Prism Prize Eligible Video: Naya Ali – Air Ali

By External Source

The 2020 Prism Prize for Best Canadian Music Video was awarded to Peter Huang, for his clip for Jessie Reyez's Far Away. We will continue to profile noteworthy Canadian videos that were eligible for the Prize, including this one from a Montreal-based Ethiopian-Canadian rapper making waves.

Naya Ali – Air Ali

Based out of Montreal, and of Ethiopian descent, rapper Naya Ali quickly emerged into the Canadian Hip-Hop Scene in 2017. 

With remarkable ambitions, Naya stands out via her unparalleled flow and dynamic personality. She comes out with the hit Air Ali,  the catchy tune that was released shortly after dropping her Godspeed Baptism (Prelude), which came in March 2019. 

Naya Ali shares her creative inspiration behind Air Ali, stating it's “about taking flight into my new destination - leaving the city, but never forgetting where I come from including the love and hate I received. It's both a final departure and a new start. Letting go of a comfort zone, leaving feelings and certain people behind in order to keep elevating.”

The music video was created by talented director, photographer, and filmmaker Adrian Villagomez, who was able to capture the dynamics of Ali’s neighbourhood in a slow motioned, photographic series. He painted the picture of how love and community can overcome a hard reality.

Naya always shares how low she’s feeling, but comparable to any athlete, she's a powerhouse of energy aiming to take flight and dominate the game. She’s been working a while now and feels like it’s her time to take what’s rightfully hers; due to the hard work and dedication she’s been putting in. Though her community may not fully support her, she makes sure to keep the real ones who’ve been supporting her around. 

Producer: Erika-Elyzabeth Korzer

Scenario & Script: Naya Ali, Adrian Villagomez, Mariane Vaillancourt

Director: Adrian Villagomez

Artistic Direction & Costume Director: Mariane Vaillancourt