Money Badoo’s latest single “Don’t Call Me”, featuring The Woodź and produced by gTbeats, is the singer’s first foray into Afro-pop, and the music video amplifies her signature style and the vibrant beat of the track through its striking, colourful frames.
“The concept was inspired by the Y2K era, and we wanted to create something fun, nostalgic, and visually exciting. It’s a celebration of empowerment and individuality,” Badoo tells TATC. “It was such an enjoyable experience, and I hope people love it as much as we loved making it.”
Shot at The Clubhaus studio, and directed by Mish, DYX, and Alvyn who also served as creative directors, the video draws inspiration from South African pop culture of the 2000s as well as broader aspects of the decade. The bold use of bright colours, neon lights, and nostalgic references to early ’00s tech (like flip phones, Nokia 3310s, and stacks of CDs) make for nostalgic spotting as you reminisce what it was like talking down one end of a slinky to the other.
With a wardrobe curated by Phuti Styles, Badoo also taps into the flashy fashion of the Y2K era rocking low-rise jeans, crop tops, and chunky belts, and makes a bold statement with her makeup that was done by Khaya Mhleli.
The visuals also mirror the lyrical empowerment and self-assurance that underpin “Don’t Call Me”, portraying Money Badoo and The Woodź as powerful yet relatable figures who aren’t afraid to own their space and embrace their individuality, amplified by Badoo’s willingness to experiment with a new sound. Keen to see her explore this newfound niche a bit more.