The Year in Black Visuals: Defining Moments of 2024

Tems - Turn Me Up (Official Video): A Celebration of Authenticity and Culture

The second edition of The Year in Black Visuals shines a spotlight on the definitive creative achievements in Black artistry, and Tems’ Turn Me Up official video is undoubtedly one of 2024’s most striking visual moments. A tour de force of cinematic mastery, cultural authenticity, and profound storytelling, this video not only amplifies Tems’ artistic evolution but also serves as a testament to the richness of Black visual culture.

Tems, a global icon hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, continues to channel her roots with an authenticity that resonates deeply. The Turn Me Up video reflects an unapologetic embrace of her heritage. Set against vibrant and diverse African landscapes, the video intertwines traditional and modern aesthetics to tell a story of growth, self-expression, and community.

Director Tolu Itegboje, known for capturing narratives rooted in African identity, crafts each frame as a love letter to the continent. The village scenes, bustling marketplaces, and ancestral-inspired imagery highlight the enduring beauty of African culture. The video’s soundscape, layered with rhythmic Afrobeat undercurrents and modern production, perfectly complements these visuals, bridging past and present.

Tems' decision to lean into cultural authenticity isn’t just artistic—it’s a powerful statement. In an era when global icons often feel pressured to dilute their heritage, Turn Me Up reinforces that African narratives are not just relevant—they are vital and transformative.

The cinematography in Turn Me Up is breathtaking, expertly combining vivid colors, dramatic lighting, and fluid camera work. Cinematographer Ladi Oshola masterfully captures a spectrum of emotions, from intimacy to grandeur, as the camera shifts seamlessly between sweeping aerial shots of lush African landscapes and close-ups that reveal Tems’ introspection and strength.

Lighting and Color: The lighting choices throughout the video reflect a painterly approach. Golden-hour hues envelop Tems as she stands amidst towering savannah grass, while vibrant splashes of color in market scenes exude energy and life. Deep blues and earthy tones ground the narrative, symbolizing both the connection to the land and the emotional depth of the song.

Dynamic Angles: The camera often pans from Tems’ commanding presence to the surrounding environment, creating a dance between the individual and the collective. Each angle feels purposeful, pulling the viewer into Tems’ world while honoring the space she inhabits.

Symbolic Imagery: Moments such as Tems flowing, her reflection shimmering alongside her silhouette, evoke themes of renewal and introspection. These visuals deepen the connection between the audience and the song’s lyrics, making it an experience that is as cinematic as it is musical.

This is not just a music video—it’s a short film, a visual poem, and a cultural artifact all at once.

Fashion in Turn Me Up is as much a character as Tems herself. Every outfit she dons serves to underscore her narrative of empowerment and cultural pride. Styled by the visionary Ade Samuel, the wardrobe blends traditional African textiles with avant-garde silhouettes, creating a visual language that speaks to both heritage and futurism.

Traditional Elegance: Tems wears intricately beaded tops inspired by Yoruba and Hausa traditions, rooting her visuals in the legacy of her ancestry. These pieces are not only beautiful but symbolic of her deep connection to her heritage.

Modern Statements: Paired with the traditional, we see elements of high fashion—structured blazing with bold tailoring, shimmering metallic fabrics, and minimalist monochromatic looks. These pieces highlight Tems’ ability to bridge worlds, placing her squarely at the intersection of tradition and innovation.

Hair and Beauty: Tems’ natural beauty is another focal point of the video. Her hair, styled in a towering crown braid for one scene and cascading curls in another, celebrates the versatility and majesty of Black hair. Her makeup stays understated, enhancing her radiant skin and letting her expressive eyes take center stage.

This deliberate synergy between fashion and storytelling amplifies the video’s impact, making it a feast for the eyes and a meditation on identity.

Turn Me Up doesn’t just spotlight Tems—it showcases the collective beauty of the people and environments that shape her artistry. Whether it’s the children playing joyfully in the streets, elders seated in quiet wisdom, or women adorned in vibrant fabrics preparing food, every frame is alive with humanity.

Community Representation: The video places community at its heart, reminding viewers of the interconnectedness of African life. These scenes are not staged but feel organic, a reflection of everyday life in its beauty and resilience.

Environment as a Character: From the sprawling savannahs to the bustling city streets, the environment isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. The rugged earth, vast skies, and lush greenery echo the themes of the song—freedom, transformation, and a deep-seated connection to one’s roots.

This tapestry of people and places is a reminder that Tems’ story is not hers alone. It is one shared by generations and amplified by her voice.

At the center of it all is Tems, a commanding and ethereal presence. Her beauty is undeniable, but it is her grace and authenticity that make her magnetic. Every movement, every glance speaks volumes, as though she carries the weight of her story and that of her people with elegance and power.

Tems’ braids, a recurring motif in her visual identity, becomes a statement in Turn Me Up. It is styled in ways that celebrate its texture and versatility, whether in intricate braids or free-flowing waves. This celebration of Black hair resonates as an act of defiance and pride in an industry that often sidelines such representation.

Beyond her appearance, Tems’ charisma transcends the screen. Her ability to connect with the viewer on such a visceral level is a testament to her talent not just as a singer but as a storyteller.

Tems’ Turn Me Up official video is more than just a music video—it’s an experience, a visual journey that stays with the viewer long after the final frame. It encapsulates the power of Black visuals to tell stories that are rich, layered, and transformative.

In a year brimming with artistic achievements, Turn Me Up stands out as a reminder of why Tems continues to lead the charge in redefining what it means to be a global artist with deeply African roots. From its stunning cinematography to its thoughtful fashion, from its embrace of community to its celebration of individuality, the video deserves every ounce of hype—and then some.

As The Year in Black Visuals: Defining Moments of 2024 pays homage to these groundbreaking achievements, one thing is clear: Tems is not just turning us up. She’s turning the world towards the beauty of African culture and the brilliance of Black artistry.

In The Big Picture section, The Year in Black Visuals returns with a powerful exploration of 2024’s most defining moments as captured through the lens of Black creators. This year’s series chronicles pivotal cultural, political, and social events, highlighting the unique visual narratives that have shaped conversations and inspired movements across the globe. From stunning photojournalism that documents resistance and resilience to groundbreaking artistry that redefines identity, these visuals showcase the depth and diversity of Black perspectives in contemporary storytelling.

Join us as we reflect on a transformative year through the eyes of visionary creators, celebrating their role in framing history and the future.