In an exclusive interview with InyaRwanda, rising rapper Zeo Trap opened up about his decision to include fans in the visuals of his groundbreaking music video "Street Goat." This innovative approach stems directly from fan requests, showcasing the growing trend of artists connecting deeply with their audiences through music.
He explained, "There were many people who asked me to feature them in the music video. So, we created a WhatsApp platform where they could register. Over 1,000 fans signed up, but only about 200 to 300 were able to participate."
The rapper showcased how "Street Goat" embodies the essence of rap music, focusing on the Drill Music genre, distinguished by its raw themes of anger, resilience, and street life energy.
He added, "If you look at how it's made, it aligns with the lifestyle of rappers. This is exactly how Drill artists internationally create their visuals—the outfits we wore, how we acted—every aspect was deliberately considered."
Zeo Trap emphasized the distinct nature of rap videos, contrasting them with visuals for love songs. Drill inspired videos tend to demand a larger group presence, iconic streetwear styles, and an authentic gritty energy tied to street culture.
He shared, "I like doing things right. Rap needs to be on a higher level, inspired by the works we admire."
However, despite overwhelming interest, not all fans could appear in the video due to logistical challenges.
He clarified, "Some people came but did not have the outfits we asked for. Others were restricted by their work schedules. So not everyone could appear in the visuals."
Why are rappers keen on featuring fans in music videos?
In rap culture, particularly Drill Music, it is common to showcase the artist's roots and deepen their connection to their community by including fans or friends in music videos.
This approach serves several purposes:
- Community Representation: It reflects the artist’s connection to the streets, showing they are grounded and supported by their people.
- Creating a Collective Appeal: Featuring large crowds makes the visuals feel communal, adding depth and weight to the narrative.
- Boosting Social Shares: Fans appearing in the video feel recognized and valued, encouraging them to share it widely across social platforms and beyond.
Which international artists follow similar trends?
- Pop Smoke (USA): His iconic videos, including "Dior" and "Welcome to the Party," feature crowd-filled visuals that spotlight his local culture.
- Central Cee (UK): Hits like "Doja" and "Loading" include fans and friends sporting coordinated outfits to depict unity.
- Niska and Booba (France): Both artists are known for featuring the neighborhoods they come from, showcasing their closely-knit ties to fans.
- Drake (Canada): In "God's Plan," he highlighted real people receiving acts of generosity, earning overwhelming popularity for the heartfelt gesture.
- Kaaris (France): His videos embrace authenticity, often featuring everyday individuals to bolster his "street credibility."
Zeo Trap announced that following "Street Goat," he plans to shoot another music video from his album, selecting tracks that have received strong fan response and acclaim.
His bold decision to engage fans marks a fresh direction for Rwandan rap, reflecting the evolving relationship between local rappers and their audiences. This collaboration sets a new benchmark for fan involvement in the industry.
Zeo Trap disclosed: Over 1,000 fans expressed their eagerness to be part of his "Street Goat" visuals, showcasing the wide appeal of this community-driven approach.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ZEO TRAP