Negus A film by Akeim Toussaint Buck
Negus, the title bestowed on Emperors of Ethiopia, the Kings of Kings. This is an initiation, a story of anointing beckoned to the receiver from within. A striking figure narrates this poetic world of form and formlessness, evoking a sense of spirit and other worldliness. Dance and music transiently immerse this journey from the still darkness of the unknown to the coronation of the child. Our ascension doesn’t start from any outward action, it takes place from our acknowledgement of our greatness.
Created in collaboration by Akeim Toussaint Buck, Muti Musafiri, Azizi Cole, Soloman The Wizard and Ashley Karrell.
Duration: 10 mins
Credits
Creative Vision & Direction – Akeim Toussaint Buck
Film Direction & Cinematography – Ashley Karrell
Co-directed by Muti Musafiri
Choreographed & performed by Akeim Toussaint Buck & Muti Musafiri
Story written & performed by Soloman The Wizard
The Son by Kiyago Musafiri
Special guest appearance by Azizi Cole
Film Editor & Colourist – Ashley Karrell
Sound & Music Composition – Azizi Cole
Saxophone & Flute Music – Xhosa Cole
Sound Mixing & Mastering – Ashley Tendekai
Film Sound Supervisor & Recordist – Ashley Karrell
Additional Audio – Otis Jones
Sadler’s Wells Stage Lighting Designer – Ariane Nixon
Costume Design – Audrey Mae
Stylist – Kirubel Belay
Face & Body Paint – Naala Lartey
Camera Assistants & Grip – Matthew Dannatt, Kadele-Cortez Grant
BTS Photography & Video – Theo Morris
BTS Photography – Narayani
Negus film locations
Sadler’s Wells, London
Epping Forest, Essex Greater London
Meanwood, Leeds
Co-produced by Village 101
Produced by Ashley Karrell at Panoptical
Executive Produced by Akeim Toussaint Buck at Toussaint to Move
Commissioned by Sadler’s Wells
Supported by Streatham Space Project