Ksazobalit music video looks at the bright side of land reform

A scene from the Ksazobalit music video

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I wanted to tell a positive message on the topic of land, from seeing so many negative tweets based on fear and uncertainty, I wanted to explore another side of the coin, which is positive and uplifting where different races break together. - Thabang Moleya

Land reform has been a hot topic in South Africa for some time now. While the subject is often met with fear and uncertainty undercut with hope by many, the Ksazobalit music video gives us a glimpse into what this might look like - when done right.

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Hip-hop artist Cassper Nyovest takes on the role of a successful black farmer living harmoniously with his white neighbour.

Director Thabang Kagiso Moleya has developed a good working relationship with Nyovest through the years. The pair recently worked on a KFC commercial together and after hearing the Ksazobalit song, Moleya decided to pitch his idea for the video to Nyovest. Nyovest was completely sold on the unique and impactful message and agreed to the project.

Talking about the creative concept, Moleya says that he is often interested in the conversation that South Africa is having and he tries to find ways to lend his voice to it. This is one of those current and on-going conversations, and I wanted to make a video where people can imagine themselves being land owners and not just having a big celebration on the land but also being prosperous on that land, together.

The video was shot in Hartebeespoort in the North West Province, over two days. Aerial shots make up a large part of the visual, aptly capturing the abundance of land and the beauty of the vast farmland. Nyovest takes on the persona of a proud, wealthy farm owner donning the distinctive khaki attire while carrying out traditional farm errands. Animated farm workers in blue overalls are seen dancing and rhythmically moving in celebration.

Television personality and choreographer, Somizi Mhlongo makes an appearance as a truck driver delivering goods at the farm.

I wanted to tell a positive message on the topic of land, from seeing so many negative tweets based on fear and uncertainty, I wanted to explore another side of the coin, which is positive and uplifting where different races break together, shares Moleya.

Besides Mhlongo, other well-known celebrity friends of Nyovest can be seen throughout the video. In another scene when Nyovest hosts a lavish lunch on the farm, the rapper and his mates are seen enjoying a meal outdoors, while his nosy neighbour is spying on them. Nyovest then invites the neighbour over and they all feast together and enjoy each other.

Media personality, Pearl Thusi makes a grand entrance in the final scenes. Thusi comes in riding a horse while wearing a striking red, flowy dress. She later holds a triumphant fist up in the air, and the video ends with the words, We Are Ready' appearing on screen.

I wanted to reflect a future where women are in power, one of the most striking images is a woman on a horse, so when I pitched the concept to Pearl Thusi, she loved the messaging behind it. Pearl's red dress, in the video, is symbolic of the bloodshed from the lives lost when the land was taken, Moleya expresses.

The video is shot on the RED Dragon with Arri Master Prime lenses. I wanted to capture a beautiful summers day. We maximised on early morning and late afternoon sunlight for the epic wide shots, and of course, for the horse riding sequence I wanted a strong back light on that scene, to make it feel dreamlike.

Post-production duties were handled by Upstairs Ludus.

The video was strategically released on Freedom Day and received over a million views on YouTube in its first week online, while also skyrocketing to number one on iTunes SA.

The music video concept has been highly-praised by several political figures including former Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula; South African Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa; and EFF leader Julius Malema.

The response has been amazing. I also set out to tell a narrative which was not just entertaining but impactful, and I am grateful to have had the platform to tell a narrative that made people talk about something important, Moleya concluded.

TECH CHECK

EQUIPMENT:

Camera: RED Dragon

Lenses: ARRI Master Prime lenses

The Ksazobalit video was shot on the RED Dragon with Arri Master Prime lenses

KEY CREY:

Production company: Studio Space Pictures and Seriti Films

Director: Thabang Kagiso Moleya

Producer: Alessio Bettocchi

DOP: Jitem Ramlal

Production manager: Shanell Sutra

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LINK:	http://www.screenafrica.com/2018/06/14/tv-radio/tv-radio-news/ksazobal...
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