Wizkid, the undisputed king of Afrobeats, gifted us the self-directed music video for "Kese (Dance)" on March 5th, 2025, and it’s every bit the polished affair we’ve come to expect from the Starboy universe. This vibrant track, a standout from his sixth album, "Morayo," was already setting playlists ablaze, following the soulful vibes of "Piece of My Heart." Now, with its visual counterpart, "Kese (Dance)" aims to keep the dance floors pulsating well into 2025. But does Wizkid's directorial debut truly amplify the song's infectious energy, or does it lean a tad too heavily on familiar aesthetics? Let's break it down scene by scene.

The "Kese (Dance)" video is undeniably a visual playground, a celebration of movement and style that mirrors the track's celebratory vibe. Wizkid, ever the fashion icon, effortlessly commands attention across three distinct and visually arresting settings. We're first transported to a dimly lit theater, where a troupe of incredibly talented dancers unleash intricate choreography, a captivating blend of elegance and street swagger. The energy then shifts dramatically to a bustling house party, the kind where the DJ's spinning the hottest tracks and the crowd is lost in the pure joy of the moment – peak "Detty December" vibes, anyone? Finally, the video culminates in a high-fashion tableau, with Wizkid posing amidst a lineup of stunning models, all draped in vibrant ensembles, set against the backdrop of a colossal painting that screams "art with a capital A."

Visually, the video is undeniably slick. Co-helmed with JM Films, it's a feast for the eyes, bursting with vibrant hues, expertly crafted lighting, and an overall polished aesthetic that's pure eye candy. The talking drum break towards the end, a clear nod to the song's Fuji influences, acts as a brilliant cultural anchor, grounding the visual spectacle. Social media platforms like X have been buzzing with praise for the outfits, the choreography, and the diverse setups, with many fans declaring it a straight "10/10" visual experience. With over a million views clocked in just two days, it's clear the Starboy fanbase is thoroughly enjoying the ride.

The track itself is an absolute banger, a bouncy fusion of Afrobeats and dancehall rhythms practically engineered to get you moving. Lines like "Chale make we dance gbedu, the music e dey play gbedu" are an irresistible invitation to let loose, and Wizkid's signature smooth delivery exudes effortless confidence. It’s no wonder the song smashed streaming records, hitting 1.5 million Spotify streams in its first 24 hours and soaring to the number one spot on Nigeria’s Top 100 chart. This is Wizkid in his element, the ultimate party starter, having refined the early bombast of his career with the sophisticated finesse of "Made in Lagos." Yet, some voices on X suggest that as a dance floor anthem, it might be a tad "tame," perhaps lacking that extra gear to truly dominate the club scene.

Now, here's where the directorial debut feels a little… familiar. For his first time fully at the helm visually, Wizkid seems to play it safe, perhaps even a little too safe. The formula – low lighting, gorgeous women, dynamic dance crews, and Wizkid radiating superstardom – feels like a well-worn page from his established playbook. Some posts on X echo this sentiment, with one fan giving it a 70/100, labeling the concept as somewhat "repetitive" and yearning for a more adventurous visual narrative. While the progression from the theater to the party to the art gallery does offer a loose narrative of celebration, and the subtle nod to Black women as artistic muses is a welcome touch, it's hard to shake the feeling that we've seen shades of this before, perhaps in videos like "Joro." Where's the unexpected creative swing to truly match the infectious energy of "Kese"'s beat?

The pacing, too, feels a little uneven. The theater sequences are undeniably dazzling with their intricate choreography, but the house party segment lingers a tad too long, and the final showcase with the models, while visually stunning, feels more like a flex of status than a true narrative climax. While some fans on X have praised the "organic storytelling" and the "cultural aesthetics," others have expressed a desire for the messaging, particularly the lyrical themes of wealth and pleasure, to delve a little deeper. Make no mistake, "Kese (Dance)" is a certified party banger, a track destined to soundtrack many a good time. However, the self-directed video, while undeniably stylish and visually appealing, doesn't quite push the creative boundaries we know Wizkid is capable of. It’s a solid visual companion to a killer track, but it might just leave you wanting that extra spark of innovation.