- YouTube sensation, Rudi Smit, to star in “Déjà vu” music video
- Full album, THE NEW ERA SESSIONS, now available for pre-order on iTunes
Rapper Rouge’s first single, Déjà vu”, off her debut album, THE NEW ERA SESSIONS, premiered this morning on DJ Fresh’s Metro FM breakfast show. The feature track showcases the rapper’s creative range and lyricism over a hard knock trap beat. The record itself serves as Rouge’s honest commentary about the various eras of hip hop and how the evolution of the genre has influenced and shaped her as an artist. The album also encapsulates Rouge’s authentic African voice and heritage; aiming to usher in a new wave of music for a revitalised and transformed generation.
Rouge partnered with Cape Town based choreographer, Rudi Smit, made famous by his Meghan Trainor dance cover, “Me Too” to bring “Déjà vu” to life.
“As soon as I wrote the song, I knew that I wanted to do something different,” says Rouge. “While many videos in South Africa have a dance component, audiences have never been exposed to a locally produced hip hop only dance video. I knew that if I wanted to get this right, I had to partner up with Rudi and his team.”
The video, set to launch on MTV this Friday, is set in an abandoned warehouse in Cape Town with a co-ed hip hop dance crew, sporting Adidas gear, getting down to “Déjà vu’s” had-hitting rhythmic beat.
Comments Rouge, “We wanted to push boundaries and break down the ‘scantily dressed female lead’ music video stereotype. These dancers are passionate about the essence of the song and embody empowerment, strength and determination.”
Rouge will perform the single, set to be a prime contender for this year’s December Banga, live at her album launch on Friday, September 8th: “Everything I do is for my fans – I cannot wait to see how they connect with the song on stage. It’s been a long journey to get here, but the support from my fan base has truly kept me motivated to produce something that not only captures my unique story, but also gives them a platform and a voice to tell theirs. Life experiences are different for everyone; it is my hope that this album speaks to listeners on a personal level, giving them something they can fully relate to and be inspired by.”
Fans will also be treated to a short film (view the trailer here) based on the album, which is set to air on MTV on the 7th of September. The star-studded movie features the likes of SA entertainments greats Atandwa, Fikile Kani, Denise Zimba and Cassius Davids.
Rouge, who has been hard at work on the final touches of her debut project, continues to steadily carve a niche for herself as an established rapper in the industry.
“We have certainly reached a new era in hip hop music,” adds Rouge. “We need a new generation to step forward and let their ideas and opinions be heard through music, a universal language for the youth. Up and coming female rappers in the South African music industry are in an optimal position to facilitate this renaissance; showcasing the strength of their creativity, artistry and social commentary to positively impact society.”
Note to Editors
The New Era Sessions feature film trailer can be viewed here
The full NEW ERA SESSIONS album can be downloaded on iTunes here
Fans can touch base with Rouge and keep track of her latest singles on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rougerapper
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rouge_Rapper
Instagram: http://instagram.com/rouge__1/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/rougerapper
For more information contact : Nikosha Puran ( Nikosha.puran@instinctif.com )
