KEiiNO monument music video

Only two weeks after releasing their song for this year’s Melodi Grand Prix 2021, KEiiNO have watched “Monument” reach more than 1,000,000 streams on Spotify and almost 800,000 views on YouTube. And now the trio have premiered their very scenic music video — their most spectacular to date.

During a span of three weeks last fall, KEiiNO travelled from the South of Norway all the way up North to film. The majestic Norwegian landscape get a starring role, while hundreds of reindeer provide a memorable supporting act.


KEiiNO discuss their official music video for “Monument”


Alexandra Rotan, Tom Hugo and Fred Buljo have a lot to say about the video, which captures the uplifting nature of their song.

“The music video for whomever gets the chance to represent Norway in Eurovision will be viewed by millions,” Tom Hugo. “Just look at our song ‘Spirit in the Sky’ from 2019. The music video has already been viewed 8.5 million times.”

“We take the role of ambassadors for Norway very seriously, and we hope the video for ‘Monument’ will inspire people to come and visit our fantastic country when the pandemic ends.”

“‘Monument’ is about the legacy we leave behind, and about the people who have played a big part in our lives. In the Sámi part of the lyrics, Fred Buljo honours his great grandfather. The talking part can be translated to: Everything you see is created by the past. Everything you hear is the echo of yesterday“.


Fred says that music is part of the legacy his culture shares with the world.

“Preserving the Sámi culture and Joik has been the core of KEiiNO since the beginning. And being able to introduce Joik to the world through ‘Spirit in the Sky’ in 2019 was extremely touching. I also have to say that joiking together with 30,000 people at Madrid Pride is a moment I will never forget – They are my monument.”


Alexandra’s high note has turned a lot of headss. But she herself is looking to nature.

“Through the music video we pay tribute to the amazing Norwegian nature, and our own monumental experiences in life and every-day-heroes. You can see me pick up a picture of us from Eurovision in 2019. When I joined KEiiNO I instantly got two new friends for life. The boys have really been part of realizing my biggest dream, and have become a huge part of my life. They have become the monuments in my life.”


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by 𝗞𝗘𝗶𝗶𝗡𝗢 (@keiinomusic)

“MONUMENT” Music Video

The music video is directed and filmed by Tobias Aasgaarden and produced by the group’s very own Tom Hugo himself.

The breath-taking views could confuse people into thinking that this could be a commercial from the Norwegian Tourism board. Aside from the unmatched scenery, the video also honours a monumental moment in each of the three members lives. Each picking up a photo of their own personal hero. 

The video opens with an astonishing backdrop of the snow-kissed Norwegian mountains. We find Fred standing in an endless snowy desert, joiking and donning his traditional Sami clothing. The verse comes in and Alexandra’s warm vocal cuts through the ice alongside another sublime back-drop — this time of the Norwegian coast. Mysteriously dressed in a cape, Alexandra picks up a picture of KEiiNO’s performance in Eurovision 2019.

Tom joins in the chorus wearing a dashing leather jacket standing next to a lighthouse. He then picks up a photo of him and his husband Alex at Glastonbury festival.

“Standing with the person who enriches my life and being part of a great community that shares the joy in music, it’s a real ‘Gloria Moment'”. 

A truly jaw-dropping moment happens when Fred raps whilst surrounded by hundreds of antelope swirling around him. Fred then picks up a black and white picture of his great grandfather, honouring his Sami culture.

“He is my great everyday hero. His struggle, and his stand-on-will is one of the reasons why I get the opportunity to live out my dream to this day.”

Alexandra and Tom meet on a frighteningly high bridge that is held by two huge mountains. They then join Fred across the infinite snowy land to his Lavvu — a typical temporary dwelling used by the Sami people. The three fittingly sing the final chorus on top of a mountain — a perfect reflection of how they must have felt after winning the public vote in 2019.

What do you think of KEiiNO’s new music video? Do you want them to win Melodi Grand Prix again and represent Norway for the second time? Let us know in the comments.

23 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
raylee
raylee
3 years ago

This song has winner potantial , even more than Spirit in The Sky.. Song , music video , everything gives that winner vibe… All they need is just an amazing stage show in Rotterdam ( probably they’ll win MGP21 u guess… )

Anita
Anita
3 years ago

WOW – this is so beautiful. And I am still very much into this song since they performed it live. Only Rein Alexander and Morland might have a chance to compete with it in my book.

Last edited 3 years ago by Anita
Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
3 years ago

The video is amazing !! They show us how beautiful Norway is. I was there a several times and I love that beautiful country. I like KEiiNO ‘s song too.

Willem
Willem
3 years ago

The video is as stunning as Norway itself. The song… well. If you love Spirit in the Sky then you’ll love this. It’s basically a remake. But hey originality can be so overrated.

Vasco
Vasco
3 years ago

Love them, love the music, love the video!…. but….isn’t this a rip off of “Volcano Man” form “Fire Saga”?!? 😀 😀 😀

Vasco
Vasco
3 years ago
Reply to  Vasco

“from”

Kalla
Kalla
3 years ago

Well I have wanted to visit Norway for a very long time and this has definitely reaffirmed that. I’m a brit, and have to say the rustic Norwegian landscape really gives my Scottish vibes.

Apart from the beautiful landscape. Loveeeeeeee keiino, Ive got everything possible crossed that you will be on the eurovision stage again.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
3 years ago

I wasn’t expected to be moved by this video. I was wrong. Lockdown and misery gives way to the beauty of the world. A monument indeed, for all of us. Impressive. MGP is very competitive this year though; they will still need support to win it. Best of luck to them.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

100% agree 🙂

I would certainly like a behind the scenes video for that shot with Fred and the reindeer!

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

Wonderful! Great vision and direction, beautiful drone photography work, and a nice story for the theme of the song. What a great team KEiiNO has behind them. Happy for Alexandra, Fred, and Tom, they’re so sweet together and I’m stunned by how similar this recording sounds to their live performance. Epic and authentic, they are the standout winners of MGP 2021.

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
3 years ago

This music video is gorgeous. It was actually closer to what I thought the Spirit in the Sky music video should have been–Keiino dressed in old time/traditional clothes and nature shots.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Badwoolfgirl

Yeah, I can definitely see that! This video probably took quite a lot of work and a fair bit of expensive tech and logistics, which they may not have had behind them when they made the video for Spirit in the Sky. Delighted it’s coming together for them here, so magically, in Monument.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jimmy Smit
Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
3 years ago

I’m still hankering for a country’s first time win but I wouldn’t mind this winning. Keiino got screwed over last time so this is their revenge.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

No video could do wrong with these 3 lovely people and these wonderful sceneries behind them!

Jenny
Jenny
3 years ago

The song is yet another pop as many of them i heard in the past-nothing special. But the countryside is exceptionally fantastic.

BeepBoop
BeepBoop
3 years ago

Gorgeous video for a gorgeous song!

Nate
Nate
3 years ago

I’m going to be VERY disappointed if they don’t end up at Eurovision again…

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
3 years ago
Reply to  Nate

That would be very sad.

Kung Frederik 90
Kung Frederik 90
3 years ago

I hope to see KEiiNO again on the stage of Eurovision. They’re amazing.

Oy oy
Oy oy
3 years ago

Wow!!! Alexandras part is from Stadtlandet, just a few kilometres from where I live!

The Viking
The Viking
3 years ago

It does the song justice, love it! 😀 Go Keiino, you can win this <3

Lebanese esc fan
Lebanese esc fan
3 years ago

Wow Norway is stunning!!!

Kosey
Kosey
3 years ago

KeiiNO doing their bit for the Norwegian tourist board – love it!