ENNY TRILOGY
As part of our But Where Are You Really From? season Caroline Wilson from UNDR LNDN reflects on the themes explored in British music videos. In this special Good Wickedry strand we celebrate Enny in a trilogy of music videos exploring dual identity and an homage to home.
The lineage of strong female British artists in the music industry is present with the likes of FKA Twigs, Little Simz and Arlo Parks celebrating individuality. Two breakout artists who have been bold in their mission statement in both their music and visuals are Enny and Joy Crookes.
“We're Black and we're British and African too, but so far removed”
I Want - Enny
British-Nigerian Enny, 27 from South East London emerged in late 2020 with the empowering song Peng Black Girls. A skilled lyricist and performer, ears and eyes have deservedly been on her since. She released her EP Under Twenty Five last year and with regular collaborators Otis Dominique and Asher Corner is creating some of the most creative music videos in the UK music industry. Let’s delve into three music videos that showcase her identity as a young British Nigerian Londoner.
Same Old - enny
Dir. Otis Dominique - 3 mins
From the opening shot of Enny tapping her nails from her balcony overlooking the housing and scrapers that surround London to her walking down a gentrified market, ‘Same Old’ is a day in the life that finds the gems in the everyday details. Special moments include overhearing the girl's mid conversation - “I know him, I can calm him down”, and the cameos from R.A.E and TD. Moyo in the evening party. Two questions I have: Does that gentleman really sell Jollof Rice and Puff Puff? and Enny, where did you get your jacket?
Peng Black Girls
Dir. Otis Dominique - 3.35 min
Enny’s breakout self-empowering anthem featuring vocals from fellow British-Nigerian singer Amia Brave visualizes the multi-faceted beauty of Black Women. From Enny and Amia wearing casual tracksuits with other young Black Women to sitting comfortably alongside elders with gele’s and traditional wear, this video beams pride in all-aspects of their identity. Even featuring the girls looking glammed up in their little black dresses this is a visual with creativity and a mission statement.
I Want
Dir. Asher Corner - 3.29 mins
This video has pure good vibes. Opening with Enny on her way to her shift at Leo’s Cafe, ‘I Want’ deals with British staples and how she fits in with them. From serving a brew to opening her ice cream tub with stew, Enny humors these with charm. This video projects youthful joy with slushies in the newsagents, trolley races in the car park and dancing with bossman in the cafe. Oh, and the red black top classic Ford? Ok, that ride is the one and the dice and furry steering wheel-cover, Yes!
I could go on but the comments I read below summarize the love I have for Enny best:
“Love this to death. It’s an incredible fusion. Smart, lyrical and so Laandan tahn.”
Michael Shand-Wilde
“I love that she's just... so real. She keeps it all relatable” 😍
Aisea Solomone
“Definitely want Enny to be the name everyone talks about for years to come. She is just a breath of fresh air to the music scene in general.”
The Alkebulan Trust
Enny I salute you and it’s an honor to watch you rise!
By Caroline Wilson, UNDR LDN
Enny Online:
