Music / News
All aboard the Freedom Boat: Kingsmaketa x the Sunset People
The sixth edition of the Sunset People documentary series explores toxic masculinity and men’s vulnerability.
The team have been working with artists from different genres to capture Bristol’s thriving underground music scene, while tackling some big issues along the way.
The July film features hip hop artist Kingsmaketa in a houseboat journey through the rivers of Bath.
is needed now More than ever
“It’s essentially a visual album about community and art, aiming to connect and uplift the current crop of young Bristol-based artists breaking through,” says Phoebe Ashford, the brains behind the brand which they consider more of a ‘liberation movement.’
The series, running for two years and intending to capture the ‘full scope of the Bristol sound’, is a collaborative work that “aims to maximise family values and provide opportunities to artists by working with them to create visuals that express their music, art and personal journey,” says Ashford.
“The creative industry can be very difficult to navigate nowadays with lack of funding and spotlight on the underground, so we feel the only way we can express ourselves is by working together and trusting each other.”
The project uses the phenomenon of sunsets to bind together the films. “It puts them in the space of a fairytale land where everything is vibrant and thriving,” says Ashford.
“Metaphorically speaking we want this to translate over into the real world, basing our reality around looking after each other, being present, working together to achieve common goals and empowering each other – all while feeling happy, secure and safe.”
In the Sunset People’s fifth edition, filmed in locations including Brislington and Hanham, experimental artist Ssadcharlie explored themes of love, adolescence and homophobia
The latest edition, Masking/check up! tells a vulnerable love story that dives deep into relationships, nature, wholesomeness and male mental health.
The artist Kingsmaketa tells the story behind the track:
“I had been going through some stuff in my personal life that inspired this project. The song was just me going through a discovery of feelings and self.
“I make sure always to be the open one, to listen to people when they are in need or need my advice but when they go to return the favour I can’t help but feel reserved and find difficulty in expressing my honest emotions in the vulnerable space of another.
“I remain uncertain of the source of this struggle that I and many other young men face, potentially from a turbulent upbringing or other encounters and experiences I have had along the way.
“The main message of this song surrounds toxic masculinity and the subject of bottling up emotions being a serious problem for lots of men that has been for centuries.
Kingsmaketa and the Sunset People took a meandering journey on the Freedom Boat for the latest film in the series of music videos
“This song to me is a rejection of the stereotype that men have to be strong protectors in all areas of life and at all times. I wanted to express that it’s okay and so helpful to talk about how you feel.
“I came over that hurdle through the way I use music to process, and slowly have become more comfortable to manage emotional turmoil with another’s help.
“However, I also wanted to explore the coping mechanisms that present from this. Masking feelings with drugs, alcohol and destructive behaviours are the reality for many young men that relate to this experience.
“I admit it’s hypocritical of me to say this as I am still a heavy smoker – but be patient with yourself. I’m saying you can change and be comfortable with yourself and saying what you want without feeling scared or embarrassed with how you feel.
“Scenes in the video reflect my life and there are some arty touches but the song is very straight forward: I don’t cut corners, I keep it straight to the point.
“I am beyond excited to share this with people and pray it resonates with those who it’s directed at.”
All photos: Phoebe Ashford
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