Poetry Lyric Video w/ Motion Design
Until The Lion Learns to Speak
I created a motion-graphic lyric video for K’naan’s poem Until the Lion Learns to Speak, using dynamic vector visuals and kinetic typography. Built in Premiere Pro and After Effects, the piece goes beyond displaying lyrics—each word is animated to reflect its meaning, bringing the poem’s story and rhythm to life.
Client
K'naan
Industry
Music
Scope of work
Motion Design
Kinetic Typography
After Effects
Premier Pro
Problem
As a Somali Canadian, K’naan’s poetry has always felt close to home. Until the Lion Learns to Speak carries a truth I grew up hearing — a reminder of how history often glorifies the “hunters” while silencing the ones who lived it. That message, and the pride he brings to our culture, inspired me deeply. I wanted to take his words and turn them into something visually meaningful, something that honours him, honours where we come from, and celebrates the power behind a story finally told in its own voice.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
Solution
I brought the poem to life through a motion-graphic lyric video that turns K’naan’s words into a visual narrative. Each line is illustrated and animated to mirror its meaning, creating a flowing story that matches the rhythm and heart of the poem. The goal was to let the visuals carry the same weight as the poetry itself — honouring the message, celebrating the culture behind it, and giving viewers a new way to feel the power of the words.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
Process & Develeopment
Moodboard
Sketches
Animatic
Credits
Music - K'naan
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
Vector Graphics - Vecteezy
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.
BizzBuzz is a travel startup born by the collaboration of professionals from tech and banking industries. The company has a strong dev department but the design language was weak and kit-made so that they had a risk of getting lost in the pool of competitors.