Memphis Majic

Memphis Majic, released in 2019, is an energetic, music-enthused documentary which provides an appreciative spotlight on the city of Memphis, TN. The movie is a vibrant homage to the city's unique cultural essence and a vibrant journey into a dance style known as Jookin'. Directed by Eddie Bailey, the film brings together a rich tapestry of insightful interviews, historical research, and gripping street dance scenes to give viewers a deep-dive into Memphis's unique urban culture, its rhythm, and its flow.

Emerging as the central figure in the film is Charles "Lil Buck" Riley, a local-born artist who has managed to elevate Jookin' into international renown. Lil Buck, through his creativity and talent, has performed with popular music artists such as Madonna, and even captured the attention of esteemed cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

In Memphis Majic, we get to see Lil Buck's evolution, but beyond his individual story, the focus diverts to the wider cultural narrative, placing Jookin' squarely within Memphis' rich heritage. Jookin', described as a contemporary descendant of Jazz, Blues, and earlier African-inspired dance forms, comes to life on the screen, as we see members of the community from all ages and walks of life engage in it.

The film brings attention to other significant artists within the Jookin' community, such as Ladia Yates and Daniel Price. Their insightful interviews aid in the movie's mission to expound on Jookin's history, its distinctive style, and its cultural importance. These incredible artists bring additional authenticity to the narrative, each offering unique pearls of expertise, emotion, and personal connection to the dance style.

Justin Merrick's contributions to Memphis Majic cannot be understated; he serves as the city's resident music historian. It's through his perspective that we explore Memphis' vibrant musical legacy and its impact on the culture that gave birth to Jookin'. He lends a compelling narrative about African culture's influence on the music and dance of Memphis. His interviews provide a scholarly backbone to the film, tracing the connections between past and present, between cultural history and contemporary practice.

Director Eddie Bailey cleverly weaves the history of Memphis, from the tumultuous years of segregation and civil upheavals, to the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike that culminated in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination in Memphis. The film explores how the city's violent past and its subsequent struggle to redefine and heal itself gave birth to a new generation of artists and musical genres, including the remarkable dance style known as Jookin'.

The cinematography in Memphis Majic adds another layer of richness, recreating Memphis's atmosphere in a visually pleasing manner. The city's lively streets, dance clubs, and landmarks make continuous appearances throughout the film, underscoring the story's sense of place and community. It does an excellent job of capturing the city’s pulse, beating in rhythm with the contemporary urban experience.

At its core, Memphis Majic is more than just a film about a dance form; it's a film about people, a city, and the resilient culture that binds them. Whether it's through the passionate beat of its music, the emotional intensity of its dances, or the moving accounts of its artists, Memphis Majic delights, informs, and captivates its audience from beginning to finish.

Jookin', its dancers, and the city of Memphis share the spotlight in this enthralling documentary, and it becomes evident that one cannot exist without the other. The devotion to maintain the spirit of their cultural heritage, the determination to open platforms where it can grow, and the ambition to share it with the world is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Memphis community.

Memphis Majic masterfully dances between different narratives, interviews, and historical moments creating a rich tapestry that unveils the vitality, creativity, and resilience of Memphis. Filled with memorable moments of dance and music, and strong narratives of cultural preservation, it's an unforgettable exploration of the powerful majic that pulses from the heart of Memphis.