The Magic Behind the Scenes: Shining Light on Nigerian Music Video Directors – Mani, Director K and Temi Evo

D EYE

In the vibrant world of Nigerian music, where sounds from afrobeats to highlife dominate the global airwaves, much of the magic is experienced visually. Behind the unforgettable images, captivating narratives, and artistic brilliance that have pushed the boundaries of Nigerian music videos are the directors who bring these visions to life. They are the unsung heroes who translate music into compelling visuals, blending creativity, storytelling, and technical mastery.

In this exclusive feature, we sit down with three trailblazing music video directors—Mani, Director K, and Temi Evo—who have left indelible marks on the industry. With distinctive styles and a passion for their craft, these directors have shaped some of the most iconic visuals in Nigerian music today. From conceptualizing scenes to working with top artists, they share their journey, creative process, and how they continue to redefine the narrative of African music videos.

Join us as we explore the magic behind the scenes and discover what it takes to be at the forefront of visual storytelling in Nigeria’s booming music scene.

We asked them these 5 Questions:
1. 3 things that you must always have on your set.
2. Have you ever gone over the budget and how did you handle it?
3. When shooting, who are the top 3 people that must be on set?
4. Have you ever had a last minute change of creative direction by the artist and how did you handle it?
5. What’s the most important thing in shooting a music video?

 

 

Director K.

3 things that you must always have on your set.
1. My personal monitor that’s light weight.
2. I think coffee.
3. Shotlist.

Have you ever gone over the budget and how did you handle it?
At the early stage of my career, I went over budget and got into debt, then I paid the debt with the next project budget and also go into debt in that. More like rolling over debt lol.

Nigerian Music Videos | Director K. | Charlie Davids

When shooting, who are the top 3 people that must be on set?
1. 1st Ad.
2. Cinematographer.
3. Art director.

Have you ever had a last minute change of creative direction by the artist and how did you handle it?
Yes, when we were shooting Ladipoe’s Know You featuring Simi, it didn’t stop raining, so had to adapt the rain to my idea.

Director K | Charlie Davids

What’s the most important thing in shooting a music video?
Being Different and being Prepared.

 

 

 

Temi Evo

3 things that you must always have on your set.
3 things I must always have on my set are : A monitor that’s bigger than the camera monitor, At least 1 light and towel because I sweat a lot lol.

Temi Evo | Charlie Davids

Have you ever gone over the budget and how did you handle it?
I’ve definitely gone over budget on some projects , sometimes it takes managing client expectations and letting them know the situation/evolution of things before it goes out of control, that way we come to an agreement on a resolution or more funds are released.

When shooting, who are the top 3 people that must be on set?
1. A cinematographer (but I’m also one)
2. A gaffer
3. A runner

Nigerian Music Video | Charlie Davids

Have you ever had a last minute change of creative direction by the artist and how did you handle it?
Definitely, it happens quite often but it’s important that while massaging the ego of the client you also adequately manage their expectations and help them understand the limitations and realities of their requests and potential implications, so you don’t become liable for certain unwanted outcomes, and also knowing when and how best to decline their suggestions so you don’t compromise end result because as the director you still to blame for how it ultimately goes.

What’s the most important thing in shooting a music video?
It’s a tie between; knowing and sticking to core elements of the vision without getting carried away by either technicalities or setbacks in any department… and having the right team/combination of personnel, so that part lies between the producer and the director.

 

 

 

 

Mani

3 things that you must always have on your set.
1. Phone or my ipad.
2. Headset, you need to stay inspired always. Music is my go to for that.
3. Water. A bottle of water to stay hydrated all the time.

Nigerian Music Videos | Mani | Charlie Davids

Have you ever gone over the budget and how did you handle it?
Is there any director that has not gotten over the budget? Hehehe, So yeah it has happened to me before.  It was a music video and the creative Direction was something I was super invested in and I wanted to see it through  without diluting it.  The client gave me a reasonable budget but I knew that if I wanted to get the best out of the treatment I’ll have to spend more.  What I had to do was very very intentional and sacrificial because I had to deep hands into my director’s fee.  I took out some percentage out of my fees and placed it on the production.
I went beyond the initial production budget and I had to balance it up with my own directors fee and that was how I was able to handle it. When it happens you have to dig deep into your own pockets and make it work.

Nigerian Music Videos | Charlie Davids

When shooting, who are the top 3 people that must be on set?
Definitely the producer. The producer needs to be beside me at all times. You have to be giving me the ginger, telling me that it is possible.  I need my AD. My AD needs to be beside me too at all times. Lastly, the DOP too because I am a director that is very big on cinematography, style of shooting, lighting, mood and angles. So definitely, my DOP needs to be there.

Have you ever had a last minute change of creative direction by the artist and how did you handle it?
Yea, sort of,  I’ve had a last minute change of creative Direction but it wasn’t by the artist though. It was just the situation;  it was a case of the weather. You know when you’ve planned your shots and you have a direction to follow and out of nowhere the rain starts pouring down. At that point, I had to think on my feet and find creative solutions. It was a big artiste and if the artiste had left, it would have been a disaster because the shoot was scheduled to be a day shoot.


What’s the most important thing in shooting a music video?
Trust me I’m very big on storytelling. If it is a documentary, a music video, short content, a film, trust me it is the storytelling for me especially in music videos. I listen to songs to get inspired. While listening to songs, I paint pictures in my head so I’m always about the storytelling.  Music videos shot by me or by other directors, I always look out for the story. I’ve listened to the song, what story can you tell with the visuals to make the song even more interesting. So storytelling, I’m very big on that.

 

In a world where visuals are just as crucial as the music itself, Nigerian music videos have become powerful vehicles for storytelling, cultural expression, and global recognition. Directors like Mani, Director K, and Temi Evo continue to push the envelope, elevating the artistry and creativity of the industry. Their innovative vision has not only captured the essence of Nigerian music but also helped shape the global perception of African entertainment. As these directors continue to craft unforgettable visuals, the future of Nigerian music videos shines brighter than ever, proving that the magic behind the scenes is just as important as the music that inspires it.

 

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