Kenyan musician Nikita Kering made headlines in 2022 by choosing to film part of her music video for the song On Yah from inside a coffin. The video, which caused a mix of intrigue and confusion among her fans, became a subject of intense discussion, with many trying to decipher the symbolism behind her decision. Now, at 22, the award-winning artist has shed light on the creative process and personal growth that motivated her choice, sharing insights on how this unique experience became a metaphor for rebirth, letting go of the past, and embracing a promising future.
Embracing Artistic Freedom and Symbolism
The video opens with Kering seated inside a coffin, surrounded by stark imagery that some might find unsettling. Yet, for Kering, it was an intentional setup aimed at conveying a deeper message. She admits that she received numerous questions about her choice of setting, as fans tried to reconcile the visuals with the song’s upbeat tone. Despite the seeming mismatch, Kering’s intention was to provoke thought and curiosity, allowing her audience to engage with the visuals on multiple levels. “Everybody asks why I entered this damn coffin!” she jokingly said in a video posted on her social media, hinting at the exasperation that comes with having her creative decisions constantly questioned.
Kering explained that the music video does not directly align with the song’s lyrics because it was designed as a part of a larger narrative. The 2022 song On Yah belongs to her then-upcoming EP, The Other Side, which she describes as a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. According to Kering, the video serves as a preview of the themes explored in the EP, particularly the idea of shedding one’s former self and embracing a renewed identity.
The Coffin as a Symbol of Growth and Renewal
The decision to feature a coffin in the video was deeply symbolic for Kering. To her, the coffin represented an opportunity to “kill” her old self, not in the literal sense but rather as a metaphor for personal evolution. “It is a journey of, you know, me explaining the killing of the old… no, let me not say killing. It is more of letting go of the past and embracing this bold future,” she clarified. Through the symbolism of the coffin, Kering sought to communicate a sense of closure with her past experiences, struggles, and insecurities.
As an artist who rose to fame at a young age, Kering has openly shared the pressures of growing up in the public eye. Her journey has been marked by awards and recognitions, but it has also involved dealing with the expectations that come with such success. For her, filming inside a coffin became an exercise in releasing those old fears, insecurities, and self-imposed limitations. The experience was liberating, allowing her to confront her vulnerabilities and re-emerge with a newfound sense of purpose.
A Nod to Cultural Symbolism
For many viewers, the imagery of a coffin evokes thoughts of death and mourning, concepts that can be unsettling. However, Kering approached it with a different perspective. Growing up watching shows like The Vampire Diaries and other supernatural series, she found herself somewhat desensitized to the idea of a coffin as a frightening object. Instead, she saw it as a place of transition, akin to the way vampires in folklore emerge from coffins as new, empowered beings.
Kering’s symbolic use of the coffin reflects a universal process of metamorphosis. Across cultures, similar motifs of rebirth and renewal appear in mythologies and religious practices, often symbolized by emerging from a confined space a tomb, cocoon, or other vessel into a new form of existence. Her decision to use the coffin as a narrative device thus taps into these broader archetypal themes, which resonate with audiences on a subconscious level.
Taking Risks and Embracing Authenticity
In explaining her choice, Kering noted that she understood the risks involved. She recognized that not everyone would appreciate or understand the artistic direction she took, and that was a prospect she was willing to accept. For her, taking creative risks is part of staying true to her vision as an artist. “For me, being inside the coffin was of course… uhm, scary… no, let me not say scary because we grew up watching Vampire Diaries and all the crazy stuff. So to me, the symbolism behind it all meant so much more than what it looked like on the video,” she reflected.
The experience of filming inside the coffin was also transformative for Kering on a personal level. While initially daunting, it helped her confront her mortality and appreciate life from a fresh perspective. By putting herself in a situation that forced her to reflect on life and death, she emerged with a stronger sense of gratitude. This deeper understanding of the fragility of life reinforced her commitment to living authentically and staying true to her creative instincts, regardless of the opinions of others.
Lessons in Resilience and Personal Growth
Through this experience, Kering has grown not only as an artist but also as an individual. The coffin scene taught her valuable lessons about resilience, courage, and the importance of letting go of the past to make room for growth. This is a journey familiar to many, especially young people who are finding their way through life’s challenges. Kering’s willingness to confront these themes publicly has made her a relatable figure, resonating with fans who may be facing their own struggles with self-identity and personal evolution.
The choice to feature herself in a coffin reflects a maturity beyond her years. In a world where young artists are often pressured to conform to industry standards and project a curated image, Kering stands out for her refusal to compromise her vision. Her creative choices are informed by a strong sense of self and a desire to tell her own story in her own way.
A Message of Hope for the Future
Kering’s video for On Yah is ultimately a message of hope and resilience. By embracing the symbolism of the coffin, she is inviting her audience to join her in letting go of their fears, doubts, and past experiences that no longer serve them. She is encouraging them to step into a brighter, bolder future with confidence. For Kering, the experience of being inside a coffin was a humbling reminder of life’s impermanence, but also a powerful affirmation of her commitment to living fully and fearlessly.
As Kering continues to grow as an artist, she is redefining the boundaries of what it means to be a young musician in today’s world. Her music, combined with her willingness to take risks and explore complex themes, is carving a unique path in the industry. In doing so, she is not only inspiring her fans to embrace their own journeys of transformation but also setting a new standard for authenticity and creativity in African music.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
Nikita Kering’s choice to film inside a coffin may have raised eyebrows, but it also marked a turning point in her career. It showcased her commitment to telling stories that resonate deeply, even when they defy conventional expectations. In the end, her music video for On Yah is more than just a visual accompaniment to a song; it is a statement of her growth, resilience, and hope for the future. By letting go of her past self, Kering has opened the door to a new chapter, one that promises even greater artistic and personal fulfillment.
As her fans eagerly await the release of her EP The Other Side, one thing is clear: Nikita Kering is an artist unafraid to dive into the depths of her own story, and her journey is only just beginning. Through her music and her daring visuals, she is inviting her audience to join her on a transformative journey that is as much about healing and rebirth as it is about creativity and expression. In an industry where image often supersedes substance, Kering’s commitment to authenticity stands out, making her one of the most compelling voices of her generation.
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