Next up on Quick Fire 15, we chat to Somesuch director, Femi Ladi.

Femi is a British Nigerian director. A go-to director in the UK Grime scene, he lives and works in London, exploring the fabric of the city and the unexamined experiences of working class communities.

He broke out with 'Blue: Winter’s Only Winner', an episodic docudrama for South London rapper A2, as well as his work on ‘Aphorisms’, a short about British Youth which has since become a cult favourite.

In 2021, Femi directed the music video for ‘My Family’ by Pa Salieu & Backroad G, as well as an immersive live performance for the Rated Awards. He also shot videos for ‘Very Original’ by Guvna G and ‘No Mercy’ by Ghetts & Backroad G.

His commercial work includes ‘Backroad G: The Agenda’ for Apple, ‘Elite Book’ for HP and ‘Team Spectral’ for Adidas. He has also directed spots for Heathrow, Operation Black Vote and The London Screen Academy. 

Femi recently won Best Grime/Rap video for 'My Family' at the 2021 UKMVAs where he was also nominated for Best New Director.

Femi spills all on his first record purchase, his film director idol, and favourite music of the moment.

1. What bands or artists are you listening to most right now?

In no particular order, Wiz Kid, Dominique Saint, Tobe Nwigwe, Mustafa, Yussef Dayes, Duval Timothy, Snoh Aalegra, Kano, Ghetts and Soulection radio. 

2. What was the first record you bought?

My dad had a pretty good collection of music, it took me a while to buy something with my own pocket money. It was Craig David's Born To Do It. 

3. Favourite podcast?

I'm not a big podcast listener but George the Poet's "Have You Heard George’s Podcast" blew me away. 

4. What was the last gig you saw?

When Steam Down had their weekly gig in Deptford I specifically remember it was my first time hearing Nubya Garcia and Kamasi Washington popping in and they all jammed together. It was crazy. 

5. Favourite album cover?

Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly.

6. What's your go-to karaoke song?

Mario - You Should Let Me Love You.

7. Favourite music video?

Woah this is a hard one. it's between Roman Gavras' Stress for Justice and Daniel Wolfe's Iron Sky for Paolo Nutini.

8. What song gets you dancing in your living room?

Fela Kuti - Water No Get Enemy and Muzzy D Pilot - Shay'mpempa Amapiano Mix (my son loves this song right now and we all dance to it together).

9. Favourite movie and soundtrack?

As a combination, Sister Act 2, the soundtrack is wicked lol.

10.If you could direct a music video for any artist/band, who would it be?

Jay Z.

11. Film director idol?

Khalil Joseph.

12. What are you reading at the moment?

The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts by Louis de Bernières.

13. Best use of music in a commercial?

Has to be Phil Collins Cadburys Gorilla ad, but special mention to D Double for the Ikea spot that was great. 

14. What band / artist is your guilty pleasure?

Haha Justin Bieber when he does proper RnB, that 'Journals' project was too smooth. 

15. Anything you want to tell us about?

I'm producing a very special Rum with my friends, it tastes amazing so look out for that. Other than that I'm just excited to do more projects and get some more work under my belt. Thanks a lot for having me. 

Thanks Femi!