Vinny tells it via visuals
No matter how captivating a story is, the manner in which it is delivered ultimately decides its efficacy and impact. The same can be said about artistic creations such as music.
Once a song lacks some of the necessary accompanying ingredients, it comes short. This is where the art of music video production falls into play.
The art of music video production is one that has for long not been accorded the significance it deserves. However, over the years, the importance of this function has come to the fore. This part of music has become a must-do component of the business.
As the trade grows, so does the number of players plying the trade. Out of the lot, some have distinguished themselves as top dogs. Their craft and artistic finesse have stood head and shoulders above the rest.
From this well of filmmakers, there is a tiny figure which is, however, making colossal footprints in the business. This is 17-year-old Vincent Kamulanje who trades under the brand name Vinny Visuals.
The colossal contributions and achievements Kamulanje has registered so far do not match his young age. The young artist says his journey into video production was spurred by nothing except passion and interest.
“I had an uncle who was into filmmaking. His work always fascinated me. Seeing him behind the camera always excited me. I always imagined myself behind that camera and that was the start of my obsession with filmmaking,” he said.
At the age of 11, Kamulanje had already gotten his hands on filmmaking tools. He said he started experimenting and reading tutorials on the Internet and other instructive content on YouTube.
He said: “I have never been to a filmmaking school. Everything that I do has been self-taught and collaborative experiences from the interactions that I have had with my friends who are in the same field.”
Vinny Visuals said after completing his Malawi School Certificate of Education examination at North Park Private School, in Blantyre, which is under Pact, he went straight into filmmaking. However, he says very soon he will pursue a filmmaking course in South Africa.
Currently, Kamulanje employs five people under his Vinny Visuals brand. He said he has respect for a number of filmmakers in the country, but he reserves special regard for Gift ‘Sukez’ Sukali.
“My dream is to keep extending my brand. I want to reach new heights in this field. I will push hard till I realise that goal. Besides that, I also want to act as a motivation for those who aspire to join the trade,” he said.
The Blantyre-based artist was recently unveiled as one of the six creatives who are brand ambassadors dubbed TNM Youth Stars of Malawi for mobile and ICT service providers TNM plc.
The young filmmaker has worked extensively with a number of artists in Malawi such as Eli Njuchi, Piksy, Ritaa, Zani Challe, Tay Grin, Sangie, and Fredokiss, among others. Recently, Kamulanje received plaudits for the wonderful work he has done on Tay Grin’s new single Joseph Kalilani.
Tay Grin was left in awe about the magic that Kamulanje applied on his video. The rapper says the video producer is focused despite his young age. He said the young artist is at par with some of Africa’s biggest directors.
“He is very passionate about his craft and always eager to learn more. He is a gem and I believe he has a bright future in the trade. We have delivered a world-class video with him which is enjoying airplay on prominent African TV channels,” said Tay Grin. n
