AKQA Coala.Lab, creative studio behind projects for Usher, Baco Exu do Blues, Nego Bala, and Emicida, has partnered with rising Brazilian rapper BK’ to create a visually stunning short film, “Diamantes, Lágrimas e Rostos para Esquecer” (Diamonds, Tears, and Faces to Forget). Filmed in Ethiopia, the film complements BK’s new album of the same name, released today, and explores themes of letting go of what keeps you from moving forward, personal growth, and the pursuit of progress.
BK’ is a rising star in the vibrant Brazilian rap scene, known for his unique blend of hip hop, samba, and other regional rhythms. His lyrics explore themes of social justice, personal growth, and the complexities of modern life, resonating with a young and diverse audience. “Diamantes, Lágrimas e Rostos para Esquecer” (Diamonds, Tears, and Faces to Forget) is a testament to his artistic vision and commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
“Our role, as an agency, was to bring BK’s artistic vision to life by creating an audiovisual narrative that would resonate with the audience and amplify his message,” explains Christiano Vellutini, Executive Director of AKQA Coala.Lab. “For the launch of this work, which suggests detaching from everything that hinders individual progress, BK’, together with AKQA Coala.Lab, presents the metaphor of a monster that devours everyone and everything that surrenders to complacency and is left behind by the group. In the film, this monster is represented by the hyena, an animal found in Ethiopia, the country of origin of marathoner Abebe Bikila. Besides being the inspiration for BK’s name, Abebe Bikila is also an example that represents, in practice, the message of moving forward without looking back,” he adds.
Shot in Harar, a city known for its unique relationship with hyenas, the short film presents a singular and immersive aesthetic, offering viewers a glimpse into the atmosphere of one of the few African countries that was never colonized. In the film’s narrative, BK’ leads a pack on a symbolic journey, representing the need to abandon anything that hinders progress—old beliefs, complacency, or fragile bonds. What is left behind is symbolically devoured by the hyenas, predators native to the region.
“Diamantes, Lágrimas e Rostos para Esquecer’ (Diamonds, Tears, and Faces to Forget) is not just a title, it’s a reminder that believing in the impossible is what moves us. Being in Ethiopia was also a personal and creative milestone, like coming home in a way I never imagined. This project is about resilience, ancestry, and the strength that comes from who we are,” concludes the artist.
AKQA Coala.Lab is recognized for developing award-winning entertainment projects, including “Bluesman” for Baco Exu do Blues, which won the Grand Prix for Entertainment for Music at the Cannes Lions in 2018; the music video “Silêncio” from Emicida’s album “AmarElo,” which won a Bronze Lion in the Media Lions category in 2021, in partnership with Sony Music and Deezer; the short film “Sonho” for Nego Bala, which won the Grand Prix at the Clio Music Awards in the Film/Video category in 2022; and “Icarus,” also for BK’, which took home a Bronze Lion in 2023.
Source: AKQA Coala.Lab
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