Concrete from the Southbank black artists residency

Fresh off its mesmerizing premiere at the Southbank Centre, Iyunoluwanimi Yemi-Shodimu’s thought-provoking creation, "Concrete," is breaking free from the confines of the live audience to reach the public online. Now available for viewing and listening, this artistic endeavor dives into a post-apocalyptic realm, where individuals, born under layers of concrete, grapple with an existence devoid of breathable air.

Iyunoluwanimi Yemi-Shodimu, co-directing alongside friends Timon Benson and Macy Byfield, explains, "The piece shows a post-apocalyptic society of people that have been born under layers of concrete, unable to breathe. It was our response to Southbank’s seasonal theme of climate." The film unfolds a captivating narrative where beings, compressed into each other’s skin, navigate the struggle for breath in a world where air is a distant memory. Yet, amid the chaos, moments of unsettling beauty, comradery, and even peace emerge.

The accompanying music, available for download [here], is a sonic masterpiece, scored by Iyun himself with additional production prowess from Joshua Inyang of Space Afrika. Dense electronic textures envelop and asphyxiate a haunting piano line, while an earth-trembling bass provides a gentle momentum, guiding the listener through the emotional labyrinth of the piece. This single places "Concrete" in the lineage of Manchester’s world-class black ambient and electronic music scene, a legacy cultivated for almost a decade by artists like Space Afrika and Iceboy Violet.

Iyun sheds light on the intentional focus on a black perspective, stating, "The entire piece, from the production and filming, to the bodies in it are black because we are predicted to be the ones most affected globally by the incoming tragedies of climate change and greed. Southbank wanted that perspective. I hope listeners and those watching enjoy it."

"Concrete" stands as a testament to the intersection of art, climate discourse, and the resilience of humanity in the face of impending challenges. Dive into this post-apocalyptic masterpiece and experience a world where creativity knows no bounds.