Music videos are the aesthetic embodiment of a song’s spirit, brought to life through moving images and cinematic techniques. Each frame is carefully crafted, mirroring the rhythm, mood, and emotions conveyed by the music. They have come a long way since the days of filming bands playing their instruments on a stage, evolving into visual masterpieces that can stand alone as works of art.
Behind the scenes, a myriad of artists breathe life into these music videos, from directors to set designers, makeup artists, stylists, and choreographers. One such artist I’d like to spotlight today is famed director and choreographer, Fatima Robinson. Her ability to translate raw emotions into movement has led her to create some of the most memorable music videos in history, such as Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time” and Black Eyed Peas’ “Where Is The Love”.
Robinson’s choreography is vibrant and dynamic, yet it carries a deeper meaning that aligns with the song’s message. In the “Remember The Time” music video, for instance, the choreography is set in an Egyptian backdrop, with dancers executing moves inspired by traditional Egyptian dancing. Robinson’s detailed approach to choreography didn’t just stop at the dance routines. The clothes the dancers wore, the expressions on their faces, even the lighting used, it was all meant to transport viewers back in time to the glory of Ancient Egypt, echoing the nostalgic tone of the song.
On the other hand, in Black Eyed Peas’ “Where Is The Love” music video, Robinson’s choreography takes a more hard-hitting approach. The video paints a grim picture of a world torn apart by war, and the choreography emphasizes this. The dancers move in unison, their movements sharp and abrupt, symbolizing the desperation and urgency of the song’s message. This emotionally charged choreography compels viewers to reflect on the state of the world and question, “Where is the love?”
The artistry in music videos is not just about presenting a visually pleasing scene. It is about telling a story, conveying emotions, and sometimes, delivering a social message. And Robinson’s work embodies this. By paying attention to the finer details, from the colors used in the set to the choreography’s tempo, Robinson brings out the essence of the song, connecting the lyrical content and the visual representation seamlessly.
Music videos are like mini-movies, condensing complex narratives into a few minutes of audio-visual experience. The artistry behind these videos often goes unnoticed, but without it, the music we love would lack a visual dimension. So next time you watch a music video, take a moment to appreciate the work that goes into creating it. From the intricate choreography, the vivid makeup, to the breathtaking set designs, each element is a piece of art, contributing to the overall masterpiece that is the music video.