The Beginner's Guide to Afrofuturism

Dive into the electrifying fusion of sound, style and futuristic vision. Join me as we embark on a journey through 10 essential (and some of my personal favorite) Afrofuturist music videos that transcend boundaries and redefine artistic expression. Each video truly encapsulates the spirit of Afrofuturism, blending elements of Black culture, sci-fi and innovation. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is a good place to start for any Afrofuturist enthusiast. Hold on tight as we explore the intersections of music, technology and imagination in these mesmerizing audio-visual experiences. Here are 10 essential Afrofuturist music videos that you should watch and listen to: 

1. Erykah Badu, “Didn’t Cha Know” 

I am biased about Erykah Badu, the goddess and sorceress herself because she is one of my favorite musicians of all time. The “Didn’t Cha Know” music video is no exception, and this track is on “Mama’s Gun,” one of my favorite albums of hers as well. The video’s seamless blend of earthly and cosmic imagery captures several tenets of Afrofuturism: mysticism, alienation, dystopia and more. Aerial shots depict her trekking through desert sands wearing what looks like a futuristic post-apocalyptic alien suit. Badu’s quest for knowledge and understanding in the song and music video is a direct correlation to the Black American quest for identity and belonging. 

She sings: “Time to save the world, where in the world is all the time? So many things I still don’t know. So many times, I’ve changed my mind. Guess I was born to make mistakes, but I ain’t scared to take the weight. So, when I stumble off the path, I know my heart will guide me back.” The video’s ethereal visuals, combined with the song’s soulful melody and lyrics, capture the essence of exploring one’s roots and identity while simultaneously looking forward to a transcendent future. The closing lyrics adequately encapsulate the journey: “Love is life and life is free. Take a ride of life with me. Free your mind and find your way. There will be a brighter day.”

2. Janet Jackson, “Doesn’t Really Matter” 

Janet Jackson’s “Doesn’t Really Matter” transports us to a techno-utopia where technology reigns supreme in her daily life. We first see Jackson in her small but seriously futuristic pod-like apartment. She’s listening to music and watching “The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps” which is the feature film Jackson starred in and recorded the song for. Jackson and her perfectly choreographed dancers move through a sleek, digitally futuristic city before they end up on a glowing rotating platform gracing us with a dance number, naturally. 

This music video is a celebration of Black creativity and technology, highlighting the Afrofuturistic theme of using the future as a space for positive transformation. The video’s Afrofuturistic aesthetics blend seamlessly with the themes of love and self-acceptance. Upon the first listen it sounds like “you” is directed towards a romantic partner, which was the intention based on the movie, but it could just as easily be the reflexive “you.” She sings: “Doesn’t matter if they won’t accept you. I’m accepting of you and the things that you do. Just as long as it’s you. Nobody but you.” Jackson’s innovative use of CGI and futuristic fashion choices create a visually fun escape that is both ahead of its time and rooted in the exploration of identity and technology’s role in shaping our present and future.

3. 2Pac feat. Dr. Dre, “California Love”

“California Love” thrusts us into a post-apocalyptic Oakland, California inspired by the original “Mad Max,” where 2Pac and Dr. Dre navigate a desert wasteland, leading a rebellion against oppression. As a Californian, this video holds a special place in my heart. I also love that Chris Tucker, George Clinton and Roger Troutman from the Zapp Band make appearances in it as well. Clinton and Troutman are some of the founders of Afrofuturism and funk music, and while this is technically a hip-hop song, their appearance within this Afrofuturistic society makes perfect sense. At the beginning of the video, we see Clinton, who plays the antagonist, yell: “I don’t want nobody beating up the dance floor but us.” 

This is such a fun video and so intrinsically Californian even in its reimagined gritty dystopian form. A sign reads “Welcome to Oakland” and Dr. Dre raps the first lyric: “Now let me welcome everybody to the Wild Wild West.” The costumes and scenery wonderfully play into the themes as they ride around in Hummers, ATVs and motorcycles through the desert. One of my favorite scenes is of 2Pac and Dr. Dre standing in a dome reminiscent of the motorcycle cages used in a circus. The video’s depiction of resilience and survival against all odds reflects Afrofuturism’s theme of perseverance in the face of systemic oppression. It’s such a powerful statement on survival, resistance and the quest for freedom in a world rife with chaos. 

