Watch Flying Bantu’s Sunshine City video
Five-piece Zimbabwean Afro-fusion band Flying Bantu has released a video for its ‘Sunshine City’ song.
Sung in Shona and English, the song is the sixth track off the band's debut album Ceasefire. The video and album are available for download and streaming on Spotify, YouTube, Deezer, Google Play Music and SoundCloud.
The video was shot in Harare, which is also known as the Sunshine City. It was directed and shot by siblings Nathan Ivor Scott Barlow and Kalai Faye Barlow together with Richard Watson.
“The song speaks of a story that is only too common in modern-day Zimbabwe,” Flying Bantu said. “The piece is about a missing person, Isaac Musadavira, who is still unaccounted for today. The music video takes the form of a short film about what his, and undoubtedly thousands of others’, journeys could have looked like, and probably do look like, on the hostile streets of a forgotten city. The lead role of ‘Isaac’ is played by the band’s bass guitarist Bongani Moyo.”
The band also acknowledged the support they received on the project. “Finally, a heartfelt thanks to all who have helped the band in reaching this exciting milestone. It has been only through the Herculean efforts, generosity and support of so many friends that makes a production like this possible. To all of the band’s supporters, a big thank you.”
Kalai Faye Barlow said the video was shot during social unrest in the country. “We shot ‘Sunshine City’ during a time of great unrest in the country's capital. Peaceful demonstrations turned into police brutality as the government unleashed violence and terror on Zimbabwe's most vulnerable,” she said.
“A very sad side effect of this crumbling country is that amid the chaos, people like Isaac are so easily forgotten. Hearing Nash sing the lyrics during this shoot at this time was deeply moving. We hope that the message resonates with you as much as it does to us.”
The video is generating support from many Zimbabweans. The band took to Facebook to thank its fans.
"Thanks so much for all of the positive feedback, comments and shares of our 'Sunshine City' video. We are overwhelmed by the messages of support. Over 600 organic views in the first 24 hours is not bad considering our fairly limited social reach, so a massive thank you to all. Please keep sharing and spreading the love, we are most appreciative of the support," Flying Bantu said.
Watch ‘Sunshine City’ below:
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