I’ve always wondered if Ciara is actually human, and after seeing her music video for “Rooted,” I’m convinced that she’s not. She’s a goddess among mortals. If you’ve seen the four-minute musical clip, which includes vocals from songwriter Ester Dean, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. The sequence shows Ciara basking in her Afrocentric glow while singing about Black excellence and the beauty of melanin. The video — which was filmed shortly before Ciara and her husband, Russell Wilson, welcomed their son, Win — spotlights her baby belly as she dances better than I, someone who is not pregnant, could ever dream. It also features an adorable appearance by the couple’s 3-year-old daughter, Sienna, as well as Ciara’s 6-year-old son, Future Zahir Wilburn, whom she shares with her ex, Future. “Shot this video 2 days before delivery, Covid style!” Ciara shared on Instagram.
The video also highlights Black families, protestors, and activists who are fighting for social justice following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Proceeds from the track will help fund Grantmakers For Girls of Color, an organization dedicated to investing in the future of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific American youth. The clip ends on a message that reads: “To all my young Rosa’s and Young Luther’s keep marching. Don’t stop fighting for what you believe in. To all my Black queens and kings, continue to plant and spread seeds of love, hope and pride in your tribe. Everything you need to survive and thrive is rooted in you. Stay rooted.” Watch the stunning visuals above, then check out behind-the-scenes footage of the song’s making ahead!