Rhian Benson & Baff Akoto explain ‘Be’ music video

If you were left wondering what Rhian Benson's new ‘Be’ video was actually about, Rhain herself has now shed some light on the concept behind the Ghanaian directed video to Ghana Music.com.

“I am not surprised that the arty video concept for 'Be’ featuring Jonas got a few people confused”, she said.

In case you have no idea what we're talking about, you can check out the video here, and then join the rest of us in wondering what the video is about. Watch BE by Rhian Benson feat. Jonas

“‘Be’ is a very special song for me, it was the last song I wrote for the new album and the message is a positive one. It's about not being afraid to be an individual and also believing in yourself when the going gets tough", she said.

Many may wonder why Rhian Benson and Baff Akoto settled on a video that would cause so many to wonder what the story line in the video was about. Rhian explains further that, "Baff loved the song when he first heard it a couple of years ago and said he wanted to direct the video. We both love visual special effects and we thought it would be very dramatic to cast me as an action hero, like in a comic book, battling my demons as I strive to find my 'inner essence'. The video goes back and forth between the two to keep you guessing”.

Rhian also had to say that making the video was so much fun, ‘diving off 15 foot high platforms and getting submerged in tubs of gold paint was unlike any other video experience she ever had.

Rhian Benson agreed with Ghana Music.com that the video does look quite different from what people usually see in Ghana. But she wanted Ghanaians to appreciate some of the intricate technology that was used in producing the video.

“It's interesting to note that many of the videos we watch today on our music channels would have also been considered too western or 'foreign' a few years ago, once we get used to them they start to look normal. Ghanaians are used to seeing all kinds of videos nowadays. In time, I hope we will see more boundaries getting pushed in African music videos to keep our music industry vibrant and relevant on the world stage. As an artist, I like to keep things fresh and I think this special video shows a very different side to me”, she continued.

Working closely with Rhian, Baff Akoto created a three minutes, fifty six seconds video. “We went to school together in Accra and have both worked in the entertainment industry for some years, so we both understand what it feels like when you are striving to fulfill your dreams and you have to battle obstacles”, Rhian said about Baff.

Baff Akoto is an award winning film director, who directed the critically acclaimed documentary on the Black Stars, 'Football Fables'.

When Ghana Music.com asked her what was next, “'Be’ has just come out and we continue to promote the album in Europe and the US. I am so happy that for the first time my new album is now available in stores in Ghana, you can pick it up at Melcom Shopping Mall Plus, Accra Mall and any good music retailers. Next week, I am doing a special event at my old University, The London School of Economics. I have been invited to give a keynote lecture to staff, students and the public which is a great honour, I am so humbled. I will be performing and talking about my career in music. The third single, 'Rewind' will be out later this summer too. I'm looking forward to coming home again soon for some of that warm Ghana sun”, she said.

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