This it! This is lit! Watching the latest visuals from Djembe Monks will leave you awe-struck. The video for the track Rainmaker is a moving piece of art, a reflection of what the world needs to see and experience about Africa.

By Plot Mhako

Djembe Monks are a Tribal House music band from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Established in 2011 the band is made up of Khotso – Music Producer, Slim – DJ and Manni on percussion.

Traditional African drums and organic vocals infused with a modern wheel spinning hum, the act is popular for its inimitable and enthralling blend of house music interwoven with live percussion. 

Shot in Karoo Desert South Africa, This music video/short film is a visual manifestation of Djembe Monks combination of ethnic & electronic sound and is motivated by the groups passion for dance. The concept touches on the global water crisis and draws inspiration from a traditional rain-dance performed by the baKalanga people from Botswana and Western Zimbabwe. Rooted in traditional Zimbabwean Mythology & folklore and interwoven with contemporary elements. 

This experimental, movement piece takes us on the journey of the calling of the ‘iwosana’ (a chosen medium) who is a communicator for the god Mwali and the ancestors. 

“We aimed to capture the Djembe Monks organic, live performance energy while conveying a narrative inspired by an ancient Zimbabwean tradition and exploring its relevance in the modern world” – Kalai Barlow (Producer & Director)

The video was shot and produced by Obscura Films. Obscura Fils is a creative collaboration of Zimbabwean Director & Producer Kalai Barlow & Cinematographer Richard Watson. 

Through a combined passion for music & visual storytelling, the duo conceptualized an initiative to uplift and empower upcoming Zimbabwean artists. 

The young production company recently achieved the 2020 NAMA ‘National Arts Merit Award’ for their compelling Music Video ‘Sunshine City’ by Flying Bantu and nominated for another video ‘Bless’ in the same category.

Already a nominee for three international awards 

SA INDIE FEST NOMINEE – 2020

SACRAMENTO UNDERGROUND FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL – SELECTED

LIFT-OFF GLOBAL NETWORK SESSIONS 2020 NOMINEE

With human story and power of resilience always at the core of their work the duo continue to collaborate with artists on the continent and beyond, in the combined effort to share diverse African narratives with the world.

“Our guiding philosophy is grounded in the idea that story-telling has the power to inspire and motivate change. We aim to use our craft as a vehicle to translate and share the stories of those who have moved us in an effort to contribute to the uplifting talented Artists,” said Obscura Films

To the group, music is an art-form which taps into deep roots of culture and heritage to transcend their beliefs into sound.