Nota Reflects On Kwesta’s Iconic ‘Spirit’ Music Video On Its 7th Anniversary

Nota Reflects On Kwesta’s Iconic ‘Spirit’ Music Video On Its 7th Anniversary. It has been seven years since Kwesta’s iconic “Spirit” music video hit the airwaves, and according to industry veteran Nota Baloyi, no South African music video has since surpassed its impact.

In a bold statement posted on social media, Nota commemorated the anniversary of the visual masterpiece, which won a prestigious Loerie Award but controversially lost at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

“The Spirit music video by Kwesta was shot 7 years ago today… It won a Loerie Award & lost at the SAMAs. Since then, no South African video has topped it,” wrote Use. The post carried more than just nostalgia — it was a direct challenge to South Africa’s creative industry.

Directed by prominent filmmaker Tebza, Spirit masterfully captured the essence of South African township life, blending raw authenticity with cinematic brilliance. The video’s vivid storytelling, striking visuals, and symbolic imagery showcased the pride, struggle, and triumphs of ordinary South Africans. It featured captivating scenes of cultural rituals, street fashion, and urban grit, all backed by Quest‘s powerful collaboration with American rapper Wale.

The Loerie Award win cemented Spirit as a benchmark for South African music videos. However, the loss at the SAMAs sparked widespread debate at the time, with many fans and industry insiders questioning the criteria for recognition at the awards show. Nota’s recent post seems to rekindle that conversation.

Nota did not hold back in his criticism of current creatives in the industry, stating, “We raised the bar too high for you mediocre creatives, sorry but not sorry.” His words serve as both a reflection on past glory and a wake-up call to the new generation of filmmakers and artists.

This statement could be seen as a challenge to artists, directors, and creatives in the South African music space to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. In an era where music videos have become crucial to an artist’s branding, the pressure to stand out has never been greater.

Perhaps the most striking part of Nota’s message was his closing remark: “Pull up your socks before you force me out of retirement!” Known for his bold opinions and industry insights, Nota has remained an influential but polarizing figure in South African music discourse. While he has distanced himself from direct industry involvement in recent years, his words hint at the possibility of a return.

Seven years later, Spirit remains a timeless reminder of what is possible when creativity, storytelling, and cultural authenticity come together.