Playback: Breaking down Biji’s music videos

Dazed MENA is thrilled to launch our new video series, Playback, with a spotlight on our very own cover stars, BIJI, from the new issue 01. Playback is designed to delve into the creative minds behind some of the most visually arresting music videos in the industry today. In this series, artists break down their processes, inspirations, and the hidden narratives behind their iconic videos. We couldn’t have picked a better start than BIJI, who not only grace our cover but also set the bar incredibly high for what’s to come.

BIJI’s approach to music video creation is anything but ordinary. Drawing inspiration from eclectic sources such as the frenetic energy of the film Uncut Gems, they infuse their work with a raw, palpable dynamism. Picture this: a grumpy bus driver, coaxed into a smile and a dance, capturing the essence of breaking free from norms and everyday drudgery. Then there’s the cheeky reference to cheating in underground backgammon tournaments, with Robin quipping about fairness in a tone so deadpan it sends everyone into fits of laughter. Each story, each frame of their videos, is a rebellion against the mundane, a tapestry of deep meanings and bold statements.

As BIJI’s saga unfolds, Kurdistan transforms from merely a backdrop to a vital stage for their narratives, brimming with the intense, chaotic beauty of their homeland. Within this vibrant setting, they create visuals that resonate both politically and aesthetically. This interplay of local heritage and bold creativity sets the scene for their “ORIGINAL KURDA” music video. Here, the duo, alongside hundreds, dance through flames and scale a mountain, humorously cursing their smoker’s lungs after the steep climb. The shoot, flirting with disaster as a stray firework nearly causes chaos, exemplifies BIJI’s raw, unyielded dedication to their craft. This commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing cultural roots delivers a series that entertains and deeply resonates, vividly illustrating the lengths they go to create truly iconic music videos. Join us as we dive deep into the essence of BIJI’s work, where each frame is a narrative, each narrative a testament to artistic bravery and cultural authenticity.