Afrika Shox
Leftfield ft. Afrika Bambaattaa
Released
6 September 1999
Directed by
Chris Cunningham
Genre
Electronic/dance/hip-hop/noire
Leftfield
Leftfield were a British electronica band, producing music of a genre
coined as progressive house, between 1989 and 2002. In the 1990’s
they were described by Mixmag as;
"the single most influential production team working in British dance
music".
The term ‘Left field’ can be defined as ‘radical’ or ‘experimental’ and
can also have political connotations.
Reinforcing the genre
Goodwin’s Theory of music videos
1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics
(e.g. stage performance in metal video, dance routine for
boy/girl band).
Goodwin’s Theory states that a successful music video will
demonstrate genre characteristics within the visuals and
aesthetics. Cunningham follows this convention closely in
Afrika Shox.
At the beginning of the video, the audience is presented
with the image of an approaching police car, which
immediately indicates the electronic genre of the track.
Flashing lights and sirens (above) have connotations with
discos or raves, where this music genre is likely to be played.
As well as this, the images of the break dancers in the
underground car park (right), demonstrates genre
characteristics in line with Goodwin’s theory.
The choice of location, suggests the underground nature of
the artist, helping to establish the audience for the music
video.

Afrika shox case study - UNFINISHED

  • 1.
    Afrika Shox Leftfield ft.Afrika Bambaattaa Released 6 September 1999 Directed by Chris Cunningham Genre Electronic/dance/hip-hop/noire
  • 2.
    Leftfield Leftfield were aBritish electronica band, producing music of a genre coined as progressive house, between 1989 and 2002. In the 1990’s they were described by Mixmag as; "the single most influential production team working in British dance music". The term ‘Left field’ can be defined as ‘radical’ or ‘experimental’ and can also have political connotations.
  • 3.
    Reinforcing the genre Goodwin’sTheory of music videos 1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics (e.g. stage performance in metal video, dance routine for boy/girl band). Goodwin’s Theory states that a successful music video will demonstrate genre characteristics within the visuals and aesthetics. Cunningham follows this convention closely in Afrika Shox. At the beginning of the video, the audience is presented with the image of an approaching police car, which immediately indicates the electronic genre of the track. Flashing lights and sirens (above) have connotations with discos or raves, where this music genre is likely to be played. As well as this, the images of the break dancers in the underground car park (right), demonstrates genre characteristics in line with Goodwin’s theory. The choice of location, suggests the underground nature of the artist, helping to establish the audience for the music video.