Inna Modja’s ‘Sambe’ Video Is a Beautiful Prayer for the Youth in Mali

Malian-French singer Inna Modja showcases the rich spirit of Mali’s youth in her new music video for “Sambe.” Her new clip calls for a focus on the creativity and beauty coming out of Mali, as opposed to the usual narrative of a war-torn nation.

The striking visuals, which were shot in Bamako last summer, kick off with a poem and a shot of artist Hank Willis Thomas’ piece I Am A Man, before diving into shots of the many faces and dancers seen across the city’s streets.

“Sambe is a prayer in Bambara (Mali's official first language)," Inna Modja tells Okayafrica. "It is a prayer for The Youth in Africa to rise beautifully above all cliches the World holds sometimes against us. The poem I wrote as an intro is about the beauty and creativity we want the World to see.”

Watch our premiere of the video for “Sambe,” a single from Inna Modja’s Motel Bamako, above and read her poem in full below.

In the streets of Africa

Some might see Poverty

I see Poetry

Some might see Misery

I see Beauty

In the streets of Africa

I see Glory

We are not Scars of War

We are Stars of Art

Africa is not a Country

But We are a Family

Africa is not what you see on TV

Africa is Creativity

Africa is Now , Africa is the Future