Baloji showcases roughly 500 times more energy and charisma than your average Jimmy Fallon-style late night appearance in his “Soleil De Volt” video. Premiering today on The FADER, the video catches the Congolese-Belgian artist as he lights up the stage during a 1970s, Soul Train-esque, TV show.
The funky lead single is taken from new album 137 Avenue Kaniama, due for release later this year. It acts as a metaphor for the resilience of people in his childhood home of Lubumbashi, a town where residents only have access to electricity for six months of the year and must come up with creative alternatives in generating power.
Comprising influences from jazz, soul, and hip-hop, the song also shows Baloji's love of mixing electronic sounds with African rhythms, notably those from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Ghana.
Speaking to The FADER via email, Baloji said of the visuals: "The video for 'Soleil de Volt’ is an extract of my forthcoming short film KANIAMA SHOW, a satire about soft power and propaganda on TV. The look is inspired by the Congolese wedding bands with the men dressed in Zoot suits and Gelees."
Check out the video above. 137 Avenue Kaniama is due out on March 23 via Bella Union. Baloji plays London venue Omeara on March 29.
Thumbnail image courtesy of Kristin-Lee Moolman.