A boy named ROSA - She Belongs to the Show (Part 2) (Official Video)
Credit: Patrick Kenawy
A boy named ROSA, a rising self-taught singer, songwriter, producer, rapper and composer from Amsterdam is aiming to make his mark with his upcoming debut project ‘FEMALE’. The first offering comes in the form of a worldly visual titled “She Belongs to the Show (Part 2)”. A celebration of the modern-day woman who lives her life on her own accord and unapologetically does whatever she wants. A subtle cautionary tale for those still viewing a significant other or a love interest as something than can be ‘owned’.
Lyrically “She Belongs to the Show (Part 2)” is an ode to and celebration of the modern-day woman. The track is produced by Nora Korra with additional production and arrangement by ROSA. Inspired by how artists such as Frank Ocean, Dev Hynes and The-Dream are often able to channel their voices in unconventional ways, vocally ROSA opts for a sing-a-long vibe and a distinct vocal tone that is all his own. “She Belongs to the Show (Part 2)” is a first glimpse into a visionary mind that can’t wait to show the world what he’s capable of.
Visually the video tells various narratives woven seamlessly into one main objective. One of the sequences shows a collective of multiple women who embody the message of the song. They’re a tribe, they’re unified, they support each other and they are present to uplift the leading lady who metaphorically represents the woman ROSA describes in his lyrics. The women are all Black, Asian or of Indian/Indonesian descent to represent ROSA’s Surinamese and Native American roots. It gives a sense of culture that he wants to communicate through his visual work. ROSA’s role in all this is that of a narrator, storyteller and observer. Performing and communicating the lyrics to the audience whilst not interfering with the sense of community the women have built. He’s self-aware enough to stay out of women’s business and confidently enjoys their joy from a distance.
The video was directed by ROSA and Liza Koifman, a burgeoning Dutch filmmaker whose short film “Vlinders” was selected by the Dutch Film Festival in 2020. The duo also directed ROSA’s visual for ‘BLOW’ together which received rave reviews. Shot in carefully curated locations in various countries, the video also features no less than two dresses from renowned fashion designer Iris van Herpen (Janelle Monae, Beyoncé). An ambitious production for which ROSA wrote the concept and treatment himself, he wants to make certain he maintains a high standard of attention to detail aesthetically and narratively. From the cinematography to the underlying themes and storytelling, he sincerely cares about the intent of his art.