Jamila Woods - SULA (Hardcover) [Video]

Artist, activist and poet Jamila Woods releases a statement of empowerment and independence in the form of SULA, a mesmeric R&B track inspired by Toni Morrison’s 1973 novel of the same name. The song is accompanied by a brave video, directed by ‘Brown Girls’ creator, Fatimah Asghar, which sees Woods strip down in an act of defiance that represents the power and beauty of sexual freedom. 

The Chicago creative, an African studies and Theatre graduate of the US’s prestigious Brown University, takes inspiration for her thoughtful music from literary works and modern artists alike, pairing her progressive values and her love of song-writing to create rousing, intriguing soul drenched R&B. Her warm, melodic vocals aside, it’s Woods’ performance for the track’s visuals that make this offering stand out. Laying herself bare in all respects, she expresses the sheer power of simply being comfortable in your own skin and embracing your identity in a world that so often tries to control, categorise and dictate.

Speaking on the video, director Asghar explains, “the music video follows Jamila as she goes from the outside world to the inside, disrobing in the comfort of her own space, stripping down to her interior-- the part of her no one else gets to see. Quarantine has had us all wondering what our lives, our sexuality, is like away from the gaze of the world. And Sula is all about empowered sexuality, carving your own path outside of what society thinks is okay. Embracing both the empowered erotic in her own way, this video will show a side to Jamila we’ve never seen before."

Watch the video for SULA (Hardcover) here:

CREDITS

Director - Fatimah Asghar

Producer - Jamila Woods, Fatimah Asghar, Jordan Phelps

Cinematographer - Jordan Phelps

First AC - Sonia Jourdain

Gaffer - Mawie Talion

Editor - Andrew Morrow

Coloring - Ryan Drake

Production Designer - Rachel Cole

Set Dressers - Amanda Tan, Christian Saponaro

Wardrobe Stylist - Sal Yvat

Makeup Stylist - Kerre Berry

Hair Stylist - Kamaria Woods  

Production Assistants - Pidgeon Pagonis, Kamaria Woods

BTS Photographer - Mercedes Zapata 

Special Thanks to Tony Balderrama and the North Lawndale Community

Produced by VAM STUDIO