Amahla - Do Something You Can’t Take Back [Video]

On her latest powerful single ‘Do Something You Can’t Take Back’, Amahla challenges listeners to recognise the importance of authentic solidarity over acts of performative activism. On the track, the London-based artist laments the half-hearted responses to racial injustice which have been repeated year after year, with little in the way of real action.

“There’s a movement that’s been taking over lately // Though you understand that we’ve been here before // Your intentions kind but it don’t lead to safety // Consistency, action they're all we ask for,” sings Amahla.

Speaking on the track, she explained, “I wrote 'Do Something You Can't Take Back' in response to 'Blackout Tuesday' in June 2020. On that day over 28 million people posted Black squares to Instagram, but solidarity is practical not symbolic.”

With a rich, crystal-clear vocal style similar to Celeste, the production uses a minimalistic arrangement that places Amahla’s message front and centre. This is mirrored in the Sheena Bonsu Brobbey video, which sees Amahla singing alongside lone drummer Remi Graves on a windswept beach, with waves crashing behind them.

“With the video I wanted to remind people why it's so important to protest and use our voice,” the singer details. “We also used footage from fans who took a physical stand against racism last year, it was a special moment bringing this to life. Like I sing in the chorus, ‘do something that you can't take back, from me.’"

This release follows on from ‘Commandments’ and marks Amahla's second single since her Ivor Novello nomination and mentorship under legendary producer and guitarist Nile Rodgers.

Watch the video for the empowered track below:

TRACK CREDITS

Co written by Amahla and Phil Simmonds

Produced by Phil Simmonds

Mixed by Matt Hennessy

VIDEO CREDITS

Director - Sheena Bonsu Brobbey

Producer -  Karen Tillotson

DOP - Natalja Safronova

AC - Ezequiel Romero Garcia

Editor - Daniel Olabode

Grader - Benjamin Rozier

Drummer - Remi Graves

Stylist - Elshy Nyagodzi

MU - Nibras  Alwasit

Mgmt: David Laub

A special thanks to

Namali Kwaten 

Jess Cobbett 

Elizabeth Neri 

Tariq Manshi 

Miwa Tatsuhara 

Marlon Kameka 

All of whom donated their footage from 2020 for this video.

An additional thanks to Sama Kai for lead photography.