Shingai brings home the genius that is her recently released solo EP Ancient Futures with this new short film. The Noisettes front-woman channels both her British and Zimbabwean roots - not to mention her inimitable fashion sense and hair art - into this warm and engrossing, audio-visual treat.

We’re taken on a journey though the songs on the EP - from the bassline fuelled Champion Styles that evokes the power of sound system culture, to the emotionally raw and delicate Revolutions. This then serves as the soundtrack for the film’s storyline that combines everyday scenes of positive black male camaraderie on the streets of London and girl gangs shooting hoops on the basketball court with stunning dance sequences, ranging from vogueing to rope work.

“I feel like in order to have the future we want, especially in this tense moment for the world, we need to learn from many ancient civilisations,” Shingai says. “Ancient Futures is about asking how can we go forward if we don’t make peace with our past? It’s a chance to raise our vibrations and not repeat mistakes.”

With unstoppable and uplifting energies from start to finish – watch, be inspired, and learn.

Film direction Derrick Kakembo and Shingai
Production Reform the Funk
Photography Joyal Antony Dominic
Cast Kevin Bonsu, Karlon Bonsu, Naomi Browne, Swapnil Gurung, Corall Ogugua, Lois Brown, Henri, Anton Roberts, Jamel Brown, Ryan Ricketts, Sebs Ntegevi
Words Helen Jennings

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Published on 28/11/2019