Omo Make I No Too Talk! Looking at the Artistry in Rema’s “DND” Video
DND music video which was uploaded to YouTube in December 2023 amassed an impressive 1+ million views in just three days! The captivating visuals feel like a movie script dipped in excellent sound coordination, and this is a tribute to Rema’s artistic growth and his ability to collaborate efficiently.
Again, on collaboration, Rema selectively picks creatives he wants to work with, whether it is having Korty do an interview, London as a frequent Producer, or hiring the visionary Director Meji Alabi for interpretation of his first two singles off RAVAGE EP — Trouble Maker and DND.
Rema whose real name is Divine Ikubor can be perceived as a Smooth Criminal, literally! And as a skilled tutor serving physics lesson in the clip which is about three minutes. An avid nod to the lyrics, “Shey I wan good, shey I wan bad?”
In this article, we delve into the elements of DND video, the director’s unique approach, and the local and international influences that can be observed.
Away From RED! Let’s Give Them Black and Yellow
Following the controversies laced around Rema’s O2 performance and the overwhelming use of the colour RED, Meji Alabi seems to avoid any touch of this hue in DND. It’s an intentional choice, I think so, even if early promotional IG content by his client is draped in it.
Similar to Shallipopi in Ex Convict, Rema is spotted wearing a prison uniform! As he is obtained from the security van by his accomplices, the backdrop fumes with puffs of yellow, orange and black.
Tactically, there’s a heat-map which shows most of the event unfolding. It’s yellow too, with surging blackness here and a hint of purple there, but you can see yellow.
The only thing red about DND is the song text, other than that and a blood splat it’s nonexistent in the entirety of two minutes, fifty-five seconds.
From Chalks, Guns, to Tire Screeches: How Sound Engineering Activates DND
As music videos continue to evolve locally, 2023 was a year when we saw some Nigerian Directors start clips with drama.
Music videos such as My Darling and Kpe Paso by Jyde Ajala, and FEEL and Giza by TG Omori kicked off this ambition really well, but the delivery always rested on the sound effects, even now.
On “DND” Meji Alabi masters this painstakingly by eavesdropping sounds where necessary without stressing listeners or adding distraction.
For example, the little drama that plays out shows a security operative being ambushed in the dark.
Tho the goal is to save Rema from his captive, we hear the man speak and start a dialogue, “Hey! Move out of the way. What are you doin’?”
Not only this, he honks loudly and we can pick up the sound of his engine.
It mixes well and when a gun appears, the loud bang syncs with the bang heard on the song — 00:02 to be precise on audio versions. Applause!
Say most of these were natural, yeah? We can’t deny that the video indicates gunshots thereafter, chalk scribbling and tire screeches that have been sound-engineered into DND.
This is not a music video. It’s an action sequence.
Are We Overthinking DND? The Video Influences from Around the Globe
The visually stunning music video directed by Meji Alabi, once again showcases Rema’s artistry and his ability to captivate audiences. But there’s a touch of raw talent and public inspo that may fuel this consistency.
Let’s start with Kanye West, in this shot of Rema in a police chase, he rides in a truck with four gigantic wheels. It doesn’t seem roadworthy and the runway which is the location for the chase is never-ending.
The truck in question can be spotted similarly in Kanye West’s “Follow God” music video doing donuts in the snow!
Over to the classroom, Rema teaches his middle-aged students physics with E = mc² etched at one corner of the board. DND shows a few times as well.
Interestingly, Rema wears a black and white corporate outfit, just as Asake did in his classroom scene in Organise directed by TG Omori.
Does it end? Nope, methinks!
Rema is a “bully” just as Asake is somewhat in Organise. The latter tears a student’s scripts and taps another’s bald head disrespectfully while the former duct tapes his student’s mouth when he doesn’t quit jeering — an affirmation of the song’s name Do Not Disturb.
There’s more.
After watching DND, my friend Segun noted that the wind scene where Rema is being blown away is a little too similar to a shot in DJ Khaled’s “Out Here Grindin” shot over 13 years ago.
Do you see it too?
Rounding Up: Power to Music Videos! Even Egbon Dey Collect DND
Divine Ikubor (Rema) is an Afro-Fusion megastar who has categorically stated that he is the future! And it’s not hard to see why. The self-titled Prince of Afrobeat plays the character of a H-I-M proficiently in this video.
With the themed approach of Meji Alabi who interprets DND lyrics by impeccable aesthetics, “Talk my shit right up in your face,” becomes a news journalists scene with microphones crowding your screen and “If I talk one they go one swallow me,” shows four police vehicles and a helicopter in a relentless and heart-thudding chase.
Like Divine raves, he’s done too many Ps and Qs, pleases and thank yous.
This music video serves as another of Rema’s unique talents and cements his status as a rising star in the global music scene.
DND is a multi-sensory experience. Another Banger!
Enjoyed this narrative? Kindly support my work in Naira.
Originally Published on Sunday, January 7, 2024