4. Missy Elliott, “Get Ur Freak On” 

Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On” is a groundbreaking visual feast that merges surreal imagery and Elliott’s iconic style to create a world where the past and future converge into one. It was a challenge to choose which music video to include on this list because she is known for her plethora of Afrofuturistic-themed videos that were way ahead of their time. “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” “Work It,” “Lose Control,” “Pass That Dutch,” “Sock it to Me” and many more are all deserving of being on this list. Her innovative use of technology, body morphing and Timbaland-made timeless beats speaks to the idea of a connected, multicultural world where boundaries are blurred, identity is fluid and hyping oneself up is encouraged. 

A host of influential music artists make appearances in this video: Ludacris, Eve, LL Cool J, Nate Dogg, Busta Rhymes and the list goes on. The majority of Elliott’s songs and videos are a visual and auditory explosion of creativity. She has a special formulation that blends outstanding choreography, futuristic costume designs, cutting-edge technology and special effects, which has broken boundaries and redefined what a music video can be. As Missy says in the song: “People gon’ play me now, in and out of town, ’cause I’m the best around with the crazy style.”

5. Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA, “All the Stars” 

“All the Stars” from the Black Panther soundtrack is a visually stunning celebration of African heritage and Afrofuturism. This is another album that I hold near and dear as a Black Panther fan and Californian. The music video is set against the backdrop of Wakanda, and we see Lamar in a celestial realm while SZA dances among the stars and sings: “This may be the night that my dreams might let me know all the stars are closer.” Like the movie, the song and video embody Afrofuturism’s connection between the African diaspora’s roots and an interstellar future. 

Lamar and SZA navigate through a series of breathtaking scenes that fuse traditional African aesthetics with futuristic and cosmic imagery. One of my favorite scenes is towards the end when Lamar walks up to celestial giants that peer down at him and a starry image of Africa appears in SZA’s hair. The video’s use of vibrant colors and references to African art and mythology work to create a powerful narrative about identity, empowerment and the beauty of African cultures spanning across the globe as well as time and space. 

6. Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu, “Q.U.E.E.N.”

Janelle Monáe’s “Q.U.E.E.N.” featuring Erykah Badu is a rebel anthem set in an Afrofuturistic museum where Monáe and Badu are living exhibits who want to break free. It is no secret that Monáe and Badu have played essential roles in shaping the current Afrofuturism landscape and I’m a big fan of this duet. Monáe also has a wide variety of Afrofuturist music videos including what she calls an emotion picture entitled “Dirty Computer.” The museum seems to be set in England. The narrator has a British accent and Monáe and the background dancers are fashioned in mod-style clothing. 

This is clearly a reimagination and social commentary on colonialism and the commodification of Black people through slavery. Monáe sings: “Are we a lost generation of our people? Add us to equations but they’ll never make us equal. She who writes the movie owns the script and the sequel. So why ain’t the stealing of my rights made illegal?” The video is signature to Monáe’s vintage style complete with her pompadour and black-and-white clothing aesthetic. I absolutely love when all of the human exhibits become unfrozen, dancing alongside her playing instruments. The song and video are rich with references to Black culture, resistance and liberation, and encapsulates the Afrofuturistic vision of breaking away from historical constraints to create a new narrative. Its blend of science fiction, funk and soul sing as part of the mission to reimagine Black identity and history.

7. Aaliyah, “Are You That Somebody” 

Aaliyah is another person who has heavily used Afrofuturistic aesthetics in her music videos. In “Are You That Somebody,” her effortlessly cool style, smooth dance moves and impeccable fashion exude an Afrofuturistic vibe that complements the song’s innovative sound (we have Timbaland to thank again for the production). Whoever thought of having her hold a live Hawk in the video after singing: “Boy, I’ve been watching you like the hawk in the sky that flies, but you were my prey,” is a genius. The song was written for the movie Dr. Dolittle, but you can’t tell based on the video. It’s set against a backdrop of slick futuristic visuals complete with chrome bricks, LED lights and fantastic background dancers. The clue that really let’s you in on the Afrofuturistic theme is when she enters a cave and closes a digital door behind her so the villains chasing her on motorycles can’t get in. Spoiler alert: they materialize through the digital door and reach her anyway.

This video focuses on Afrofuturistic imagery, Aaliyah’s gorgeous vocals and the beat more than anything. Even her makeup and hair are futurist-inspired alongside her black and chrome outfits. Although the special effects are kept to a minimum, it still melds elements of R&B with futuristic sounds, costumes and scenery. The atmosphere is simultaneously cutting-edge and deeply soulful. The video showcases the influence of Afrofuturism in music and fashion at the time of the video’s release and currently. This video and song never get old and every time I watch it I’m reminded of the lasting influence of her artistic vision.

