In a space dominated by men, Nigerian music video director Pink, whose real name is Praise Onyeagwalam, refuses to be cowed but rather, she stands tall like Colossus. Lately, wherever you go. all you see is director Pink. She is vividly one of the most-sought after filmmakers and arguably the best music filmmaker in Nigeria as I write. The progression at which the female cinematographer’s profile soared within the space of one year, could be said to be geometric and mind-blowing..
How Did it Start?
When legendary Afrobeats/ Nigerian Pop singer D’Banj wanted a comeback, he did so much,, searching the industry for a perfect artist who could make his dream come true. He settled for her. It is not that he wasn’t aware of the preponderance of many talented male directors he could work with across the industry. Of course, we have male creatives as Kemz who directed Tekno’s comeback single, “Powerbank” and so many others. D’Banj chose the female director because she is distinct and probably he knew she would do justice to the single. They worked together and beautiful “Koko” video was created. This was not her first successful project but definitely, was a turning point in her career.
Let’s remember after the heat of comedian and singer, Nasboi’s debut album, “I.N.I.T” (In Nasboi I Trust) which features the Nigeria ‘s greatest artistes ( rappers and singers as M.I and 2Baba) cooled down, he lusted a big follow-up single and came through with “Friday Night”. He smartly contracted director Pink for “Friday Night” music video. The Nigerian-born European league striker, Victor Osihmen-cameo’d film is so fun-filled, colourful and clean it attracted hundreds of thousands of views in just few days on YouTube. The award-winning creative did an unbelievably amazing job on that.
Asides that, Pink’s story-telling skill is top-notch. How did I know? I found out just few days ago after watching Yemi Alade and Fave’s trending single, “Worry”. She blew me away with the plot: A soldier-husband who went on a 50/50 survival military assignment; and she paints well the insecurity and fear of the wife at the emotional moment of departure of her beloved partner and while he was away. Despite her hypertensive worries, he returns as a whole. The suspense employed before his eventual arrival is hugely commendable.
Nigerian singer and energetic dance performer, Yemi Alade in readiness for the release of her 11th music compilation, recently put out a dance single, “Mbali”. When I first saw the director’s name I said to myself: what could she likely come up with? But after watching, I realized there was absolutely no kind of short film she would not direct well and even do better. It came out as a colourful, entertaining dance video that even the best choreographers could find difficult to create.
And currently, the Imo State-born female director Pink, is in the “kitchen” with Instagram celebrity, hypeman, businessman and now singer, Cubana Chiefpriest “cooking” the official music video for the latter’s most anticipated single. He made the right choice because her past works speak volume about the depth of her creativity.
It is there for everyone to see Director Pink ‘s uncommon dedication to her craft and gift stands her out not just amongst her male peers but, generally, on the Nigerian music video directing scene, today.
osh-ng.com 
Leave a comment