| Global music icon DJ Snake debuts the music video for “Patience,” a deeply personal project featuring his reimagination of Amadou & Mariam’s celebrated 2008 song “Sabali.” The title holds profound meaning, as “Sabali” is the Bambara word for both “patience” and “immortality.” The video’s compelling storytelling sheds light on the realities of migration, offering a sensitive and humanizing portrayal of those compelled to leave their homeland in pursuit of a better future. |
| Shot in Senegal with stunning cinematography by Valentin Guiod, the music video immerses viewers in the emotional journey of its main character, allowing them to experience migration through an empathetic lens. DJ Snake, who was born in Paris to Algerian immigrant parents, felt a deep personal connection to this theme: “Each time, I try to explore new vibes, new inspirations, different parts of the world, and I had never really touched on West Africa. I thought of Omar [Sy], and I talked to Omar about it… And everything came together naturally. It took us almost a year and a half to get here today, in the suburbs of Dakar, Senegal. What’s funny is that ‘Sabali’ means patience.”
Omar Sy immediately connected with the project when DJ Snake reached out to him: “He told me about the theme he wanted to explore, and at that moment, he also told me that he wanted to do it in Africa, in Senegal. Obviously, that resonated with me, and I could definitely help in that regard. So, that’s how we started.” As casting discussions progressed, DJ Snake envisioned a younger actor for the lead role, and after watching Tirailleurs, he was inspired by the performances. “He brought up the scene because he had seen Tirailleurs and thought it was a good idea. And as things unfolded, we thought, ‘Why not a little cameo as well?’ And here we are.”, says Omar Sy. The film has already received critical acclaim on the international festival circuit, having been selected for the Grand Angle section at Festival Côté Court (Césars qualifying), and winning Best Music Video and Best Cinematography at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival (BAFTA qualifying). It competed in official selections at Bogoshorts (Oscars qualifying), Indianapolis Indy Shorts (Oscars, BAFTA, Goya qualifying), and Festival du Film Court de Villeurbanne (Césars qualifying). It also won top honors at the Berlin Music Video Awards and the 1.4 One Point Four Awards, where it received the Gold award for Best Music Video – Long Form. At the Kinsale Shark Awards, the film took home the Grand Prix, along with awards for Best Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Electronic Music Video. Beyond the music video’s artistic significance, “Patience” carries a powerful message of advocacy. DJ Snake has partnered with SOS MEDITERRANEE, an international maritime and humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives at sea. Founded in 2015 in response to the humanitarian crisis in the Central Mediterranean, the NGO’s mission underscores the urgency of the issues explored in “Patience”. The music video features performances by Omar Sy, Massane Diong, Anna Thiandaoum, Amadou Mbow, Ibrahima Mbaye, and Amadou & Mariam. It was written and directed by Valentin Guiod and produced by Birth, with music by DJ Snake and Amadou & Mariam. |
| “Patience” can be streamed here and the music video can be watched here |
