Co-directed by LUUKHANYO and Ruben Barkhuizen, the music video for LUUKHANYO’s “Open Casket” is a beautifully rendered visual accompaniment to a song that is, well, equally as beautiful.
Described as “a cinematic exploration of ego, ambition and the emotional toll of chasing success,” the video features a fragmented cast of performers moving between surreal, dream-like states and startling glimpses of reality.
Seeped in rich, vivid hues of deep blue, aesthetically, this was a bold cinematic undertaking, comprising snapshots of LUUKHANYO’s life, and the tension between ambition and identity.
Written by LUUKHANYO and produced by LordKeyyz and Noise Fleur, the track itself is a well-textured and melodic piece of work, with a jazzy, almost neo-soul sound that gives listeners a taste of what to expect from LUUKHANYO’s upcoming debut album.
“It’s like watching a baby take its first steps—not flying yet, but realising that walking is possible, and with enough dreaming, maybe even running,” says LUUKHANYO.
“This feels like the beginning of a new chapter in my life,” he continues. “Seeing the idea grow from a planted seed to something real, through writing the script, collecting references, building mood boards and bringing it all together.”
With precise choreography, immersive art direction and brilliant cinematography, “Open Casket” is dazzling, and we can’t wait to see how this new chapter in LUUKHANYO’s career unfolds.
