Top 10 Nigerian Music Videos of the year

As a medium of expression, music videos proved to be one of the best this year. Exploring issues of social identity, hedonism, social issues, or flat out razzmatazz, Nigeria had a plethora of them. With countless videos released at the mainstream level by our favourite stars. We have had endless entertainment and messages passed visually throughout the year.

But only a few truly stood above the rest, screaming with more than the regular.

From the creative process, conceptualization, uniqueness of video, attention to detail, the all-round entertainment value and that little something extra, we have selected the 10 best visuals that rocked the year.

Falz - Soldier ft Simi (Dir. by Clarence Peters)

The quintessential movie-meets-creativity-meets-music-meets-humor-meets-back stories. Falz and Simi who have enjoyed a growing and profitable chemistry, did provide us with one of the best videos of the year. From multiple collaborations to an EP (“Chemistry”), the duo who are turning out to be the Bonnie and Clyde of Nigerian music are constantly finding new ways to express their creativity and passion.

Clarence Peters who oversaw the process, birthed a short film which was both entertaining and riveting, with a story steeped in love, heroism and sacrifice. All of these ideals were put forth in the most comedic and picturesque way leading to shouts for an AMVCA trophy to be awarded.

Tiwa Savage - If I start to talk ft Dr Sid (Dir. by Clarence Peters)

Mavin singer Tiwa Savage dropped a well executed video directed by Clarence Peters. Off her RED album, Tiwa featuring Dr Sid did good on depicting socially relevant issues, affecting her country while also being thankful. Clarence shines through creatively in the video with his daring portrayal of the theme and concept of the song which revolved around economic hardships. Of course, the video is not all dark and gloomy as she rejoices over the things she does have, which happens to be quite favourable in her case.

Tiwa Savage - Rewind (Dir. by Clarence Peters)

Clarence Peters shows dynamic creativity again here. Tiwa Savage’s star quality of course shines through and rightly depicts the story behind the song. The artistic effect, quality and direction put together by Clarence makes the song's visuals a winner.

Banky W - Made for you (Dir. by Banky W)

Mr Capable is probably the last name you will recall when mentioning the top music video directors in the game right now, but we dare to say he executed it just as much as any other director that knows his onions. Simple yet classy, the visual shows Banky’s  creative genius and love for what he does. The fact that actress Adesua Etomi was his star female love interest also made the video pretty appealing.

Kiss daniel - Jombo (Dir. by Aje Filmworks)

The G-Worldwide frontman’s Ani James directed visual tells a tale of young love that is laced with good humour . The animated video which has amassed over 3million views keeps growing in the numbers and it’s not so hard to tell why.

Darey - Pray for me (Dir. by Mex)

Off his “Naked” album, the Undareyted artist’s story is well portrayed on the Mex directed flick, The pair of Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva beautifully executed their roles as much as Darey and his Soweto choir adding color to the visual.

Maleek Berry - Kontrol (Dir. by Meji Alabi)

The colourful setting of the Meji Alabi cut, the gorgeous ladies giving off that Caribbean Afrobeat influenced dance, Maleek’s vocals and the wavy beat makes the video for ‘Kontrol’ one to watch over and over. The visuals also give off a happy feeling, perhaps due to the dance moves of the ladies and the expressions on their face. making 'Kontrol' a fun clip.

Flavour - Gbo gan gbom ft Phyno, Zoro (Dir. by Clarence Peters)

Clarence Peters portrays a refreshing rich authentic culture peculiar to the Ibo tribe of Nigeria in the visual for this song. Flavour shows he is a son of the soil with his dance moves and energy. Same goes for Phyno and Zoro. Music meets culture and originality in this video.

Psquare - Bank alert (Dir. by Clarence Peters)

Another Clarence Peters directed clip, the love song gives funny, feel good vibes. The catchy chorus to it helps the song’s over 8 million views. Also, the theatrics of Mr Ibu cannot be overlooked by any stretch, as the Nollywood comedian made the video all the more entertaining.

Tekno - Pana (Dir. by Clarence Peters)

The popularity of the song made the visuals to the song even more appealing. The Japanese costume and all its other symbolic connotations the singer was putting on display makes the video attractive. His dance moves also were a catch on the eye.