Independent Amsterdam-based multi-hyphenate Akwasi (rapper, writer, poet, spoken word artist, producer, actor, television personality, label owner, ‘Zwart Licht’ co-founder and more) has released the potent video for his single ‘Extase’ off of the ‘Zoveel Dingen’ EP. A reset of sorts, the monochrome Florian Joahn-directed visual serves as a platform for Akwasi to herald a new phase. A creative concept by the inimitable stylist, creative director & photographer JeanPaul Paula, the video asserts that ‘it is not the responsibility of the black artist to educate the white audience on racism. It is the responsibility of the black artist to live out their truth despite the racism they face.’ Hello! The video explores and reshapes poignant images of Blackness, family, institutional violence, slavery, gender and sexuality while flipping racist iconography like blackface and KKK hoods over into reclaimed territory. ‘Only dead fish go with the flow’, Akwasi muses over a blaring beat before reaching an ecstatic crescendo. Brilliant.

‘Zoveel Dingen’ is out now.

CREDITS

Production: Akwasi & Mucky Beats
Director: Florian Joahn
Concept: JeanPaul Paula & Florian Joahn
Art Direction & Styling: JeanPaul Paula
DOP: Chris Van Leeuw
Casting: Ahisha Adjoa & JeanPaul Paula
Hair: Anoeska Schmidt
Makeup: Laura Van Kolk