The Franco-Japanese singer, rapper, producer, and musician surprises us again with a stunning music video for one of the highlight tracks that appeared on her latest album, ‘Aïda’, released at the end of 2022.
‘ChinXoise’ is an ambitious short film, full of energy, humour, and her signature integral sincerity. Directed by two young French directors, Jeanne Sigwalt and Oscarito Castro, in this clip, Maia finds herself the main actress in a cliché Japanese film that is drenched in sushi and samurai stereotypes.
Dressed first as a samurai and then as a geisha, her anger gradually builds until it explodes! Showcasing noble acting skills, to add to her growing list of creative accomplishments, Maia’s wit, charm, sass and technique of the highest elements begin to really shine through.
The film studio aspect of this video also lays waste to the underbelly of modern societal environments, which can often lead to these kinds of clichés. Fiction or not, Maïa will take the upper hand and control of her film, she will not give in. The idea of the film set, and the technical team represents a small living society, with each one playing its own role. In her procession there are Chinese and Japanese fishmongers, the same guys becoming samurai, a Mongolian, a Cambodian and Japanese artist, ladies dancing in geisha costume and full make up, with Maia all the while growing into a Franco-Japanese Marianne (the French symbol of justice and liberty), as she takes the lead of this motley crew who start rebelling with her.
This, like much of Maia’s brilliant work stands up against injustice and points wholeheartedly towards a brave march against international racism, which celebrates our differences and our multiple identities, it’s aim is to ignite thought, feeling and a direction towards change along with the joy of taking up the fight together!
Outside of music, Who is Maïa Barouh in five words?
A music lover
A dance lover
A mother of 2
An animal lover
Can you tell us the inspiration behind your latest album “‘Aïda”?
identities of being between 2 worlds and walking on the borders
Who would you say are the musical influences that you tap into when creating new music?
artists who mix modern sounds and tribal sounds like La Chica, Lara Renno, Juana Molina…
What does your creative process look like?
There are no rules but it could be first a groove or a phrase that pops in.
Tell us more about ‘ChinXoise’.
It’s an anti-Asian racism song that was born after talking with my Asian friends about it.
I figured out that my mom, me, and my kids- 3 generations have experienced the same thing and that it has to change! There are more than 30 countries in Asia, so stop putting us all in the same box.
I wanted to talk about it with humor and madness! The fight for me is by celebrating our diversity together!
What can your supporters expect from you next?
A more acoustic project with horn enssemble?
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
Super sexy!!
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