06/02/2018 – Kendrick Lamar releases the video to his latest single “All the stars” and it’s riddled with Igbo symbols.
Most Igbo people will instantly be able to recognise the very familiar Igbo red cap (fez). The “red cap” in Igboland is currently a symbol of authority, culture and tradition.
The golden graphical symbols displayed in the background as Kendrick walks through the room are heavily reminiscent of the Igbo/Ekpe Ukara cloth.
The Ekpe (leopard) society was a secret society present in southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon among the Ejagham, Efik-Ibibio and Igbo ethnic groups. The group also wrote using a pictographic writing script called the Nsibidi. This is often featured on many Ukara cloth patterns.
The Ekpe society would use ritual propitiation of forest spirits to ensure the well-being of the community and enforce laws.
Other than Igbo symbols, the video also features several African influences, a favourite is what looks like Ghanaian Kente cloth style cut outs on the floor which SZA is lying.
SZA (left) Typical Ghanaian Kente Cloth (right).