Feature

Surreal Sessions’ new music video for “U” is a love-letter to the community of Kuils River

Surreal Sessions have been on our radar for a while now, featuring a few months back on our Five To Watch: The Most Exciting DJs and Producers in South Africa right now.

We’ve also been spinning their incredible track “U” on our Writers Picks playlist for the last few weeks, and it finally gets a striking visual accompaniment directed by Ashley Benn.

Set in the colourful streets of Kuils River, the video is shot entirely on location, and in many ways it’s the duo’s love letter to this loving community, depicting the quiet beauty in their daily routines.

Blending dance sequences with a documentary-style narrative that follows the relationship between a young couple, Tayla Jacobs’ choreography here is seriously next-level, complemented by DOP Julian Robinet’s vivid cinematic touch, and Jesse Jewelz’s daring creative direction.

Last but not least, hats off to the incredible cast of dancers (Carlton Eiman, Cwenga Tasana, Lara Whatney, Jade Adams, and Kgomotso Marite) who each bring an energetic flair to this visual that feels genuinely world-class.

It’s so exciting to see our local talent shine, and we’ve no doubt that Surreal Sessions will continue to grow from strength to strength as they chart their journey to the top of Africa’s budding electronic music scene. Watch this space.

Cover image courtesy of Jesse Jewelz.