Ferkesh: Nadim George | Wegz - B.B King

In this episode of ‘Ferkesh’, Nadim George takes us behind the lens of the music video for Wegz’s ‘B.B King’. The director tells us about the months-long journey of bringing this cross-cultural collaboration to life, exploring how "crazy ideas" on set often lead to moments more interesting than anything originally planned.

Drawing on the inherent contrast between the two artists, George amplifies the differences between them, juxtaposing Wegz’s high-octane energy through off-roading scenes, 4x4s, and desert speed, with the serene and grounded shots of Saudi artist Dahoum making use of natural elements like water and horses. 

The visual identity of the track is heavily cinematic; George cites the color grading of 'Blade Runner' as the blueprint for the desert scenes, while the costume design draws from Dune, blending loose-fitting linen fabrics and traditional Saudi attire with Wegz’s Sa’idi Jalabeya.

Filmed across the vast desert landscapes of both Saudi Arabia and Egypt, George recalls a high-stakes day in Fayoum where heavy cloud cover nearly derailed the vision, forcing the crew to shoot tight frames with artificial light until a sudden window of sun at 2PM triggered a four-hour sprint to capture the video's sweeping wide shots. The result is a meticulously choreographed blend of traditional elements and modern grit, fueled by months of preparation and a spontaneous adaptability.