Apex Zero Releases the First Short Film & EP ‘Drummer Warrior Storyteller’
After a successful immersive exhibition at Rich Mix showcasing ‘Drummer Warrior Storyteller’ as a theatre production for the first time, Apex Zero releases his powerful short film and the first EP. The music can be heard running throughout the film which premiered at Breakin’ Convention at Sadlers Wells Theatre going on to win the Audience Award at the Short Focus Film Festival 2022.
The film went on to be aired at sold-out events at The Hackney Social on August 22nd, 2021 (aligned with the 230th anniversary of the Haitian Revolution) and at Bernie Grant Arts Centre.
The EP is produced by Apex himself, Al Lawson, DJ In: Theory, and legendary UK Hip Hop producer Micall Parknsun, with internationally renowned features Crazy Haze, Mazzi (US), and Nilotika Cultural Ensemble (Uganda).
‘Drummer Warrior Storyteller’ narrative experiments with linear and non-linear storytelling and different cultural perceptions of time, charting Apex’s personal experiences as an African Caribbean diasporic man growing up in London, weaved with those of wider migrant and diasporic communities, with the aim to honestly depict some of the battles and pressures faced, as well as the joys, growth and moments of liberation.
Apex is a powerful lyricist and cinematic storyteller with an insightful mind and eye, an unmatchable flow, atmospheric sound, and the ability to connect people to create multi-layered experiences and provoke change. Working with creative producer Steph Be and Muti Musafiri’s Village 101 Studios to interpret the album into an award-winning short film working with some of the world’s finest contemporary and Hip Hop choreographers and dancers, the film won a Short Focus Film Festival 2022 Audience Award. It focuses on the frustration, anger, alienation, and awareness caused by racism, its embedded structures, police/state violence, and denial of opportunity, whilst aiming to offer genuine solutions and open windows for future possibilities, as opposed to only highlighting the problems. This latter goal will be further explored in ‘Drummer Warrior Storyteller (Part Two)’ – set for release in early 2023 that strives to break from the image of the ‘struggling’ Black figure, exploring joy, love, and aspirations to live and grow despite society’s obstacles.
Apex’s style strives to retain the underlying themes of social and political issues over beats that act as a rollercoaster ride to match the emotions. This impressive combination is balanced perfectly, acknowledging both the need to express his thoughts and to entertain.
Apex Zero
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
