Tkay Maidza – ‘Shook’

Tkay Maidza grew up surrounded by music, so it was only natural she should choose to follow it as a career. The niece of Zimbabwean singer and advocate, Andy Brown, Tkay recorded her first single just for fun, in a communal studio after school, but decided to focus on music once the track was picked up by a dance producer.

Tkay Maidza has seen her career skyrocket, performing sets at prestigious gigs such as the Reading and Leeds Festivals, and the Governor’s Ball. She’s toured with big names the likes of Mark Ronson, and Charli XCX, among many others. She’s collaborated with top shelf brands such as Nike, and Tommy Hilfiger, and walked away with more awards than she has shelf space for. Now, she’s taking it to a more personal level, with her RnB/hip hop album, ‘Last Year Was Weird’, and her self-launched fashion label. Maizda is both assertive and showcasing her creative autonomy, while at the same time maintaining those sharp grooves she’s been known for in her previous releases.

‘Shook’ is the lead single from ‘Last Year Was Weird’, and the video which accompanies it was directed by Jenna Marsh, known for her work with Beyoncé, and Nicki Minaj. We see Tkay waking up in a car in the middle of a junkyard, unsure of her surroundings. She’s surrounded by people and we wonder what will happen next, but somehow, she not only fits into their scene, but becomes their leader. The high octane dancing keeps pace with Tkay’s flow, while angels and devils represent courage and doubts she’s faced during her life. ‘Shook’ is upbeat and undeniably catchy with its beat which will appeal to fans of Missy Elliot.

The clip turns full circle when a man, who we see at the start looking out of his trailer – presumably he’s the caretaker of the junkyard – enters the same car that Tkay woke up in at the start. He seemingly doesn’t see the angel that’s sitting on the car’s bonnet, leaving us to wonder what happens next.

Watch the video for ‘Shook’ below, and let us know what you think. You can find Tkay Maidza online on her official website.

Tkay Maidza - Shook (Official Video)

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com