Nigerian Afropop sensation, Mr Eazi, has revealed the magnificent and majestic music video for “Òròkórò,” featuring the iconic African musician, Angelique Kidjo.
View the video here:
The visual was shot in Paris by director Thomas Leloup and serves as the latest release from Mr Eazi’s highly acclaimed 2023 album, The Evil Genius. The album, which has been praised by renowned publications such as The Guardian, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Complex, CNN, The FADER, and Rolling Stone since its October release via Eazi’s own emPawa Africa, is among the most unique and distinctive projects to emerge from the Afrobeats genre.
“Òròkórò” is one of the six tracks from The Evil Genius produced by Nigerian super producer Kel-P (known for his work with Burna Boy and Wizkid) and stands out for its lush arrangements. The track, which incorporates a lyric from Kidjo’s 90s classic “Wombo Lombo,” is predominantly sung in Yoruba. In this song, both Eazi and the five-time Grammy winner express deep and humble gratitude for their life’s blessings. “What God has done for me in secret can’t be quiet, you can see the love God has shown me,” Mr Eazi explains.
The track was recorded between Kokrobite, Ghana, and Ouidah, Benin, a city widely regarded as the birthplace and mecca of voodoo, as well as Angelique Kidjo’s hometown. Mr Eazi mentioned, “We literally finished it in a house on a lagoon in Ouidah. It’s a very spiritual place.”
Leloup’s visual treatment is influenced by Ouidah’s spiritual history and traditions, as well as The Dahomey Amazons, women warriors who operated in modern-day Benin between the 17th and 19th centuries, as explained by the director.
“I wanted to make a true ‘spiritual musical,’” said Leloup. “Mr Eazi and Angelique Kidjo are two of the most significant artists in West Africa—two icons. So, in my concept, I try to explore this idea of spirituality and icons. Moreover, I put my personal visual universe, inspired by Wong Kar Wai, Kurosawa, or Wim Wenders, to make a mix with the universe of Eazi. The idea was to make a sort of ritual. Angelique was like a queen on a throne surrounded by women, and Mr. Eazi was like a preacher or messenger with dancers around him. The music video is a succession of tableaux, like a musical.”
“Òròkórò” marks the fourth official video release from The Evil Genius, following the previously released “Legalize,” “Chop Time, No Friend,” and “Exit” featuring Soweto Gospel Choir.
“Òròkórò” artwork by Patricorel | The Evil Genius artwork by Daniel Obasi