Mark JD Smyth's 'Praying on a Gamble' visuals shortlisted for Kinsale Shark Music Video Awards

Director Mark JD Smyth’s music video for ‘Praying on a Gamble’ by electronic producer Art of Algebra featuring hip-hop artist Breezy iDeyGoke has been nominated for a Kinsale Shark Award.

Featured in the category of Best Direction of a Music Video, the video brings the viewer on a journey through Breezy’s childhood to adolescent experience - recreating '90s Catholic Ireland through the lens of a curious young Muslim boy.

Other music videos nominated in the same category include Dua Lipa’s 'Physical', FKA Twigs’ 'Sad Day', as well as David Keenan’s ‘The Healing’.

“I’m over the moon to get this nomination," Director Mark JD Smyth says.

"'Praying on a Gamble' was a very important and fulfilling project for me in 2020. The Shark Awards set the benchmark with a high calibre of talent and creativity so it’s a real honour to be shortlisted this year.”

David Hallinan, AKA Art of Algebra, expressed his own delight at the shortlist news.

"Mark and the whole production team put a lot of work into the 'Praying on a Gamble' video and it's wonderful to see that being recognised."

Breezy iDeyGoke has cultivated a unique brand for colourful, bold, rhythmic sounds with previous singles 'Show Colour', 'Black Dubh' and 'Bag a Man'. His latest tracks fuse the musical influences of rap, R&B and afrobeat while presenting his message with cool-headed lyricism.

"I was really happy with the direction Mark took with the video," Breezy iDeyGoke says.

"As an artist, it's great to have someone come and direct the vision of the story that was being told in such a clear way and for it to resonate with people visually. It's really inspiring to see our video nominated alongside so many great Irish and international artists."

Art of Algebra is scheduled to play the socially-distanced festival SoFFT Nights in Dunderry Park near Navan along with Pillow Queens and ROE on the weekend of May 21-22.

Check out the video for 'Praying on a Gamble' below: