MONROVIA – Sound is the birthplace of creativity. Everything on earth sings, has a rhythm, and flows in waves. The synchronization of events and history reveals that life itself is made of rhymes—nothing is a mistake. When Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, once remarked that his songs were channeled through him by a force beyond human comprehension, he categorized himself as merely a vessel—a medium through which the universe speaks. From sound comes vision, and those who can truly listen to the silence within discover a volume of words and images that guide their creativity. Enter Sayou Tequah Jnr—a visual artist of unparalleled genius.
Have you witnessed the cinematic masterpiece of Boifatty’s latest music video, Gana Gana? The combination of Boifatty’s lyrical prowess, soulful vocals, and raw emotion created a song capable of stirring even the angels. It took a director with Sayou’s profound understanding of sound and vision to translate this song into a groundbreaking music video—one that has set a new standard in the Liberian music industry.
The inception of this project speaks volumes about Sayou Tequah Jnr’s empathetic and passionate approach to his craft. Deeply moved by Gana Gana, the award-winning music video director and producer reached out to Boifatty and his management team, BluBlod Media, offering to shoot the video for free and even cover some production costs. Such a gesture is a rarity in an industry often dominated by financial motives. BluBlod seized this golden opportunity and partnered with Lonestar Beer Liberia to ensure the video’s seamless production. This collaboration not only broke industry norms but also introduced innovative product placement, with Sayou skillfully weaving Lonestar Beer into the narrative without overshadowing the song’s core message.
The artistry of Gana Gana isn’t just about its visual appeal; it’s a storytelling marvel. Sayou demonstrated not only his keen directorial eye but also his exceptional scriptwriting skills. His ability to capture profound emotions and craft symbolic narratives elevated the video into an artistic and spiritual experience.
The opening 24 seconds alone captivate viewers, blending each frame seamlessly with the beat. Sayou’s decision to use 24 frames per second—a rarity in Liberian music videos—creates an organic rhythm that mirrors the heartbeat of the song. The symbolism is breathtaking: Boifatty begins the journey on a canoe, navigating a river, representing the subconscious mind and the spiritual journey of self-discovery. Starting with Boifatty typing his life story on a vintage typewriter amidst bottles of Lonestar Beer, the video transitions into the haunting image of a grieving mystery woman, her sorrow reflected in Boifatty’s own journey.
The visuals tell a deeper story: every battle we fight begins in the mind. The scene where children run in circles around Boifatty, as he sings “My demons won’t leave me alone, love I need your saving,” is a poignant representation of how childhood trauma shapes adult struggles. The antidote to these inner battles, Sayou suggests, lies in true love—a love that heals the wounded inner child.
Styling plays a crucial role in amplifying the video’s cinematic impact. Boifatty’s black blazer, black pants, and white shirt—a collaboration between Sayou, BluBlod’s stylist Chris “King Kali” Kannah, and Boifatty’s team—create a striking image against the backdrop of a lush green pasture. The color symbolism is profound: black signifies power and strength, white represents purity and clarity, and the location symbolizes renewal and exploration.
The mystery woman, portrayed by video vixen Savior Flomo, delivered a hauntingly melancholic performance, adding depth to the story of lost love, addiction, and recovery. Her expressions and movements conveyed a narrative as compelling as the song itself.
The meticulous attention to detail—the camera angles, timing, editing, and props—cements Sayou Tequah Jnr’s position as the preeminent cinematographer in Liberia. Gana Gana demonstrates that creating an international-caliber music video in Liberia is not only possible but achievable with the right vision and team.
Sayou Tequah Jnr has achieved what many considered impossible: transforming the Liberian music video industry from mediocrity to ideal cinematography. Gana Gana isn’t just a music video; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the courage to dream beyond limits.
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