8. OutKast, “Prototype” 

“Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” is one of my favorite OutKast albums. Fun fact: It is also the best-selling rap album of all time. This was released as a dual-disc album with songs primarily by Big Boi on “Speakerboxxx” and André 3000 taking over “The Love Below.” You might recognize megahits like “Hey Ya” or “Roses” on this album, but beyond those one of the best tracks is “Prototype.” The song and video take us through an interstellar love story that goes beyond the earthly realm. The beginning of the video explains that an extraterrestrial family travels 3000 light years from their home planet Proto to visit Earth and upon landing they experience one of the rarest forms of human emotion: love. 

The entire video looks distinctly iridescent almost as if you’re watching the events unfold in a dream-like state. The alien family gets out of a white spaceship wearing white spacesuits and they all have white-colored hair. I love that the family is composed of people with different cultural backgrounds. As they glide through green pastures onto Earth André 3000 sings: “We’ll tiptoe to the sun and do things I know you like. I think I’m in love again.” A human woman has been capturing their departure from the spaceship and this is who André falls in love with. The video’s narrative of alien encounters highlights Afrofuturism’s themes of the extraterrestrial and the boundless possibilities of the universe, all the while anchored in the deeply human experience of love. The video continuously explores themes of love, alienation and the quest for understanding across the cosmos, embodying OutKast’s ability to traverse the boundaries of musical genres, space and time.

9. Sun Ra Arkestra, “Seductive Fantasy”

Sun Ra and his Arkestra’s “Seductive Fantasy” is a visual trip into the avant-garde heart of Afrofuturism. The music video, animated by Chad van Gaalen is fittingly filled with otherworldly landscapes and beings. The Arkestra doesn’t have many music videos outside of their live performances, so this is a rare treat. The psychedelic animations and cosmic imagery capture Sun Ra’s vision of space as the ultimate frontier for Black liberation and creativity. Written by Sun Ra, the song pays homage to his legacy as a pioneer of Afrofuturistic thought and sound. The animations rhythmically mimic the sounds of the band, and it is truly mesmerizing to watch. 

Abstract shapes and colors dance across the screen. Visuals of alien beings, planets, stars and light beams glow with each movement. A forest-like scene looks peaceful and serene until a couple of plants spit out eyeballs. Animated versions of the band’s leader, Marshal Allen, and lead singer, Tara Middleton, appear with green skin sitting in the hand of a giant monster as the rest of their bandmates join them playing their instruments. Egyptian and African motifs alongside asteroids fall from the sky. The video is trippy, to say the least, and absolutely encompasses the essence of Sun Ra and his Arkestra. The insanely abstract visuals accompanied by the experimental jazz score create a beautifully mesmerizing narrative about the band’s connection to the cosmos. 

10. Beyoncé, Shatta Wale & Major Lazer, “Already”

Before Beyoncé’s “Renaissance,” there was “The Lion King: The Gift” accompanied by the visual album “Black is King.” All three projects encapsulate Afrofuturism in a multitude of ways but the latter, according to Disney+ “reimagines the lessons of ‘The Lion King’ for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns. The voyages of Black families, throughout time, are honored in a tale about a young king’s transcendent journey through betrayal, love and self-identity. His ancestors help guide him toward his destiny, and with his father’s teachings and guidance from his childhood love, he earns the virtues needed to reclaim his home and throne.”

The song “Already” is part of that visual album and is a vibrant celebration and powerful affirmation of Black identity and excellence. Beyoncé, Shatta Wale and Major Lazer blend traditional African and modern dance along with Afrofuturistic visuals, creating a powerful statement on identity, heritage and the future. The costumes, choreography and cinematography are out of this world which is no surprise when Queen Bey is involved. The video’s celebration of Blackness, in all its forms, is a vivid demonstration of reimagining the future through the lens and story of a Disney classic.

As we journey back from our exploration of these 10 essential Afrofuturist music videos, these videos challenge us to envision a future where Black culture and creativity are recognized as pivotal forces shaping our world. Afrofuturism, as demonstrated by these artists and their work, offers a unique lens through which we can reimagine our past, critique our present and invent our future. What I love most about these videos is not only the recurring themes of Afrofuturism, but their unapologetic embrace of innovation alongside a deep appreciation for heritage. They prove that looking back and moving forward are complementary forces that drive the evolution of culture. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our world, let these videos serve as cultural artifacts, beacons of hope and blueprints for a future defined by worlds where diversity is not just accepted but cherished and technology amplifies our humanity.

Which Afrofuturist music video has left the most significant impact on you, and how has it shaped your understanding or appreciation of Afrofuturism as a movement? Let me know in the comments below!