Celebrated Malian rock band Songhoy Blues has released the music video for “Badala”, the fiery single from their critically acclaimed new album Optimisme. “Badala” (Songhai for “I don’t give a fuck”) tells the story of a young woman breaking free of a patriarchal relationship, shaking off old norms and pursuing her own path. Conceived by the band and directed by previous collaborator Mr. Haidara, the video was shot on location in Bamako, Mali and features dancers and models from the local scene, plus a biker gang, who literally steal the show. Watch the music video below.
The video, like the song, represents a new and authentic voice emerging out of Africa. The band’s virtuosic lead guitarist, Garba Toure, says of the clip, “’Badala” is a video that we have dedicated to the freedom and validation of the young. We encourage you to watch the video and share your experiences of freedom and validation in 2020 to inspire others”. “
