Mzansi’s new-wave artists have expressed a keen interest in assimilating the global trend of showcasing futurism in their visual artistry. A prime example is Durban-born muso Blxckie’s music video for “Sneaky” which features Pretoria’s finest, A-Reece. Featuring bizarre sci-fi aesthetics, fluorescent neon colours, and dystopian themes, the hit single’s music video visualises the future as depicted in an earlier era.
Retrofuturism, sometimes referred to as “science” bent on anticipating what will come, is a theme that was established in the 1960s.
It is a creative art movement that illustrates the influence of the future produced in an earlier era. Characterized by a blend of old-fashioned retro aesthetics with futuristic technology, retrofuturism explores the themes of tension between past and future, and between the alienating and empowering effects of technology.
Setting the retrospective ambiance, the music video ushers in with cinematic shots of a Cape Cod-style mansion. Adorning an eccentric pair of cat-eye sunglasses and a magenta-pink wig, the frequently used model gives us a glimpse of what we can expect from the unconventional visuals. Instantly, the aforementioned theme comes through via the portrayal of a popularised illustration of an alien in science fiction films. The extra-terrestrial life’s symbolism accentuates its overall fantastical theme.
Expectedly, exotic fashion pieces and 90s-inspired apparel are a recurrent theme. Blxckie and A-Reece pay homage to old school Hip-Hop fashion by dripping vintage straight caps throughout.
The model again appears towards the end now resembling a damsel in shining armor, adorning silver-gray apparel. In science fiction, the colour silver often symbolises high-tech, which is a predominant theme in retro-futuristic films. Furthermore, the contrast between the model’s apparel and the vintage caps worn by the rappers fuses new aesthetics with retro themes which further assimilates the essence of retrofuturism.
Exploring cosmic multeity, Blxckie and A-Reece are seen surrounded by gleaming silver spheres that resemble planets during the initial scenes of the music video. The contrast between the conspicuous spheres and the multi-coloured fluorescent background set a galactic atmosphere in motion. Illustrating the connection between all matter in the universe, the duo is also seen standing on alluvial soil which resembles the earth.
Overall, Blxckie and A-Reece’s music video is refreshing because it takes the viewer on a fantastical odyssey in an alternative world. The fact that the duo shied away from contemporary music video aesthetics indicates their desire to show the world a different side to South African visual artistry.
