Unpacking DJ Cleo's Timeless BMW 8 Series E31 in AKA's "Jealousy" Video 🚗
DJ Cleo's BMW 8 Series E31 Steals the Scene in AKA's "Jealousy" Video: A Deep Dive into Automotive and Hip-Hop Culture
🧐 The Car That Launched a Thousand Questions: DJ Cleo’s Classic BMW Coupé
The 2013 release of AKA's smash hit, "Jealousy," was a pivotal moment in South African hip-hop. The track, with its infectious beat and relatable theme, quickly became an anthem. Yet, beyond the lyrics and the Supermega's charisma, a silent star in the music video captivated automotive enthusiasts and casual viewers alike: the sleek, low-slung coupé driven by legendary DJ and producer, DJ Cleo.
This wasn't just any car; it was the iconic first-generation BMW 8 Series, model code E31. Its presence in the video served as more than just a prop; it was a potent symbol of success, aspiration, and the sophisticated tastes that AKA's lyrics about envy were set against. The visual contrast between the song's title and the car's undeniable prestige provided a powerful context for the video's message.
“I wrote Jealousy three years ago, but didn’t really know what to do with it.
“Now that I have won awards, including the MTN Sama for Best Rap and Best Male, I knew what to do with it. I am very celebrated.” _AKA
🇩🇪 The Grand Tourer Masterpiece: Decoding the BMW 8 Series E31
The BMW 8 Series E31 is a machine steeped in history and engineering excellence. Produced between 1990 and 1999, the E31 was not merely a successor to the E24 6 Series; it was BMW's ambitious leap into the luxury grand tourer segment, designed to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin.
Long Tail Keyword Focus: BMW E31 V12 engine, classic BMW 8 Series design, pop-up headlights BMW.
* Design & Aerodynamics: The E31's silhouette is instantly recognizable. It was one of the first cars designed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and wind tunnel testing, resulting in a low drag coefficient of C_d = 0.29. Its defining features include the striking pillarless side windows and, most famously, the pop-up headlights—a design element rarely seen on a BMW.
* Engineering Prowess: The E31 was a technological marvel for its time. It was the first road car to offer a V12 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Engine options included a range of powerful V8s (like the 840Ci) and the magnificent V12s (like the 850i/Ci and the high-performance 850CSi), offering a blend of speed and luxury suited for long-distance cruising, the very definition of a grand tourer.
* The V12 Legend: The top-tier models housed the impressive 5.0-litre M70 V12 or the later, more powerful V12 variants. This powerhouse under the bonnet solidified the E31's status as a high-performance luxury coupé and an exclusive classic collector's item today—a fitting choice to be associated with a figure like DJ Cleo.
🇿🇦 AKA & DJ Cleo: The Convergence of Hip-Hop and High-End Luxury
The appearance of DJ Cleo and his striking BMW 8 Series E31 in the AKA "Jealousy" video perfectly illustrates a fascinating intersection of local celebrity, aspirational luxury, and the culture of classic cars.
Long Tail Keyword Focus: DJ Cleo's car in "Jealousy" video, AKA music video cars, South African celebrity cars.
* A Symbol of Success: DJ Cleo is a veteran of the South African music scene, an icon whose longevity and business acumen are well-documented. His choice of a classic, highly exclusive vehicle like the E31 speaks to a discerning taste that values timeless quality over transient trends. It’s a statement of established wealth and success.
* Context for "Jealousy": The lyrics of AKA's "Jealousy" explore the theme of envy directed at success. When DJ Cleo glides into the frame in his magnificent BMW 8 Series, the visual immediately grounds the song's theme in a tangible, high-stakes reality. The car becomes an object of admiration and, perhaps, the very source of the envy AKA is singing about. This strategic product placement (or, rather, a subtle cameo) by DJ Cleo enhanced the narrative depth of the music video, making the entire production more memorable and visually impactful.
The music video features South African socialite and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba as well as the Football legend Benni McCarthy.
“I also feature my close friend Khuli Chana as well as Da Les. Da Les and I became friends when were in Jamaica together for the Tropika Island of Treasure 5.” _AKA
DJ Cleo is also in the video and it is his BMW 8 Series from which AKA is seen rapping and dancing through the sun roof
The enduring popularity of this single moment highlights the power of combining musical genius with iconic visual elements. Years after its release, fans continue to search for details about the car, solidifying the BMW 8 Series E31 as an integral part of South African music video history, forever linked to the legacies of both AKA and DJ Cleo.
Jealousy has reached No 1 on Trace, 5FM, MTV Base and at some point it was the most played local song on South African (SABC) radio stations.
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