Shot on iPhone, powered by passion: Lemoniq’s DIY masterpiece

AT a time when music production is often defined by soaring budgets and glossy visuals, emerging Afro-fusion and Afro-jazz sensation Lemoniq is demonstrating that authentic talent, creativity, and unwavering determination remain the most potent forces an artist can rely on.

Her captivating new music video for “Sengimtholile”, shot entirely on an iPhone, crafted in a makeshift home studio using her mother’s curtains, and released on March 6 is not just a visual treat – it’s a bold statement of artistic independence and resourcefulness, perfectly timed for Women’s Month.

For Lemoniq, visuals are inseparable from the music itself. When the time came to bring her poignant song “Sengimtholile” to life visually, she bypassed conventional routes, embracing a radical DIY approach.

“I decided to self-produce the music video as a way to challenge myself and prove that creativity can’t be limited by resources. I wanted to test my skills…and this was a great opportunity to involve my sister and create something special together,” she said.

This was not just cost-cutting; it was a deliberate artistic experiment fuelled by the belief that meaning trumps budget.
“The idea was to keep things simple, focusing on capturing the emotions and intimacy of the song.”

The result is a video that feels intensely personal and visually compelling, proving her thesis resoundingly. The song itself is the emotional core. Lemoniq, known for weaving heartfelt narratives, delves deep into the universal ache of separation and longing.
“I am no stranger to writing love songs, ‘Sengimtholile’ is about the longing that comes with missing someone you love,” she revealed.

The lyrics are an open letter, capturing vulnerability and yearning – questioning a loved one’s return and the possibility of rekindled affection.
“It’s a universal feeling,” Lemoniq affirms, hoping listeners connect deeply with its emotional resonance.

The video’s creation was as intimate as the song’s theme. Transforming her home into a set, Lemoniq enlisted her sister, Ayanda Makhosazana Moyo, as cinematographer. Armed simply with Lemoniq’s iPhone, they crafted their vision.

Their “studio”? A backdrop fashioned from their mother’s curtains. “The video shoot was a fun family affair!” Lemoniq recalled. Despite its experimental nature (“a bit of an experiment”), the sisters poured their hearts into capturing the song’s essence.

Releasing this deeply personal, self-made project during Women’s Month feels profoundly fitting. Lemoniq’s journey embodies the spirit of female resilience and innovation. Her message to fellow women creatives is powerful and direct:

“My message to all women out there who are making waves, pushing boundaries and chasing their dreams: keep going! Your voice matters, your art matters and your unique perspective is what makes the world a more interesting place. Don’t let anyone dim your light or silence your voice. Keep creating, keep pushing and trust that your time is now!”