Rose May Alaba, a powerful new voice in the global music scene, has released the highly anticipated music video for single ‘MORE’. Fusing elements of Afrobeat, amapiano and pop, ‘MORE’ dominated playlists since its’ release in June. The recent music video perfectly translates the thematic story of ‘MORE’ and secures Rose May Alabas’ status as an important rising artist this year. We catch up with Rose about the video, which has skyrocketed in views since its release last week!
Rose, it’s an absolute pleasure to speak with you. We love how your music is so much more than sonics – it’s fashion, art and more. How did you discover yourself as an artist?
Thank you for appreciating the craft. I grew up in a very musical household. My dad used to be an artist, who is now my manager by the way and my mom used to sing. So basically I stepped into my parents footsteps. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a singer or do something creative. So my parents got me my first piano and took me for piano lessons. They always inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and express my gift. Whether it was singing, dancing, fashion or acting.
Who are your fashion icons?
Bad gal Riri is definitely a huge inspiration when it comes to fashion. But I did get most of my fashion sense from my dad and brother.
How did fashion influence the video for ‘More’?
The clothing you wear creates a vibe, right? When you watch the video you can tell from the set that it’s giving “Matrix”. So, when Leroy, the director, and I talked about the music video we envisioned a character that’s bad ass but also sexy and fun: Lots of leather, fun space buns for the hair, lots of silver jewellery. Shoutout to the wardrobe department they really pulled it off and everything was hand sewn!
How did the concept for the ‘MORE’ music video come together?
Leroy Uwaifo and I met when I was in Nigeria, Lagos. He is a very talented director. When he heard the song he envisioned this really dark space and the only light is the electricity between my lover and I. From that, he created a storyline which describes an abandoned world. In this abandoned world two souls are trying to find back to each other.
What was your favourite part of the process in the creation of the video?
Definitely the post production! While filming on set we had to envision a lot of things that weren’t actually there. In this video most of it is made out of VFX and CGI, which I think is so dope. I love the way it came out and how it looks now, when the dots were finally connected.
What’s your single ‘MORE’ about in a nutshell?
It’s me basically wanting “more” from my significant other. You know, how one can get too comfortable after the dating phase or even being in a long term relationship? Well, consistency is key, honey.
What was the first single you ever wrote?
Wow, it was a while ago the song is called “Love Me Right”. Still love that song to this day.
What is Vienna’s music scene like?
It’s super diverse. We have a massive house and hip hop community out here but over the past 3 years Afrobeats and Amapiano are making waves here too.
If you could collaborate with one other artist, who would it be and why?
I would definitely love to collab with Tems. I can see myself on a track with them. To be honest there so many talented artists out there – the list is looooong.
What has been your favourite live performance to date?
Performing at the “Our Homecoming Festival” in Nigeria, Lagos. This is the first festival I attended when I came back to Lagos in 2018 and I saw a lot of Nigerian Artists performing there, who are worldwide now. So for me to have performed there this year was definitely a full circle moment for me.
Thanks so much for speaking with us Rose!
Watch the MORE Music Video HERE
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