This year was nothing glamorous when it comes to best music videos.
And honestly, it was not an easy task to atleast coming up with 10 videos to fit on this list. Music videos have become more of the same concepts and storylines, and that makes it difficult for most creators, directors and producers to present breath-taking visuals.
We have managed to pick the best visuals released in 2018. The selection of the videos below is based on the storytelling, overall concept, and ofcourse the beauty (think of it more like watching the music video with the volume muted).
Here goes our list of Best Music videos of 2018 (in no particular order):
Nalingi – Manu World
Manu WorldStar released the visuals for his 2018 anthem ‘Nalingi’ just months ago. And we did say this was going to make it on this list ‘effortlessly’.
Manu WorldStar’s Nalingi music video is filled with surprise cameos; from the likes of songstress Thabsie, to Somizi’s daughter Bahumi, to the Punchline Media crew – Deexclsv, Luna Florentino and Tony X, to Music Unscripted and Slikour On Life’s Precious Nkadimeng aka Spoken Priestess.
It is the whole concept that makes the video a winner. It features clean and crispy design concepts mixed with African patterns and bold colors. And to top it off, a bunch of beautiful women.
KiD X – Mtan ‘Omuntu (feat. Shwi Nomtekhala, Makwa)
We see very much of ‘love’ storytelling music videos, but to be on point like KiD X’s ‘Mtan ‘Omuntu’ – that’s rare. The music video tells a story of a young man (played by KID X) who wants to go pay visit to his long-distance girlfriend. In many ways, the video also displays the iconic work done by Esther Mahlangu, also considering the maskandi flava delivered by Shwi Nomtekhala, we can confidently say this is an artistic work.
Kwesta – Spirit ft. Wale
On this Kwesta decided to collaborate with Wale. The music video tells a true story about the South African culture and its people. The music video also touches on many issues from politics, religion and the life in Katlehong township. Shot by the award-winning production company, The Bomb Shelter Film Company (Isibaya, Yizo Yizo) and directed by Tebza (Tebogo Malope) the Spirit music video is by far the most authentic South African story told in song. Costing close to a R1 million and shot in under an hour.
Cassper Nyovest – Ksazobalit
Cassper Nyovest decided to go insane with the concept for ‘Ksazobalit’ visuals and the concept is a winner. With this music video, Cassper Nyovest revives the issue of land ownership and being a farmer and further being able to produce our own goods. While many expected the visuals to be about a party and vibe, Cassper went for a solid concept. The music video is very much tasteful with appearances by Somizi, Major League, Carpo to mention a few.
Nadia Nakai – Nahh Mean
Nadia delivered one of the cleanest visuals for ‘Naa Meaan’. The video’s concept is very simple but bold because of the aesthetic side of it. Most of the shots were shot in studio, and it’s because of the bold colours, bright lights, costumes one can easily love the music video. Family Tree artists; Tshego, Dr Peppa and Cassper Nyovest are some who appear on the video. This is a presentation by Space Studio Pictures.
Frank Casino & Nadia Nakai – Money Calling
Frank Casino and Nadia Nakai hooked up to debut visuals for ‘Money Callin’ back in June.
Egg Films’ Lebogang Rasethaba directed the music video, set in a mysterious, moody, cold world of high fashion, rituals, and a council of elders, with high-fashion pieces from over 20 South African designers, including the likes of Black Coffee, Chulaap, David Tlale, Kiara Gounder, Kisua, Kumkani, and Thebe Magugu.
Sho Madjozi – Huku
It’s no surprise to see Madjozi going crazy with the concept of the video since the song is an anthem already. In the music video, Madjozi displays her own unique style of fashion and art while showcasing a bunch of different dance moves. Directed by Garth Von Glehn, the video tells a story about a boy (played by Smash Afrika) who can’t show his feelings for her.
This smash single follows the success of DuMi Hiphone which paved way for her in the music scene.
Riky Rick – I Can’t Believe It (Macoins)
Riky Rick brought an A-list concept for this video. The vintage themed video shows a number of protests and aftermaths. The music video was shot in a number of locations featuring a packed cast. The music video is another stellar work by Adriaan Louw, produced by Allison Swank.
Emtee – Thank You
Emtee debuted visuals for ‘Thank You’ back in July.
The single comes off his second studio album ‘Manando ‘ which released back in 2017. In this music video, Emtee takes it back to say thanks and show appreciation to his fans. He also decided to include his crew ATM and his 2 kids. The storyline of the video and the message on the song makes the whole mood of watching the video a mind-pleasing one.
AKA – Fully In
AKA hooked up with Alessio Bettocchi of Studio Space Pictures to deliver the cinematic visuals for ‘Fully In.’
The single is from his newly released studio album ‘Touch My Blood.’ For the concept of the video, AKA went for black & white theme showcasing the life in the township and its people.
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