A Visual Homage to South Africa’s Golden Era
Acclaimed filmmaker and creative director Keith Benza has brought Zee Nxumalo’s runaway hit single Mamma to life with a visually striking music video that pays tribute to South Africa’s iconic Sophiatown era. Leaning into the song’s nostalgic feel, Benza crafted a cinematic, old-school world that blends timeless fashion, storytelling, and atmosphere.
“I don’t know what they laced this song with in studio but every time I listen to it I get a nostalgic feeling,”
Benza explained.
“That’s why I chose the old-school Sophiatown theme for the music video.”
Building Zee’s Visual Identity
Benza has played a key role as Zee’s creative director, helping shape her growing visual brand. Their collaboration already yielded massive success with the Ngisakuthanda visualizer, which crossed 32 million YouTube views and earned a Basadi Music Awards nomination for Video of the Year.
“At first I had an I told you so moment because this was an idea I pushed the team to execute,”
Benza recalled.
“Not everyone believed in simplicity. But 32 million views later, we proved it works.”
A Creative Partnership Built on Differences
Reflecting on their collaboration, Benza said:
“Zee and I view the entertainment space very differently. I lean on research and building story worlds, while Zee is the current story the world has already bought into. Our differences are what make the magic work.”
Zee Nxumalo echoed the sentiment:
“Keith has completely elevated my visual identity. He always finds a way to bring my ideas to life while adding layers that make the story even stronger.”
Overcoming Challenges on Set
The Mamma shoot was ambitious, packed into just one day. “Time was the biggest challenge,” Benza admitted.
“As a director, you have to make tough calls—deciding what’s essential for the story and what we can drop. In the end, we made it work.”
Collaboration at the Core
For Benza, the success lies in teamwork:
“It’s all about planning, storyboards, shot lists, and then the right team—stylist, producer, casting director, cinematographer. My job is to ensure everyone speaks the same visual language to drive the story forward.”
Beyond Nxumalo, Benza has also collaborated with Grammy Award-winner Zakes Bantwini and other leading South African stars. “Execution is the most important part of my job,” he emphasized. “I always prioritise the artist’s vision before my own.”
Looking Ahead
With Mamma cementing Zee’s rising stardom, Benza has ambitious plans:
“Expect a stronger visual identity that cements her as a superstar. We also have a short film coming soon, more brand partnerships, and more screen time.”
On his side, Benza is expanding into new ventures:
“I’m working on designs for my clothing brand, launching a new magazine, and I have a few short films headed to festivals.”
Watch Mamma Now
The official Mamma music video is now available on YouTube, offering fans a nostalgic yet fresh cinematic experience that celebrates South Africa’s cultural legacy.
