DJ Snake has unveiled his most personal work to date—a music video for “Patience,” a tribute to migration, legacy, and cultural memory. Reimagining Amadou & Mariam’s 2008 classic “Sabali,” the video is a cinematic exploration of displacement and perseverance, brought to life with help from actor Omar Sy and the original Malian duo themselves.
Released June 5, 2025, “Patience” is more than a remix—it’s a cultural homage and emotional portrait grounded in West African storytelling and rooted in DJ Snake’s own Algerian-French identity.
Sabali, Patience, and the Power of Storytelling
Filmed in Dakar, Senegal, the video delivers more than just compelling visuals. Directed by Valentin Guiod, it follows the inner and outer journey of a young migrant, revealing the deeply human side of departure and displacement. DJ Snake says the project took over a year to realize, noting: “It took us almost a year and a half to get here today, in the suburbs of Dakar. What’s funny is that ‘Sabali’ means patience.”
The word “Sabali” in Bambara (a language spoken in Mali) translates not only to “patience” but also “immortality”—an echo that now resonates louder following the recent passing of Amadou. Their involvement in the project feels like a final gift, as both Amadou and Mariam appear onscreen in a moment that bridges generations and continents.
Omar Sy, Tirailleurs, and the West African Thread
When DJ Snake approached Omar Sy, known for his roles in Lupin and The Intouchables, the connection was immediate. “He told me about the theme… and that he wanted to do it in Africa, in Senegal. Obviously, that resonated with me,” Sy said.
The actor, whose own parents are of West African descent, not only joined the project but also helped shape its creative direction. His cameo was inspired by his performance in Tirailleurs, a historical film about Senegalese soldiers. The visual narrative of “Patience” nods to that same history—bringing cinematic weight to contemporary issues of migration.
The cast includes standout performances by Massane Diong, Anna Thiandaoum, Amadou Mbow, and Ibrahima Mbaye, adding depth and authenticity to the story. Their portrayals are as raw as they are restrained—matching the melancholic but hopeful tone of DJ Snake’s production.
A Global Triumph on the Film Festival Circuit
The “Patience” music video has already earned critical acclaim across major international festivals. It was awarded Best Music Video and Best Cinematography at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival, qualified for BAFTA consideration, and was officially selected at the Bogoshorts, Indy Shorts, and Festival Côté Court—making it a contender for Oscars, Césars, and Goya awards.
It also swept the Berlin Music Video Awards, the 1.4 One Point Four Awards, and the Kinsale Shark Awards, taking home multiple Grand Prix titles for direction, cinematography, and best electronic music video. These accolades signal that “Patience” isn’t just artistically rich—it’s historically important in the current era of cross-genre, cross-border creativity.
From Sound to Solidarity: The Partnership with SOS MEDITERRANEE
What makes “Patience” even more profound is its partnership with SOS MEDITERRANEE, an NGO dedicated to saving lives in the Central Mediterranean. Founded in 2015, the organization responds to the humanitarian crisis facing migrants and refugees making perilous sea journeys in search of safety.
This alignment underscores DJ Snake’s intent to turn art into advocacy. By pairing the release with real-world action, “Patience” becomes more than an audiovisual experience—it’s a call for empathy and awareness.
As DJ Snake steps into this next phase of his artistry, “Patience” offers a glimpse of a more introspective, globally conscious path forward. It’s a reminder that even in an industry obsessed with tempo, rhythm, and virality, some of the loudest messages come from moments of stillness. Stream it here.
