Jorja Smith unveils powerful video for cover of St Germain’s ‘Rose Rouge’

Following the announcement of the new Blue Note ‘Re:imagined’ album, a collection of classic Blue Note tracks reworked and newly recorded by a selection of the jazz, soul and R&B scene’s most exciting young talents, including Jorja Smith, Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Jordan Rakei, Poppy Ajudha, Emma-Jean Thackray and many more, Jorja is now sharing a powerful video directed by Samona Olanipekun to accompany her cover of St Germain’s ‘Rose Rouge’.

“We have to continue the conversation around injustices that are and have been inflicted upon black people all over the world,” Jorja explains. “This video is a tribute to all the people who have paved the way for black empowerment and freedom. We are not going to stay quiet - black lives matter - they always have. Samona, who directed the video, captured the togetherness and power of the movement and I hope when you watch, you feel with us.”

“With so much currently happening and even more yet to happen, I felt it was important to take stock,” Samona adds. “The film was an opportunity to highlight the immense effort being made including the strength and the spirit display. It’s so easy to get disheartened and lose sight of what we’re fighting for. Jorja’s Rose Rouge is a beautiful track that has the power to unite and inspire. It was only right that we aimed to match that energy with the visuals. It was also important to draw a link to the freedom fighters that came before us. We’re part of a fight that began long before most of us were born and it’s highly likely it will continue after we are gone; all we can do is carry the baton and continue to demand change.”

A 7” vinyl single of Jorja’s cover alongside Ezra Collective’s version of Wayne Shorter’s ‘Footprints’ is available to buy now, with all proceeds from the release going to Kwanda, a platform designed to both help and encourage individuals giving back to, and building within, black communities.

Watch the new vid below.