“SJEL” - A Cinematic Homage To The Artistic Pioneers Before Us
Art, as a means of self-expression, has existed since the dawn of humanity. The act of creating something from nothing is one of life's greatest pleasures, and appreciating the creativity of others can be just as rewarding. Whether we realize it or not, art has surrounded us from the moment our senses first awakened to the world.
For many of us, that journey began with the simple joy of pressing a crayon against a blank sheet of paper, watching colors bring our imagination to life. Or maybe it was the first time we blew into a brand new recorder in first grade, eager to create a melody of our own. In one form or another, art has always been there - shaping how we see, feel, and understand the world around us.
As we grow older, our relationship with art begins to deepen. We start to truly understand the lessons our parents were trying to share through the music that filled our homes, the stories of freedom fighters who paved the way for us, the paintings they encouraged us to look beyond, and the poetry they carefully unpacked for our curious minds. It’s in those moments that a genuine appreciation for art begins to take shape.
That very journey of discovery and understanding was beautifully captured in the visual for “SJEL”, one of my favourite tracks from Master Kiii and Andre Loot off of their 2024 album, “ANEMOIA”. The video serves as a powerful reminder of how art evolves alongside us, revealing new meanings and emotions as we continue to grow.
Produced and directed by the brilliant Ipeleng Mvumvu, this stunning visual experience saw Kiii and Loot breathe new life into some of the most celebrated works in South African and Norwegian art and culture. Throughout the video, the duo thoughtfully reimagined iconic album covers and photographs, paying tribute to the creative pioneers who helped shape the country's artistic landscape.
Among the standout moments for me was the striking recreation of the legendary 1994 album cover by Hugh Masekela and The Union, with Kiii standing proudly alongside his brothers in a powerful homage to the original image. Another memorable scene saw the rapper reclining in a chair, reinterpreting the iconic 1978 photograph Boy in a Wicker Chair, captured by S. J. Moodley.
Viewers were also treated to a series of captivating moments featuring Loot as he paid homage to several influential Norwegian cultural figures and works. Among the highlights was his recreation of the iconic black and white portrait of legendary Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, capturing the timeless presence of one of literature’s most celebrated minds. Equally impressive was his reimagining of the cover art for “Aldri Solgt En Løgn” by Karpe Diem, the celebrated rap duo from Oslo, Norway, crafting beautiful music since the early 2000s.
My personal favourite, however, was the sequence featuring Kiii playing the saxophone, a beautiful tribute inspired by the work of Nikele Moyake. The shot not only honoured a legendary figure in South African jazz but also perfectly captured the video's central theme - celebrating the timeless influence of the artists who came before us.
This visual was packed with even more thoughtful tributes, drawing inspiration from cultural and historical icons such as Letta Mbulu, Miriam Makeba, Robert Sobukwe, Edvard Munch, and Tulla Larsen, among many others. Each reference was perfectly crafted, demonstrating a deep respect for the individuals and artworks being honoured.
What also made these recreations so remarkable was the incredible attention to detail. From the framing and lighting to the styling and composition, every scene felt perfectly designed to mirror its source material. The result was a breathtaking visual experience that often resembled a side-by-side recreation, capturing not only the appearance of those iconic figures but also the spirit and legacy they left behind.
The level of care and attention towards bringing this visual to life was exceptional from the crew and it could not have been done without the brilliant minds of Mvumvu, Master Kiii, Loot, and the rest of the team. Well done to everyone involved and I thank them for what they created.
Executive Producer /Director- @momolondonn_
Producer - @merverannewannenberg
Production Designer - @_rankono
Art Assistant - @thabiso_mohohlo
Assistant Director - @kopanno.s
DOP - Yanga Ngam- @yanga_ngam
Focus Puller - @patience.m.mokoena
Gaffer - @selemani358
Spark - Sulainmaan Dixon
Spark - Sinew Masana
Grip - Tichaona Danho
Key Hair & Make Up - @diary_of_a_lazy_creative
Hair and Make up - Uyathandwa Dyani
Key Stylist - @seethestylist
Costume Assistant - @litha.pezisa
Editor Tumelo @2024tido
Colourist- @kitso.monare
VFX- @rendered_useless.exr
Locations: Nazeem & Jody
Cast:
@masterkiii_
@andreloot
Makheswa Cynthia Moyake
leechiloanee
@babalwe_msengana
@milagermond
@siyamthandamakaluza
@melz_deers
@mbongenimoyake
@dopalicious.dandy
