In this article, we’re spotlighting 10 female African music video directors who aren’t just executing artists’ visions—they’re expanding them with bold storytelling and fresh perspective.
For years, Africa’s music video landscape has been a boys’ club, dominated by male directors and their lens on the culture. But in recent times, a quiet revolution has taken root. A new wave of female directors is not just stepping into the frame—they’re shifting the entire narrative.
Armed with bold storytelling instincts, emotional depth, and unmistakable style, these visionary women are reshaping the visual language of African music. They’re not simply claiming space but redefining it on their own terms.
Here are 10 female African music video directors whose work is changing the game—and demanding your attention.
1. Director Pink
Born Praise Onyeagwalam, Director Pink is the visionary behind Pinkline Films and one of the most exciting voices in Nigeria’s music video scene. Since stepping onto the radar in 2020, she’s carved out a lane with her signature blend of vibrant aesthetics and emotionally resonant storytelling. From the star-studded spectacle of Abracadabra Remix featuring Wizkid, Naira Marley, Skiibii, and Rexxie, to the intimate visuals of Chike’s Roju, which earned her a Best Music Video nod at the 2022 Headies, Director Pink’s portfolio speaks volumes. It’s no surprise she made our list of the Best Nigerian Music Video Directors.
2. Kemi Adetiba
Long before she became a powerhouse in Nollywood with hits like The Wedding Party (2016) and King of Boys (2018), Kemi Adetiba was already leaving her imprint on African pop culture through music videos. A true visual storyteller, her catalog boasts iconic works like Tiwa Savage’s Darling, Olamide’s Anifowoshe, Banky W’s Lagos Party, and Loyal by Simi featuring Fave. Known for merging cinematic sophistication with cultural authenticity, Kemi Adetiba’s influence spans mediums, cementing her status as one of the most respected creative forces on the continent.
3. Edith Nwekenta
British-born, Ghanaian-Nigerian director Edith Nwekenta is a multi-hyphenate creative whose work spans film, television, commercials, and music videos. With a growing portfolio that includes visuals for Stonebwoy, Wande Coal, J Hus, Patoranking, and Maleek Berry, she brings both technical finesse and emotional depth to every frame. Beyond the lens, Edith is an outspoken advocate for greater female representation in directing—and her dynamic body of work is a powerful testament to that mission. She’s not just part of the conversation; she’s helping rewrite it.
4. Dalia Dias
Nigerian-Egyptian director Dalia Dias is the creative powerhouse behind Pema Studios and one of the most globally-minded visual artists shaping African music today. With a dynamic eye and an instinct for storytelling, she’s crafted standout visuals for a diverse roster—from The Cavemen, Davido, CKay, and Focalistic to global heavyweights like Cardi B and Buju Banton. Whether it’s the high-energy Champion Sound or the viral heat of Twerk by City Girls featuring Cardi B, Dalia’s work is bold, polished, and unapologetically African, seamlessly blending continental flavor with global aesthetics.
5. Scilla Owusu
Scilla Owusu may have started in business school, but her true calling was always behind the camera. The Ghanaian screenwriter, producer, and director has quickly become one of the continent’s rising creative forces, with credits that include Wande Coal, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Sarkodie, and more. Navigating a competitive industry as a young, black, female director, Scilla is not just breaking barriers—she’s building new standards. Her work reflects a bold vision for African visual storytelling: fresh, fearless, and fiercely original.
6. Kiki Melissa
Since 2013, Kiki Melissa has been steadily carving out her lane as a creative entrepreneur, seamlessly blending photography, videography, and direction into a distinct visual language. Her directorial credits include LOH-renzo’s TETRIS and the striking motion portrait video for Dunnie’s Overdose. Kiki’s aesthetic is intimate, sharp, and emotionally charged—bringing a unique edge to every frame and marking her as one to watch in Africa’s evolving visual scene.
7. Arabrowny
Ara “Arabrowny” Abiru is a rising force in Nigeria’s music video scene, making waves through her production outfit, Brownie Films. With striking visuals for tracks like Freaky Friday by E’Major featuring Wande Coal and Saro by Feranbanks, Arabrowny is proving she has both the vision and the chops to stand out. Her storytelling instinct, paired with a bold visual aesthetic, marks her as one of the most exciting new talents redefining the future of Nigerian music videos.
8. Nikmuna
Aniekan Esther Munachisom—known professionally as Nikmuna—is fast emerging as a fresh voice in African music video direction. Mentored by industry titan Unlimited L.A. and having cut her teeth assisting on standout visuals like Joeboy’s Celebration, Olakira’s Maserati featuring Davido, and Davido’s Fem (under Danny Twitch), Nikmuna has learned from the best. Now stepping into her own spotlight, she brings bold visuals, a sharp sense of rhythm, and emotional precision to her work, signaling the rise of a formidable new talent in the scene.
9. Yoza Mnyanda-Siboto
Known professionally as SheIsYoza, this South African director is quickly becoming a standout name in the visual space. She made a strong impression with the striking visuals for Uncle Waffles’ Baphi—a video that blends style, storytelling, and cultural texture with effortless flair. A storyteller at heart, Yoza has been on the grind since relocating to Johannesburg after university to pursue her dream. Her work speaks volumes—not just for its aesthetic power, but for the depth, emotion, and imagination she brings to every frame.
10. Kuukua Eshun
Ghanaian filmmaker Kuukua Eshun is a trailblazer in every sense. In 2021, she made history as the first woman to direct a Wizkid video, writing and directing the Made in Lagos Deluxe short film, a visually rich piece that showcased her singular voice. Known for her poetic visual language and fearless storytelling, Kuukua’s talent has attracted collaborations with global giants like Meta, Roc Nation, Spotify, and The Economist. Her short film Artist, Act of Love has racked up over 14 international awards, and her groundbreaking work has earned her features in Vogue, ESSENCE, Rolling Stone, and beyond.
