The Sudanese artist and activist offers a refreshing perspective on sex and love through their own cinematic vision.
Just over one year ago, Dua Saleh released Nūr, a truly special debut album for the uncanny artist. Named after the Arabic word for “light,” Nūr birthed five songs, five stories, and five puzzles. Identifying as a non-binary Sudanese activist, poet, and artist from Minneapolis, Saleh has the perspectives needed to start lesser-had (but much needed) conversations. Nūr is that light; the voice that finally shines through generations of darkness.
The album’s self-produced opening track “Sugar Mama,” which has earned recent viral recognition on Twitter, is a sound-off with alliteration and wordplay abound. At face value, it chronicles the singer’s experience with a “neighbor” who seems to have a fetishized curiosity about their race. Their sexual encounter is further proof that the pineapple theory is fictitious. Leaving a clear warning at the end, Saleh continues to protect their energy and family.
While “Sugar Mama” is a work of art at sonic level alone, its accompanying music video makes a striking cinematic impression. It has the light and cinematography of a full production set, but when broken down, it is a rather simple assemblage of gear. The artistry comes from poignant direction and spacial play. Saleh mentions it was shot with a Leica 28mm on a Sony a7III, using a SnorriCam rig for mobile shots. The DIY production proves its worth beyond its value.
Rich color, clean backdrops, and an eye for the filmic call the tune to order within the first 15 seconds. A metronome reminds the viewer of its somewhat urgent pace and the redundancy of time. Its star spins around hallways and abstract spaces, their braids swinging and eyes making wild contact. Their voice carries an intriguing cadence that makes listeners lean in further. “Sugar Mama” starts sweet and ends sticky, tangy like sour candy with a hard shell and soft core.
Scrappiness without forsaking quality is the name to the beginning of most artists’ game. Saleh appears both minimal and bold, open-minded and deeply opinionated. No pun intended, but Dua’s duality of spirit and mind allow them to be a succinct yet comprehensive storyteller. They are a force upon which we hope everyone reckons.
Watch “Sugar Mama” and listen to Nūr below.