As we continue to celebrate her birthday today, check out this sumptuous new video for “I Put a Spell on You,” performed by singer and activist Nina Simone, directed by Gabriella Kingsley.
The video features dancers Priscilla Anyabu (yes, Priscilla from Love Island), Asmara Cammock, and Sophia Akinyemi. Each dancer appears in one of Simone’s signature looks over the years.
Verve created a similar piece for “Feeling Good” last year for her birthday, directed by Sara Lacombe:
Nina challenged boundaries and throughout her career, encouraged empowered expressions of Black culture and beauty… The new music video for “Feeling Good” aims to continue Simone’s important legacy by telling a story of Black female empowerment and rejecting imposed expectations. The video follows four generations of Black women living their truths, loving each other, and feeling good.
It’s hard to pick a favorite song of hers, but her Ed Sullivan performance had all her talents on full display, including her classical piano training.
Among her many remarkable political songs, the LGBTQ community has always had a special connection to her endlessly sampled timeless protest song “Four Women.”
Happy birthday, Nina!
Image: YouTube/ Nina Simone
