Building a Shared Narrative: Inside Coast Contra’s Latest Music Video
This Music Video of the Week dives into the world of hip hop, driven by collective storytelling and grounded visual identity. Directed by Badr Ezzat, the video brings Coast Contra’s lyrical intensity into a cinematic space shaped by collaboration, place, and lived experience.
Below, Badr Ezzat shares with us about the making of the video — from assembling a 40-person team, to navigating the realities of scale, to anchoring key moments in locations layered with cultural history.
A Collective Effort, On Screen and Behind the Scenes
From the outset, this project was conceived as a collective endeavor rather than a singular vision — one shaped by many voices, experiences, and perspectives coming together around a shared narrative.
Badr Ezzat:
“Around 35-40 people have worked on the music video, behind the scenes and on screen. You would think that me as the director and writer have played a key role in this music video, but it really is every single person who contributed to the narrative of the project. I believe that every person played a significant key role from their own experience and expertise that made this project come to life, because it’s not a narrative I claim myself (it’s everyone’s who resonates with it).”
From First Contact to Final Storyboard
The collaboration began months before the cameras rolled, evolving through open dialogue, shared references, and mutual trust between artist and director.
“I got approached by Coast Contra around May with the question of possibly creating a music video together. From there on we went back and forth with ideas, concepts and eventually a final storyboard and narrative. We planned to do the shooting in my hometown Amsterdam (The Netherlands) after their tour in Germany. We had a first meet during the fitting day, the rest was history.”
Scaling Up and Stepping Into Leadership
Taking on full creative responsibility brought both growth and friction — a transition shaped by new challenges, unexpected setbacks, and the realities of larger-scale production.
“One of the challenges was the size of the production I get to conduct from start to end. I’ve always been an assistant, DP or AD on sets or helping out with BTS footage for sizes like this, so this really was a fun and amazing experience to adjust my skills and approach with. Another challenge was not everything and everyone has my best interest when it comes to opportunities. Had some disappointments along the way from friends that wanted to help but went ghost. But the project still was a success!”
A Standout Moment Rooted in Place and History
When asked to identify a favorite sequence, the director points to a moment where technical execution and cultural context intersect.
“That’s a difficult question. One of the parts I really love is 0.35-1.02 with the suits. What makes it beautiful is because it’s a one-take shot from start to finish (the cut on the faces to a wide shot was from the same take). Another reason is the reveal of the location where this is set, which is Bijlmer Ganzenhoef, a location that has a heavy-loaded history that also reflects on this message of the song.”
Letting the Viewer Find Their Own Meaning
We asked director Ezzat about their favourite moment. Rather than prescribing a single takeaway, the video leaves space for interpretation — inviting viewers to engage closely with both sound and image.
“There’s a lot going on in this video (in plain sight or hidden), so what I want the viewer to know is to just pay attention to what you see and hear. This way you’ll have a better understanding of the message of the song.”
Watch the music video below.
CREDITS
DIRECTOR – Badr Ezzat – @focusonbadrr
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER – Tracy Rutayisire – @tracysyre
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – Karel Lopez – @karellopez
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR – Robeathy Corea – @robeathydaniel
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR – Karel Lopez – @karellopez
DOP – Badr Ezzat – @focusonbadrr
GAFFER – Labib Mohammed – @tellavisionby_lb
PRODUCER – Tracy Rutayisire – @tracysyre
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT – Kim Sobnath – @kim__snth
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT – Demie Koeleman – @demiekoeleman
ART DIRECTOR – Annicée Angela – @ann1cee
STYLING – Jinko Adams – @jinkojoshu
STYLING ASSISTANT – Joley Binkey – @bjoley
NAIL STYLIST – Grabbers – @grabbers.official
EDITOR – Badr Ezzat – @focusonbadrr
TALENT AGENCY – MCDF Agency – @Mcdfagency
DANCERS
Chivano R de Mee @chivanodemee
Nathaniel Samp @nvtethekid_
Ibrah Silas Jackson @ibradee
Kelly Bigirindavyi @kellsz_b
Neo Jansen @neojnsn
Jemuël ‘Jeems’ Barry @jeemsongram
Hassani le Couvreur @xgen.hassani
Genaro Perez sanchez @summergg_
Shahrzad Hamzhzade @shahrzadhz
Noah Doelwijt @mrratchet.n
Delicia van de Hulst @delicia.vienna
CAST
Cillencio Kapel @cillencio.k
Klein Biha @kleinbiha
Malachi Korrie @mrwhoo0
Shuwendly Sophia @yngyams
Ansley Kusi @ansley.k04
Rowley Silver @rowleysilverr
Joley Binkey @Bjoley
Foxy Lina-Kelsa Neng @f.oxx.y_
Aryam Ogbamichael @yamyam.ao
Ally Waidoe @slaysillay
Gloria-Shekinah Blindeling @goyashe_
Shermely Sambo, Nola-Joy Sambo, Kaelan Sambo, Tracy,
Precious Antwi, Isaac Antwi
BTS PHOTOGRAPHERS
@jamaldenzel_ @j.leembruggen @ybshotthat
SPECIAL THANKS TO @thenew.amsterdam, @continuoussvisuals.studio @thegangisbeautiful,
Cream Vintage Store, Mirjam Nuver
