Victony’s My Darling: An Afrocentric Affair Celebrating Diversity in Afrobeats [Music Video Review]
Step into the enchanting world of “My Darling”!
The music video for Victony’s June 2023 hit single highlights a captivating clash of cultures, arts, and creativity.
Directed by the brilliant Jyde Ajala, this visual masterpiece whisks you away from Lagos, Nigeria, to the electrifying cityscape of London.
Ready for an unforgettable journey?
You see, Victony’s intentional work process shines through as he carefully picks collaborators (similar to Angelus) and infuses Afrocentric elements into the video; with the expressive ethic of his multi-dimensional director.
A Cinematic Montage: Inspired by Babylon
Jyde Ajala skillfully sets the tone of the video with a cinematic montage, reminiscent of his previous works with Wande Coal in Kpe Paso and CKay in Hallelujah.
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The opening scenes draw inspiration from the movie “Babylon,” starring Brad Pitt and everyone’s favourite Barbie, Margot Robbie, as Victony’s specced love interest expresses her distress and frustration with his lack of commitment. However, the mega-talented artist displays his acting prowess as he tries to charm her with the allure of money and rizz.
Promiscuous and Eligible: Victony’s Duality
As the track progresses, Victony reveals himself as a promiscuous and eligible bachelor, effortlessly attracting femme fatales across continents.
The video introduces us to a new love interest based in London, adding a touch of international allure to the story.
Throughout the four-minute video, Victony is seen interacting with several vixens, providing a hint of subtle undertones.
Cultural Representation and Aesthetics
Despite the duality in the narrative, the music video remains true to the essence of the song. Cultural connoisseurs can appreciate the blend of Afrocentric outfits and Western influences, showcasing a harmonious coexistence of styles.
The video also highlights cultural elements such as architecture, language (Pidgin English, British English, and Igbo), and mannerisms, creating a vibrant and immersive experience.
My Darling is subtitled in French; however, it seems there’s no one-word *Dey translation in Le Français.
Balancing Contrasts: The Outlaw and Wealth
Victony’s lyrics cleverly portray the contrast between being an “Outlaw” and the perception of wealth.
The video presents a disparity as everyone, particularly males, is portrayed with cash, challenging the notion of “small boys” being present on the addictive track.
Jyde Ajala’s intentional choice in this portrayal sparks intrigue, adding depth to the storytelling.
A Visual Feast: Clean, Genuine, and Engaging
The video’s aesthetics are nothing short of captivating.
My Darling is a visually stunning show that takes the audience on an enchanting journey as each frame is carefully crafted, from teenage girls singing the catchy chorus, “My darling, my darling, oh / My darling, my darling, oh / My darling, my darling, oh / My darling, oh,” to dancers in corridors and a ballerina gracefully tiptoeing.
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It’s a visual feast that begs for a second watch.
Conclusion
Victony’s “My Darling” music video is a masterful fusion of culture, creativity, and storytelling.
Jyde Ajala’s directorial proficiency brings out the best in Afrocentric talents, making the video an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide.
With its cross-cultural appeal, the video showcases the richness of Afrobeats and celebrates the vibrant energy of African artistry.
*In Nigerian Pidgin English creole, “Dey” is a versatile word used to indicate existence or location, continuous actions, present continuous tense, express future actions, and confirm statements. Its meaning varies slightly depending on the region and speaker, making it a dynamic and informal language in Nigeria.
