Empty Grave
Man invites his family and friends to celebrate at his home. Unknown to him, a person he considers family is scheming to murder him at this celebration and take over everything that is his. While everything initially seems to go according to this evil plan, we soon discover that not everything is as it seems.
Shot at the iconic Red Clay Studio in Tamale, Ghana, the visuals perfectly complement the song - a heartfelt contemporary ballad about faith, perseverance and resilience in the face of unspeakable odds. The video strongly resonated with Ghanaian audiences, featuring on the Official Top 10 Ghana YouTube Charts for several weeks after its release.
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Timtooni YakubuDirector
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Timtooni YakubuWriter
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Paul AzunreProducer
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Paul AzunreKey Cast"Man"
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Bismark SombillaKey Cast"Guardian Angel"
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Timtooni YakubuKey Cast"Brother"
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Kathryn AgbangoKey Cast"Wife"
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Mohammed Sherif AchinaKey Cast"Lawyer"
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Suleimana NimbangCrew
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Abdul Fatawu TripleCrew
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Big NabsCrew
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Rabiatu Abdul AzizCrew
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Kuti Dazzles BeautyCrew
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Salim MarlianCrew
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Wun YikoCrew
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Jarvis CormierCrew
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Rabiatu Abdul AzizExtras at the House Gathering and Funeral
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Richard AzunreExtras at the House Gathering and Funeral
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Suad Wunnam YakubuExtras at the House Gathering and Funeral
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Gifty AgongoExtras at the House Gathering and Funeral
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Yussif DambaExtras at the House Gathering and Funeral
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Fredo TalkerExtras at the House Gathering and Funeral
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Abdul Fatawu TripleExtras at the House Gathering and Funeral
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Mohammed YakubuExtras at the House Gathering and Funeral
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Mariyak StudiosProduction Company
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Isolirium EntertainmentExecutive Production Company
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Project Type:Music Video
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Genres:Afrobeats, Hip-hop, Afrorap, Afror&b
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Runtime:2 minutes 52 seconds
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Completion Date:December 26, 2024
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Production Budget:2,000 USD
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Country of Origin:Ghana
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Country of Filming:Ghana
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
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California Music Video & Film AwardsSan Francisco
United States
February 16, 2026
"Best of Middle East and Africa" Music Video -
California Music Video & Film AwardsSan Francisco
United States
February 16, 2026
"Breakout Storytellers" Winner -
Zepstone International Film & Music Festival 2025Salt Lake City
United States
September 10, 2025
"Best International Music Video" Winner -
Zepstone International Film & Music Festival 2025Salt Lake City
United States
September 10, 2025
"Best World Song" Winner -
Austin Spotlight Film Festival 2025Austin, Texas
United States
September 20, 2025
"Best Original Song" Winner -
Austin Short Film FestivalAustin, Texas
United States
October 25, 2025
"Best Music Video" Winner -
Europe Music Video AwardsKosice
Slovakia
April 16, 2025
Honorable Mention ("Best Music Video") -
Los Angeles Movie & Music Video Awards (LAMMVA) (April'25)Los Angeles, USA
United States
April 8, 2025
"Best African Music Video" Winner -
Texas Short Film FestivalAustin, Texas
United States
November 8, 2025
Official Selection (Nominee for "Best Music Video") -
Los Angeles International Music Video Festival (LAMV)Los Angeles
United States
May 15, 2025
Official Selection (Nominee for "Best Song")
Distribution Information
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Isolirium EntertainmentDistributorCountry: WorldwideRights: All Rights
Junaid Timtooni Yakubu is a film director based in Tamale, Ghana, with a growing body of work that showcases his passion and dedication to storytelling. He earned his degree in Film and Media Studies from Dartmouth College in the USA, where he honed his creative and technical skills. In 2019, Timtooni returned to Ghana to embark on his career as a filmmaker. With a deep commitment to telling stories rooted in Ghanaian culture and experiences, he is passionate about fostering a community of creatives and filmmakers in Ghana to tell impactful stories.
The music video for "Empty Grave" is a deeply symbolic exploration of betrayal, redemption, and the resilience of legacy. Through vivid storytelling, we journey alongside Paul, a man stripped of his dignity and legacy by those closest to him, yet who finds the strength to reclaim what is rightfully his. Set against the rich cultural backdrop of Northern Ghana, the video combines universal themes with authentic traditions, creating a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
The narrative draws inspiration from timeless archetypes and stories. Echoes of the betrayal of Judas at the Last Supper and the resurrection of Jesus weave through the story, as well as parallels to Odysseus’ journey to reclaim his home and legacy. These references inform the emotional weight of the story but remain subtle, inviting viewers to reflect on the human struggle for justice, redemption, and triumph over adversity.
At its core, the video also speaks to a powerful metaphor: the way detractors, naysayers, and the pressures of life often attempt to bury our dreams. When people seek to silence you or dim your shine, they are, in essence, trying to bury your potential, your vision, and your unique voice. The more we succumb to these influences, the more we risk creating a “Graveyard of Dreams.” But this video is also a testament to hope—the idea that no matter how deeply our dreams may seem buried, there is always potential for resurrection and redemption. It’s a call to resist the external pressures of the world and to reclaim the brilliance and purpose that lies within us.
As a director, my intention was to craft a work that transcends the boundaries of a traditional music video. This project is both a cinematic experience and a moral tale, designed to provoke thought and inspire action. Through its rich visuals, rooted in Ghanaian culture, "Empty Grave" celebrates the human spirit’s ability to rise from the depths of despair, reclaim its power, and shine brightly once again. It’s a story of overcoming betrayal, not just from others but also from the self-doubt and fear that can bury what we’re meant to express.
This is a story for anyone who has ever fought to protect their dreams, to rise above their circumstances, and to reclaim their voice in a world that often seeks to silence it. It’s a visual and emotional journey about the triumph of the human spirit.
