Rapper Jidenna recently dropped his sophomore album, 85 To Africa, and this week, he released the video for his single, “Sufi Woman,” which is a celebratory anthem for Muslim, spiritual, and mystic women.
The track from 85 to Africa was directed by poet, filmmaker, and educator fatimah asghar, who recently took to Instagram to share their inspiration for directing the cinematic visual.
“i don’t know that many songs in english that specifically talk about their love for muslim women. my whole life is surrounded by mystic & spiritual women/ gnc folks/ femmes of all faiths, who make magic out of the ordinary, who pull miracles from the world when stuff often feels hopeless,” asghar wrote in the caption of their behind the scenes photo of Jidenna from the video.
“folks who can cure a wound from herbs found in a public park, folks who know the right crystals to mend heartbreak, folks that write love letters on post-its that decorate my bedside table.”
asghar also said that they wanted to celebrate “Black & brown women,” while also taking the time out to thank those who helped make the visual come to fruition.
“i wanted to create a visual that was an ode to Black & brown women, gnc folks & femmes who harness that power, who insist on the magic of the everyday. & gratitude to my crew, without whom this would not have been possible,” asghar concluded.
On Thursday (Aug. 29), Jidenna is having an album listening party for 85 to Africa in Toronto, Ontario at APT 200 at 7 p.m. local time.
Watch the video below.