The first single off Desiree’s ‘Intersexy’ EP sees a new music video exploring the dance we do in negotiating the interpersonal, as well as the ways in which we express our individuality. For the very first visual of her burgeoning career as an internationally recognised producer and DJ, “Khuluma Nami,” (loosely translated to “speak to me” in Jabulile Majola’s pensive vocal) drives home the idea that even when we feel that we’re out of sync with the world, each other or ourselves, all it takes is just one first step on the path to fully realising one’s dreams and desires.
Creative visionary Sandile Mhlongo of The Uniconz and director Dein Conrad O’Toole (whose keen eye brought RnB star Filah-Lah-Lah’s visual album ‘ON AIR’ to life) capture the unique aesthetic of Johannesburg’s queer creative scene, featuring an all-star cast of the city’s key artivists carrying themselves with bold, expressive candor.
The video is said to speak to the many ways one can communicate and express individuality, bringing to focus everything from our choice in pets, to the cars we drive, the way we adorn our bodies, our streets and our living spaces. On the backdrop of these very stark representations of fearless abandon and curated personal taste, come protagonists Ponahalo Mojapelo and Nthabiseng Mofokeng, who deliver riveting performances as two scenesters grappling with the unspoken.
“The process for this video was a beautiful one, and it came at a time where I had just lost a lover. I really felt that yearning in Jabulile’s vocals at the time looking into the sunset asking to be heard,” shares Sandile
It got me thinking, what if my soulmate is out there somewhere looking at this same sunset, and I don’t even know it? That’s where the idea of the split screen came from – to have these two people who exist on opposite ends of the world, with their lives running parallel through one song.
Although two people walk the same world that encourages pride in all forms of expression, there is still apprehension, uncertainty, obliviousness or even fear that keeps them from truly connecting – leaving the future racked with uncertainty. This narrative is not uncommon in all facets of life, today. At a time where South Africa leads the charge for LGBTQIA+ rights as well as an enduring legacy in global electronic music, “Khuluma Nami” offers encouragement to those, such as Sandile, Ponahalo, Nthabiseng and Desiree, who are willing to take that first step to make themselves truly known.
“‘Khuluma Nami’ comes from marrying the artistic visions of Jabulile and I,’ says Desiree. “The bass guitar in the song speaks to 13-year-old me, when I began to develop my obsession for alternative rock. The song brings together two worlds, alternative & house music, that I love – but at times can feel far removed from each other. It’s really just about two people from different worlds that share things in common and could make magic together… but somehow, life keeps them apart. My hope is for “Khuluma Nami” to help connect anyone with those like-minded individuals on the dance floor and beyond, just as it has done for me.”
Watch below:
