The multi-talented Maria Nepembe recently emerged from behind the camera and her work as a director to take centre stage.
Her latest appearance, in Gazza’s ‘Taulilwa’, was released on Independence Day.
Set in a traditional Aawambo homestead complete with picturesque scenes, the music video was shot by the acclaimed film-maker Didi Reloaded.
The storyline follows a man attempting to court a beautiful young woman, played by Nepembe.
“The video illustrates how I had to prove myself with hard work, just to be approved of by the parents for her hand in marriage. I needed to show that I’m capable so they know that their daughter is safe from poverty,” says Gazza.
Although Nepembe is in demand to appear in music videos, the creative says she’s determined to inhabit her space behind the scenes for now.
She explains that the music video was shot a while back, before she decided to focus more on directing.
“This is Gazza’s project, everything was shot a while ago. He decides the timeline to put out his new projects.
“Unless it’s something really special, my focus for now is being behind the camera.”
Nepembe describes the experience of working with Gazza as amazing.
“Gazza is a professional and so am I, so it was easy working with him. I did advise here and there but I was booked to feature in the videos, not to direct the videos.”
Nepembe rose to fame after starring in the music video for PDK’s ‘Dirty Kandeshi’ in 2012.
Over the years she’s taken a step back from being a video vixen to focus more on production.
Despite her latest modelling stint for Ruberto Schultz’s wedding campaign, which saw marriage rumours swirling, Nepembe has so far produced her own reality television show, ‘Body with Maria Nepembe’, as well as directed music videos such as ‘Hangover’, ‘Highway’ and ‘Leo’, to mention a few.
She says she’s often complimented about her work as a director.
“There’s a huge improvement, the growth is really evident and I’m so proud of everyone pushing.”
– unWrap.online
