Pressure is constant for those striving to reach the top. But a new collaboration between musical phenom Focalistic and adidas flips that pressure into an anthemic celebration. "Pressure" is a unique fusion of amapiano rhythm, football culture, and a dynamic array of South African stars.
The music video is a kaleidoscope of athletic prowess and creative brilliance. On the sporting side, it features renowned figures like national football team captain Ronwen Williams, legend Lucas Radebe, two-time rugby World Cup winner Damian Willemse, and Olympic speedsters Akani Simbine and Boipelo Awuah. Representing the artistic vanguard are trailblazers like fashion icon Rich Mnisi, singer Shekhinah, and many more.
For Focalistic, "Pressure" has deep personal roots. "Growing up in Garankuwa, I lived and breathed soccer," he shares. "I was the neighbourhood Messi, fearless on the dusty pitches." While his dreams shifted from athlete to musician, that tenacious spirit remained. "The discipline from soccer scored me hit records and my label 18 Area. My musical success now lets me blend my two worlds with adidas."
The brand has long championed the intersection of sports and culture. This collaborative anthem highlights their localised approach. Classics like Samba have been adopted by communities as cultural symbols, and by elevating voices from those spaces, adidas nurtures that symbiotic relationship between athletics and expression.
Behind the camera choreographing this cinematic masterpiece was director Monde Gumede. The accidental filmmaker's path was an unconventional one—growing up split between Maryland and South Africa, he was initially set on corporate law before storytelling took hold. "Pressure" paves part of his path in working obsessively to build a place where cool, kind & talented kids can come together to define their own Hollywood.
At its core, "Pressure" is about pursuing joy and transcending limitations. "I want listeners to feel that hunger for greatness," says Focalistic. "But also the freedom to just vibe out, because the real pressure comes from stifling your essence." With a wink to the stadium, he adds, "Though a couple hits never hurts either."
BEHIND THE SCENES
CREW
Creative Director – Ashley Benn
Senior Strategist – Eden Toohey-Ogle
Concept Lead – Dune Tilley
Director – Monde Gumede
Producer – Chris Coetsee
Production Assistant – Lesiba Maleta
1st Assistant Director – De Villiers Fourie
DOP – Fabian Vettiger
Art Director – Sandile Mhlongo
Props Master – Papi Konopi
Props Assistant – Sizwe Mhlongo
Wardrobe Stylist – Amy Zama
Stylist Assistant – Nadia Omar
Stylist Assistant – Lesedi Mpotsang
Make-Up – Lungile Ngema
Make-Up Assistant – Nthabi Tshabalala
Hair Stylist – Mimi Duma