among many others.
Apatira
Taiwo Olaseni Apatira was one of the winners from the 2Baba’s #NextUp talent search.
Olaseni won the video director challenge of the #NextUp talent search which ran from 30th August, 2019 to 9th September, 2019.
Apatira has worked extensively with Ty Bello on her spontaneous worship sessions, Her 'Africa Awake' Documentary, other material from his catalogue include: 'Amin Ase' by Keke Olutola, 'Amen Amen' and 'Fire Fire' by Ty Bello.
Avalon Okpe
Avalon Okpe of TokinDrunz pictures is a film director, content creator, editor, cinematographer and talent manager. He is behind videos of some of the most popular songs circa 2016 to present date.
Some of them include: 'Jehovah Overdo' by Chidinma.
'Bor Ekom' 'Akamdinelu' , 'Obinasom' by Mercy Chinwo.
'Miracle' by Moses Bliss featuring Festize and Chizie.
'Idinma' by Judikay.
'Amaghimo' by Password.
Director Enman
Nigerian Producer, cinematographer and video editor Akabuhe Evans popularised as 'Director Enman'. He is the CEO of Carel Films.
Director Enman has worked with the likes of Sinach, Ade Ehi, Rozey, Eben, Jahdiel, Testimony Jaga and Samsong.
Some videos directed by him include 'Hallelujah Challenge Medley' by Nathaniel Bassey, 'Out of my Belly' by Prosper Ochimana, 'Beyond the sound' by Tayo Christian.
Icegrapher
Emmanuel Chuwuwka is a Creative Director, Steadicam operator, BTS Director, DOP and Editor.
Some videos he has directed include: 'This year' by Victor Thompson, 'Shugah' Angeloh featuring Greatman Takit , 'Oga Ade' by Protek Illasheva and Rehmaz.
Jay Affluent
Film Director, still/motion graphics artist, video director Jay Affluent, is an alumnus of The New York Film Academy.
Some of his works in the Gospel space include: 'Hosanna' by Limoblaze.
'Everyday' - Limoblaze, Jidenna, Lecrae.
'Desire' - Limoblaze Featuring Emmadong.
Shotbyleyonne
Adeleye 'Leyonne' Adeniyi is a prolific Director and Cinematographer. He is also the founder of Tedart studios.
Leyonne catalogue includes videos for: Limoblaze 'Gold' featuring Ada Ehi.
'Hallelujah always' Mike Abdul and Ada Ehi.
'Mudiana' by Judikay and 'Kosobabire' by Chidinma.
Uvi Orogun
Uvi Orogun is a Digital Creative and Story-teller who specialises in music video productions, corporate and organisational videos, TV Commercials, short films and more.
He has a boisterous catalogue to his name. Some of the videos Uvi Orogun has directed are: 'Adonai' by Sonnie Badu, 'Imela' by Nathaniel Bassey, 'Love around, by Called out Music, 'Open Heavens' by Glowreeyah, 'Your name is great' by Olapeju .
Comments