There are moments in life when we surprise ourselves, moments when we look back and ask ourselves, "Did I really do that? Was that really me?"
That's exactly how I felt after filming and editing LAHI's music video "Oga Police." Honestly, I never believed I'd be able to do it. Not for a lack of passion, but because deep down, I doubted I had the skills, resources, and creative drive to bring such a powerful visual project to life. Yet here I am, with the finished video in hand—proof that creativity, perseverance, and self-belief can make the impossible a reality. The beginning of doubt. Even before the project began, doubt whispered in my ear. This wasn't just any music video or short visual piece; It was a full-fledged music video for LAHI, a powerful artist with a strong voice and an even stronger message. The song "Oga Police" addresses a real issue: It carries weight, and it needed images that matched its energy and purpose. And there I stood, wondering if I could truly do it justice. I'd done shoots before, but this felt different. It felt big. It felt important. So many questions were swirling through my mind.
What if I mess it up? What if the images don't reach the audience? What if I disappoint the crew? These thoughts were loud, louder than they should have been. But despite the noise in my head, I somehow embraced the project. Something inside me whispered, "Try it. Just try it." The creative process: from nothing to something. Starting the creative journey was like jumping into deep water. At first, everything was unclear. I had to translate LAHI's message, the heartbeat of the song, into images. That meant brainstorming, writing the script, visualizing the shots, finding the right locations, choosing the right people, and making sure everything resonated with the viewer emotionally. It was like painting with moving images, and every color had to be chosen deliberately. I remember sitting alone late at night with headphones on, listening to "Oga Police" over and over again. Every beat, every lyric, every pause in the song had to speak to me. I saw flashes of scenes, images of confrontation, pain, resilience, and hope. I saw a story begin to unfold, and for the first time, I believed I could actually do it. It wasn't about whether I was "good enough." It was about being authentic and passionate and letting the message guide me. The shoot. Organized chaos and wonderful energy. When the day of shooting finally arrived, I was nervous but ready. I had the camera in my hand, a vision in my heart, and a team that believed in me even more than I did. That support is priceless. We moved from location to location, shooting scenes that captured both the tension and the truth behind "Oga Police." The sun was intense, time was short, and things didn't always go exactly according to plan, but somehow, everything ran smoothly.
There was a very special energy on set, a fire that can't be faked. Everyone involved gave it their all: actors, crew, even the curious passersby who stayed to watch. We were creating something real. Something raw. Something that would speak louder than words. I directed each take carefully, listening to my instincts and trusting that the song's rhythm would guide the movement. One standout moment came while we were filming a haunting confrontation scene. It wasn't just acting; it felt real. Everyone was so immersed in the message that emotions flowed naturally. At that moment, I knew this video wasn't just a project; it was a work of art. The editing. Bringing it all to life. Filming was one thing, but editing? Editing is where the real magic happens. This is where you bring the footage to life. This is where you mold and shape the raw material into something meaningful. And to be honest, this process nearly broke me, but it also shaped me. I spent many hours in front of the screen, adjusting colors, syncing beats, adding effects, fine-tuning transitions, and making sure every frame told a story. Sometimes I would sit in front of the timeline for hours without touching a single clip, just studying and feeling. Other times, the ideas would just flow, and I would work nonstop to edit until dawn. There were setbacks. My system crashed several times, files became corrupted, and some shots didn't live up to my expectations. But I didn't give up. I couldn't. Something about this video felt too important. Too personal. I poured all my creativity into the edit. And when I finally rendered the final cut... I was speechless. The end result: proof that creativity works. Watching the finished Oga Police video for the first time was emotional. I didn't just see scenes and cuts, I saw growth. I saw my own journey as a creative development on screen. I saw the doubts I overcame, the risks I took, the late nights, the silent prayers, and the unwavering belief that something beautiful could emerge from this process.
The video was everything I hoped for and more. It captured LAHI's message with clarity, fire, and pure emotion. It not only entertained, it challenged, it provoked, it spoke the truth. And most importantly, it showed me something I needed to hear. Creativity is powerful. It can transform ordinary people into storytellers. It can transform fear into courage. It can turn self-doubt into confidence. What I learned. After the project, I sat back and reflected on everything I had learned. Here's what I took away: Never underestimate your creative abilities. Even if you think you probably aren't there yet. Doubt is part of the journey. Everyone feels it, but don't let it hold you back. Passion is what drives everything. If you truly care about what you create, it will show. Challenges are part of the process. From technical glitches to time constraints, every obstacle is a lesson. Teamwork matters. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you can change everything. Art can convey an idea. It's not just about the visual; it's about using your voice through your work. To everyone reading this: if you have a creative dream, be it film, music, design, photography, dance, writing, or any other art form, I want to say this: you can achieve it. Just as I didn't think I could shoot and edit that stunning music video, but did it anyway, you too can achieve more than you think. Start where you are. Use what you have. Don't wait to be "perfect." Just believe. Every piece you complete, every project you take on, brings you closer to your full potential. Let passion guide you. Let creativity speak for itself. I never thought I could achieve this. But now I know I can. And so can you.
Creativity is good. Seriously.
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