VIDEO RELEASE REVIEW: NYALLAH - GROWING PAINS

The uncomfortable truth is that growth feels uncomfortable.

This is the truth that LAX-to-JFK producer, singer, and musician Nyallah (they/she) gave me when I spoke to them last week, ahead of their video debut for "Growing Pains."

Nyallah, whose friends call her Ny, released the "Growing Pains" single in November of 2018, ahead of their Reflections EP. Almost a year to the date, the visuals for "Growing Pains" have arrived.

The cyclical nature of the project is not lost on Nyallah. The artist tells me that they wrote "Growing Pains" at a moment where they were unsure of their worth.

"The chapter was over but I was still not open to change. I was having a moment of not wanting to make mistakes," she explains.

If only we could be so flawless. Nyallah tells me they came to a realization: "The pain that you feel isn't bad - it doesn't feel good - but you have to be uncomfortable and trust that you got you."

While the songwriter didn't compose the song with a romantic relationship in mind, the video centers on Nyallah getting ready for the evening, with twinges and memories of the past popping up along the way. Photographs, jewelry, old clothes - anyone who has been a part of a relationship (romantic or otherwise) that has come to an end can relate to the way the smallest objects can bring up such bittersweet moments.

Ultimately, it is the embrace of friendship, and not the arms of a new lover, that reminds us why we gotta keep it moving.

"It definitely touches on themes of relationships with friends and Black womanhood. I wanted to represent the duality of not feeling good and still pushing through.

And push we shall. Watch the video for "Growing Pains" below, which premiered on Teen Vogue.

Cast
Artist - Nyallah
Dancer - Amaria Stern
Dancer - Rachel Harris
Dancer - Jordan Powell
Dancer - Ciara Billups

Crew
Director/Producer - Modupe Thompson
1st Assistant Director - Gillian Annis
Director of Photography - Paul Phou
1st Assistant Camera - Alex Ionaviciu
Gaffer - Zack Hosseini
On Set Producer - Emily Olmos
Production Designer - Demi De Cesare
Editor - Kay Vermeil
Choreographer - Nina Gumbs
Hair/makeup - Avery Davis
Behind the Scenes Video - Jocelyn Woods
Behind the Scenes Photography - Alf Bordallo

- Aida Rogers, Staff