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Rising Syrian-Iraqi Artist Wafia's 'Bodies' Video Debuts Via NYLON
By: Caryn Robbins Sep. 20, 2017
Breakout vocalist and songwriter Wafia's video for "Bodies" debuts today via NYLON-watch it here and read Nylon's interview with Wafia here. Directed byAlli Coates (D.R.A.M., Bas, J. Cole), the video portrays Wafia's triumph over a dystopian future. Her highly anticipatedVIII EP is set for release October 13 viaFuture Classic.
Wafia-who was born in the Netherlands to Syrian and Iraqi parents and is now based in Australia-wrote "Bodies" on the day her Syrian family was denied permission to enter Australia amidst the escalating conflict there, while Trump continued to threaten Muslim ban in America.
"The first time I met Alli I was incredibly drawn towards her energy," says Wafia. "Opening up to her about the meaning of 'Bodies' and my experiences was effortless. When it came time to put the video together, Alli's perspective was incredibly important because I never wanted this song or video to only stand for my story. We wanted it to feel inclusive to everyone that feels like they stand out to the people surrounding them."
"Wafia and I hit it off creatively almost immediately when we were introduced last spring," says Coates. "We talked at length about the heat she had been feeling as a Muslim woman in Australia amidst a time of free-flying hate rhetoric. She told me the story of her Syrian family and their struggles. When she asked me to direct the 'Bodies' video I was honored that she trusted me with this.
"The video is a visual representation of the social divide ripping our world apart. The old world regimes of the west are clinging to this idea of a homogenized, heteronormative, nationalist society. Young men are trained to be aggressive and women are trained to be pageant-ready pieces of meat.
"I think Wafia is so fearless for being able to translate her Syrian family's disheartening circumstance into beautiful art. To me, Wafia represents the resistance against xenophobia, racism, and prejudice in the best way. She uses this as the fuel for her burning fire, she is the uprising against a life lead by fear."
"Bodies" was co-written by Ben Abraham (Kesha's "Praying"), produced by Robopop(Lana Del Rey, Charli XCX) and follows the release of "83 Days," the first to be released from the forthcoming EP.
Wafia is 24-year-old Wafia Al-Rikabi. She rose to prominence after posting a Thrupence-produced cover of Mario's "Let Me Love You" online. The release of Wafia's debut EPXXIX, which featured the viral hit "Heartburn," followed in 2015.
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