Painting for Baaba Maal: A Look Back

While writing another article recently, I re-visited a moment from nine years ago that felt worth sharing, an unexpected opportunity that came my way during a very particular chapter in my life.

In 2015, I was invited to take part in a music video for Baaba Maal, namely Gilli Men. It was an honour. Baaba Maal is known for his powerful voice and his fusion of traditional Senegalese music with global influences. But at the time, I was six months into maternity leave with my first daughter Alicia and hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since she was born. I was completely sleep deprived and out of practice.

The role: to be filmed painting, live on set. I was nervous. It was the first time I’d ever been filmed working, and I didn’t feel ready. But something in me said ‘yes’ - it was a challenge yet also great opportunity I was determined to make a success of.

What followed was a whirlwind day on set with the brilliant team at Chief Productions, who made the whole process feel supportive and collaborative. The shoot gave me a behind the scenes look at how music videos are made, and unexpectedly, a route back into my art practice. It reminded me that I could show up creatively, even in the fog of early motherhood.

This project stayed with me. Not just because of Baaba Maal’s music or the visual storytelling, but because it marked a quiet turning point. It was a moment of saying yes, even while I was unsure. A small but meaningful step back toward the studio.

You can watch the full video for Gilli Men below.