Video editor, screenwriter, and director Sakhe Jele’s latest project is taking a new direction due to the wildfires that occurred in California. The music video for Trees, a song by rapper and musician Miles, was filmed around Pacific Palisades on the Pacific Coast Highway just before fires swept through the area. Originally, there were plans to return and film more scenes, but the damage left by the fires made that impossible. Now, they will likely have to find a different location to complete the project. Jele is bringing the artist’s vision to life through his editing. He explains that the song has a laid-back feel, and the visuals need to match that energy.
“It’s important that my editing style for a laid-back song like Trees accentuates the song’s message with smooth, seemingly dragging but soothing shots to match the song’s chilled vibe,” he says.
The song itself is about a toxic relationship, which is reflected in the way the video transitions between calm ocean shots and crashing waves. Jele wanted to show the emotional ups and downs in a way that feels natural and flows well.
“The end is about acceptance and walking away, which we smoothly transition to using a calm ocean,” he adds.
Sakhe Jele enjoys working on projects like this because they push him creatively and allow him to tell stories through visuals rather than just words.
Jele’s experience in the industry goes far beyond music videos. Originally from South Africa, now working in Hollywood, he started out as a sound engineer before moving into video editing. Over the years, he has worked on a variety of commercials, documentaries, and television shows, including Mzansi Insider, where he also had the opportunity to direct, or the daily legal show Rights & Recourse for SABC 3. His body of work is versatile, ranging from children’s programs to documentaries and game shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, as well as post-production work on BudHouse, a Ridley Scott show centered around the soccer fan’s experience during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
His résumé includes editing work for major networks like Netflix, TLC, The History Channel, BET, and VH1. He has also collaborated with Grammy-winning director Alan Ferguson on projects such as a Kate Spade commercial and a Janelle Monáe music video.
Despite his success, Jele is passionate about helping young filmmakers, especially those from underrepresented communities. He has served as a judge at the Eastern Cape Film Festival and has dedicated time to teaching kids about filmmaking, even if they don’t have access to high-end equipment. He strongly believes that having the skills to tell a story is more important than having the best tools. Through his King Zukha initiative, he has helped young filmmakers in rural South Africa create their own short films, giving them the opportunity to bring their creative ideas to life.
Jele’s career has taken him from a small town in South Africa to working on major projects in Hollywood. No matter what he’s working on—whether it’s a music video, a documentary, or a film—his goal is always to create something meaningful and visually engaging.
