Ricci Bamboo Unpacks Short Film ‘The Switch’
Multi-faceted creator “with ambition” Ricci Bamboo, discusses his new short film entitled The Switch which delivers rich layer upon layer of social commentary via poetry, music, visual metaphor, and dance. Powerful in its content and presentation, this project is bound to shake the ground as it becomes more known and perhaps makes its rounds in upcoming film festivals…for now, The Hype Magazine proudly showcases it here and we’re delighted to have the creator weigh in!
Ricci Bamboo
Your art is in a lane all its own. Bold, outside-the-box, captivating… For the newly acquainted, who is Ricci Bamboo, and how did your journey begin?
I always say I’m a creator with ambition. My musical influences began from birth. My mother was a singer and my father used to break dance. My personal musical journey began at 14 when I fell in love with Hip Hop. Rapping quickly led to beat-making and beat-making led to recording/mixing engineering.
How do you see yourself fitting into today’s music landscape? Who and what inspires you?
I see myself as the risk taker that goes against the grain gracefully but confidently through music. My influences have always come from the “greats” who embodied the element of uniqueness. It can vary from music producers, artists, athletes, activists, and more.
You swung for the fences on “The Switch” and knocked it out of the park. Some of the imagery may be tough for viewers to take in – many would say that’s necessary. How did this particular project come to be? What was your primary message? Was it emotionally taxing to create?
The last 3 years have definitely opened my eyes and raised my eyebrows. There are too many significant questions that get denied an answer. We’ve now become numb to this. The current climate seemed appropriate to express this message and it was received very well across the board so far. Throughout the creative process, the entire team was in agreement with doing our part in regard to bringing awareness to uncomfortable current events. It was something we could all relate to too.
The only message was to unify and stand for something together regarding the major disconnect society is experiencing with the major decision-makers of the world. This was not politics, religion, or conspiracy theory. This was exercising our creative right to express a particular perspective on matters that affect all of us. This entire experience was more relieving than it was taxing. It’s like getting something off your chest without the emotional rollercoaster.
You enlisted dozens of people to be featured in the short film. It all feels very real. What was the process like filming it? Did anything unexpected happen on set? And who do you feel needs to be shouted out for their involvement in it?
This video was a 3-day shoot. It’s the best feeling in the world when everything falls into place organically and perfectly executed by everyone. I’m so grateful for all the dancers that made this a success. Without them, you’ll be stuck staring at me. The weather made things very rocky at times due to rain and colder temperatures beating us up onset.
Huge shoutout and hugs to “Potentielle” for her powerful poem on this piece. I shared the concept and overall message we wanted and she knocked it out the park in one shot. The crazy thing about it is that she’s known for her erotic poetry and stories and truly loves remaining visually anonymous to the public. She’s a beautiful soul. Thomas Obewu and Selena Ayube made the magic happen on camera as usual. They worked hand to hand with me for over a year planning the concept for “The Switch”. Big up to the entire Team X camp.
What are other topics important to you to highlight through your music?
Music is such a universal language. Unity, love, motivation, strength, and freedom of expression sum it all up. I really want to embrace the art form of dancing as much as possible. That’s important to me even though I’m not a dancer myself…
Let’s time-travel to the future — five years from now — in 2027. Where are you, who are you surrounded by, and how do you define your success?
Five years from now I hope to have found “my pack” and I’m surrounded by creators and influential people who partner with me 24/7 around the world. Music is how feelings sound, as a music creator I have a responsibility to all my creative peers and people who support my art. Success is a journey, not a final destination, so as long as my journey involves me creating art that actually positively impacts people’s lives, I’m successful.
Follow Ricci Bamboo:
www.Tiktok.com/@
Credits
Unify “The People” and stand for something it’s time to hit “The Switch” and wake up!!
Poem Written & Performed by Potentielle
Directed by Thomas Obewu pka tom ✘
Executive Producer – Ricci Bamboo
Produced by Selena Ayube
Movement Co-ordinator – Edz Gyamfi
Makeup Artist – Makeup By Chantsy
Editor & Colorist – tom ✘
Behind The Scenes – Ron Lindo @ronlindomedia
Props Created by Tiffxny Pottinger
CAST
Tia Beat
Tihana Beat
Angelina Da Silvia
Madison Cranston
Kayla Renee
Holly Rose
Ethan Bamboo
Dennis Rugema
Marvel Terrick
Laing Buyizm
Philip Clover
Arshiya Bhan
Nubia BD
Ava Korley-Myron
DRUMMERS
Ras Groundation
Music Producer – Ricci Bamboo
Audio Mixing Engineer – Will Mixes
Mastering Audio Engineer – Westonruinedmyrecord
Special Thanks to Kapri, Wonder Peterson, Wolf Gang Umbrella
a tomxfilm production™
#theswitch #shortfilm #black
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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.
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