As Africans whose cultures are often times appropriated albeit horribly for commercial purposes, we are unlikely to appreciate culturally appropriated Art but Janet Jackson doing it in the visuals for her new single might be excused. Alongside Puerto Rican maestro; Daddy Yankee, she starts a fire in the visuals for blazing single; Made For Now that can only be quenched by zestful dance offs & multiple listens.
The soulful party starter is seen trailblazing through downtown New York in colorful Ankara pieces, waltzing to the beats of the Gangan (Yoruba name for the Talking Drum), energetically choreographing along the basslines that are pumping her sultry vocals and in the final scenes displaying the pop of color brought on by the highly spirited Yoruba tribe.
Janet Jackson, Daddy Yankee & their myriad of dancers set inviting scenes for the fueling of the Yoruba culture influenced colorful and dance heavy visuals which entwines with the pulsating drums that set the perfect background for Yankee’s invigorating hispanic lyrics and Janet’s inspiring lines. I mean who wouldn’t want to move to “Go up, if you’re living for the moment, Don’t stop ’cause there ain’t no ceilings, Go up, We’re made for now, Not tomorrow“.
We’re made for perfect fusions of Pop, Latin Pop, Afrobeat and Dancehall and we’re looking forward to more singles from Janet’s forthcoming EP; JJ12.