Beloved Namibian trio PDK caused a stir over the weekend when they dropped the visuals for their hit song ‘Saka’, featuring Top Cheri, Athawise and King Elegant.
By the end of the first day online, the vintage-inspired video by Imagination Studios and PDK’s own Dion Auala had gained over 10 000 YouTube views, and was a trending topic on social media.
The stylised video starts with a young boy running and hiding from two gangsters. What follows next is an interesting story that transitions seamlessly from well-timed choreography and acting to fun and energetic dancing from the ensemble cast.
The concept was created by Auala and brought to life by Gweri Vintage Collection’s founder and creative director Pinehas ‘ZuluBoy’ Shikulo’s signature styling, and Chopsi’s Bar in Windhoek, transformed into a saloon complete with dominoes, cigar smoking and the perfect old-school colour grading.
The video features many of the musicians’ friends, including producer Mr Glo, BlvcBoxx Entertainment’s Waka Nakamwe and dancing group NJE, who Auala met while he was a judge for the nationwide talent search, Visible Talent Namibia.
“They just blew me away during the Tsumeb auditions, so I thought of them when I was creating the video concept.”
PDK emphasised the importance of collaboration in the industry and their casting choice seems to have really paid off, with the little boy featured gaining much attention online for his charisma and flair.
By lunchtime yesterday, the video had reached over 45 000 views, while the figure keeps climbing, with fans suggesting that it could be the second Namibian video to reach a million views.
Auala is hopeful that the video will continue to rake in the numbers, and possibly also bag them recognition outside of the country through bookings, international collaborations and screen time on continental music channels like Trace Africa.
Creating videos like this is important not just to elevate the trio, according to Auala, but also to take Namibian music as a whole to the next level. He advises other artists not to do things half heartedly, but to put effort into their endeavours, so that they can create quality.
“Let’s not just point out a location and tell the cameraman to shoot. It takes preparation, creativity and consideration of all aspects of the video, from the cast to the clothes to the choreography. All the elements must sync up and fit together. It’s simple to say, but hard work to do.”
Auala is keen to continue flexing his directing muscles in future. As the director behind the ‘Kaptein Kalola’ films and some smaller projects, he believes now is the perfect time to diversify his brand and possibly direct longer projects.
PDK has been making music for close to 15 years. ‘Saka’ is the second music video from their 12th studio album, ‘Grateful’. In July, they released ‘Wanna Love You’, which has since garnered 45 000 views.
– @MissAnneDastood on social media
