Watch: Major Lazer’s ‘Particula’ video flaunts South Africa and Nigeria’s creative genius

American recording trio Major Lazer may have been slammed in the past for making coin from cultural appropriation, but its latest track brings out the best in South Africa’s and Nigeria’s music and cinematography scene.

Co-produced by South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, and starring SA rapper Nasty C, and Nigerian artists Ice Prince, and Pantoranking, “Particula” is a reggae banger that this week received the music video treatment. Said video was also directed by Cape Town-based Adriaan Louw.

“Particula” does not feature Table Mountain however, but rather the Hillbrow Tower.

Major Lazer’s ‘Particula’ is filmed in Johannesburg, but features both Nigerian and South African recording artists

Set in 1970s Johannesburg, the video is complete with bell-bottoms, wide-rim tortoise shell glasses, long-bonnet rides, and printed half-buttoned shirts. The sepia tint and grainy film also coats the city in a warm, nostalgic sheen.

Debuting on 12 October, the video has already amassed close to 400 000 views, and is currently the 43rd most popular clip in South Africa. Both numbers will likely rise.

If you’re looking for a weekend track, or simply want to see South Africans and Nigerians thrive, catch the three-minute “Particula” video below.