Client: Spur of the Moment Band

Project: Set Design for "Between Me & You" Music Video (2018)

Spur of the Moment Band, featuring the soulful vocals of Maimouna Youssef, approached me to design the home scene set for their music video, “Between Me & You.” The song tells a story of two people desiring a secret romantic connection, and the goal was to create a visual environment that enhanced the mood and narrative of the track.

The Challenge

The set design needed to capture the essence of the song’s intimate and clandestine storyline while reflecting the Afrocentric and bohemian vibe of lead vocalist Maimouna Youssef. Key objectives included:

  • Creating a space that felt cozy, mysterious, and soulful to match the song’s themes.
  • Integrating artistic elements to reflect Afrocentric cultural pride and bohemian aesthetics.
  • Showcasing the work of Malandela Zulu from Zulu Soul as a centerpiece of the set.

 

The Approach

  1. Concept Development:
    We began with the vision of an Afrocentric and bohemian home space, where the ambiance would evoke a sense of intimacy and artistic depth. Colors, textures, and decor were chosen to create a warm yet intriguing atmosphere.

  2. Set Design Execution:

    • Afrocentric Elements: Featured Malandela Zulu’s art pieces, adding authenticity and cultural richness to the space.
    • Bohemian Touches: Incorporated layered textiles, eclectic furniture, and earthy tones to create a relaxed, lived-in vibe.
    • Mood Lighting: Used warm, soft lighting to enhance the feeling of secrecy and emotional depth.
    • Personalization: Ensured the set reflected Maimouna Youssef’s personality and artistic essence, aligning with her dynamic presence as a performer.

  3. Attention to Detail:

    • Carefully curated props, including books, candles, and traditional African artifacts, to enrich the scene.
    • Thoughtful placement of Zulu Soul’s art pieces to create focal points that enhanced the visual storytelling.

 

The Results

The set design successfully elevated the storytelling of “Between Me & You”, creating a visually compelling backdrop that resonated with the song’s themes of romantic desire and secrecy. The Afrocentric and bohemian aesthetic provided a fitting stage for Maimouna Youssef’s soulful performance and brought the band’s vision to life.

The final video blends artistry and emotion, with the set design playing a key role in immersing viewers into the intimate world of the song.