In 2024, African music videos proved once again to be more than just visual accompaniments to songs. They became essential tools of storytelling, emotional expression, and artistic exploration. While the attitude of some artists is slowly tilting from shooting music videos to creating engaging shorts on platforms like Youtube and TikTok, a handful of directors and artists are pushing boundaries with distinct creativity and visual splendour. Ranked below are Afromixx music video picks that defined 2024, left a special moment with fans, and enriched their musical experience. These music videos represent the artistic excellence and creative risks that defined 2024, proving that music videos are an enduring force of visual storytelling.
1. Young Jonn – Stronger
Although an emotive record on its own, Perliks, the director, dug his creative fingers deeper into the emotions of viewers by crafting a stirring, tear-moving visual narrative for Young Jonn‘s “Stronger’ visual. The video follows a young boy and his mother involved in a motor accident, with the child as the sole survivor. After waking up from a coma, the boy finds comfort in the smiles of his mother. The twist? She didn’t survive the accident, and her presence was an illusion. Perliks masterfully held this reveal until the concluding moments of the music video. Following the premiere, Perliks earned widespread praise for his brilliance, sparking a trend of genuine live reactions from viewers across social media platforms.
2. Ayo Maff – 8 Days
On his tribute song to the late Mohbad, fast-rising street-hop star Ayo Maff delivers deeply personal and melancholic tales drawn from the harsh realities of the streets. Olu The Wave’s visualizer mirrors Ayo Maff’s raw emotions, with each frame amplifying the intensity of his storytelling. A dance of vibrant colors, bandanas, choreography, and unique creative choices brings out the song’s unfiltered, streetwise authenticity.
3. Chike x Mohbad – Egwu
Egwu, was one song with quite the surprising collab between Chike and the late Mohbad. They came together and created a vibrant tune that celebrates the joy of music and encourages listeners to let loose and enjoy life. The music video for Egwu really brought that celebration to realize as it showcased colorful visuals with diverse dancers expressing themselves through energetic choreography. The lively atmosphere reflects the song’s theme of embracing happiness and the universal language of music. Chike and Mohbad’s chemistry shines through as they perform, inviting viewers to join in the celebration. The video captures the essence of Nigerian culture, blending traditional and modern elements, making it a captivating visual experience in general.
4. Wizkid x Brent Faiyaz – Piece Of My Heart
A hit from Wizkid that wasted no time in topping charts and being eaten up by fans and music lovers at large, Piece Of My Heart featuring Brent Faiyaz, is a thrilling blend of Afrobeats and R&B with heartfelt lyrics on the matters of love. The song’s smooth melody draws listeners in, while the music video fits easily with the song as it comes with stunning visuals and intimate moments that pushes the emotional narrative even further. The chemistry between Wizkid and Faiyaz is evident as the combination of introspective lyrics from both artists make ‘Piece Of My Heart’ a standout track.
5. Asake x Travis Scott – Active
The music video for Active by Asake featuring Travis Scott is a visually stunning art work full of energy and style. A set that gives off so much energy right from the beginning, the video shows off lively choreography and captivating visuals that reflects the song’s infectious rhythm. Asake and Travis Scott deliver powerful performances, smoothly blending their unique styles. The colorful lighting, and engaging scenes does a great job in enhancing the energetic atmosphere inviting viewers to throw themselves into the lively vibe of both the song and video. Overall, the video perfectly complements the track’s themes of confidence and celebration.
6. Tyla, Gunna, Skillibeng – Jump
In May, Tyla, one of Africa’s biggest pop stars, unveiled the music video for her collaboration with Skillibeng and American rapper Gunna, directed by Nabil. With her perpetually alluring aura, Tyla makes a playful yet bossy statement about her worth and desirability. From being chauffeured by Gunna to dazzling admirers and reveling in the lively energy of a party.
7. Diamond Platnumz x Jason Derulo x Khalil Harrison x Chley Nkosi – Komasava
One of the biggest hits from Africa this year was definitely from Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz who dished out a major jam featuring international singer Jason Derulo, Khalil Harrison, and Chley Nkosi, and it’s titled Komasava, is an infectious blend of Afrobeats and pop that radiates energy and joy. The song’s catchy hooks and vibrant rhythms gets listeners on their feet and dancing, while the music video showcases stunning visuals filled with colorful scenes and energetic choreography. Each artist brings their unique flair, creating a beautiful harmony on the track. Overall, Komasava is a celebration of culture and collaboration, making it a standout track this year.
8. Rema – Azaman
Rema, one of the most deliberate artists in modern Afrobeats, took a bold step in altering his creative direction, reshaping the aesthetic of his persona. Rema is known for taking his time with his art, thoughtfully world building and striving to paint a cohesive plot across board. The opening track of his sophomore album, ‘Azaman,’ earned a music video that boldly embraced his new edgy persona. Featuring dim filters, flashy cars, and fashion-forward outfits, the video reinforced the song’s message and signaled Rema’s evolution as an artist.
9. Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq ft. Ohp Sage & Pee – Wadibusa
In ‘Wadibusa,’ Uncle Waffles, celebrated for her electrifying stage presence as a DJ and dancer, explores the other side of Amapiano beyond its sound. “This is not what you think it is—Amapiano is Dance,” the video cuts and the quoted text is displayed. Viewers are soon treated to an impressive performance of choreography, with Uncle Waffles and her dance team moving in uniformity and with precision. Directed by Larnelle Bakala, the video progresses seamlessly, showcasing a mesmerizing interplay of movement and rhythm that reaffirms Amapiano’s depth.
10. Kizz Daniel x Davido – Twe Twe Remix
Another party jam that has listeners on their hyped up when listening, Kizz Daniel’s Twe Twe Remix featuring Davido is an infectious Afrobeats anthem that combines catchy melodies with playful lyrics about attraction and dance. The music video does well to amplify this energy the more as it flaunts vibrant visuals and dynamic choreography complementing the song’s upbeat vibe. Trust Kizz Daniel and Davido to also come with the energy in their performances which still has viewers having no choice but to join the celebration. The remix and its accompanying video create an irresistible sounds that just gets your body moving even before you realize it.
