Nora Fatehi, a versatile performer, has teamed up with global hitmaker Jason Derulo for their track “Snake,” a dance anthem that merges Eastern and Western influences.
The song, which originated from Fatehi’s creative concept and was introduced to Derulo by producer Tommy Brown, showcases both artists’ adaptability while pushing musical boundaries. Derulo shares, “Some collaborations can feel a little forced, whereas this one felt like…a hot knife through butter. It felt like it was right up my alley.”
For Fatehi, the process was more complex. “I was trying to figure out how to blend three different cultures into one project and make it global,” she explains. “We wanted a hook that repeats itself, very easy to memorize.”
The visually striking music video, directed by Moroccan filmmaker Abderrafia El Abdioui and choreographed by India’s Rajit Dev, was shot in the captivating landscapes of Marrakesh. The production, which Fatehi also oversaw, brought together a global team working long hours to bring the ambitious vision to life. “We created a futuristic Morocco in the visuals,” Fatehi says. Despite the challenges, she embraced the experience: “I love the panic, the anxiety, because I know that with anxiety, something amazing is about to happen.”
This collaboration pushed both artists into uncharted creative territory, especially in the dance routines. “When I got to Morocco, Nora wanted to do some moves that I had never done before, which is kind of weird, because I’ve done everything,” says Derulo, who brings a diverse dance background to the table, including hip-hop, tap, ballet, and jazz.
The choreography blends belly dancing and Bollywood influences, and Fatehi commended Derulo for fully embracing these cultural elements. “He actually embraced the culture… he wore the Moroccan jalabiyas and a very famous designer, Manish Malhotra’s kurta. He was really in it.”
For Fatehi, this collaboration represents an important step in her international career. “I’m venturing into an international career right now, coming straight off of Bollywood, which is really difficult for Bollywood actors to do,” she notes. With millions of followers on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify, Fatehi brings a vast global audience to the project. Fans have already shown excitement, with comments like “The collab we never knew we needed.”
For Derulo, the project marks a return to extravagant music video productions. “I think in this day and age, music videos are dead, and especially where I’m from, in America, people aren’t putting any emphasis on music videos,” he says. “I hope this will signify a new beginning for artists to be like, ‘Okay, this is still possible.’”
Fatehi agrees on the importance of maintaining high production values: “If you have the platform, you have the fans, you have the music, you’re able to dance, you have all the necessary elements to be a global artist. You should use that to your advantage.”
“Snake” is a major milestone for both artists, with Derulo hosting the TikTok Live Awards in the U.K. and Fatehi preparing a solo release featuring a sample of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” in the near future.
