Bringing Vision to Life: Exchange x Jabez – Creating “I Can’t Breathe” & “River Deep Medley”

In early January 2021, Exchange began a powerful and time-sensitive creative journey with West Midlands artist Jabez, developing two music videos that explored the theme of racism through music, story, and visual expression. With a quick turnaround and a deep sense of responsibility to the subject matter, the collaboration resulted in two striking pieces: “I Can’t Breathe” and “River Deep Medley.”

A Response to a Global Wound

The project was born in the shadow of the murder of George Floyd on 25th May 2020—a tragedy that shook the world and exposed, yet again, the devastating realities of racial violence. We released “I Can’t Breathe” on the first anniversary of George Floyd’s passing, honouring both his memory and the global response that followed.

The title echoed George’s own final words—but Jabez wanted to explore it from a wider perspective. What does it mean for an entire world to lose its breath in collective shock, grief, and disbelief?

His concept centred on the internal reactions of individuals watching the news reports—capturing the stillness, the confusion, the sorrow, and the shared sense of breathlessness. Our visual direction focused on creating intimate, human moments that reflected this emotional weight.

Reimagining a Spiritual Legacy: “River Deep Medley”

The second video, “River Deep Medley”, was a creative fusion inspired by the original Negro spiritual “Wade in the Water.”Jabez’s arrangement wove together elements from:

• Wade in the Water (traditional spiritual)

• Look Easy by Kaytranada & Lucky Daye

• Deep River by Jessye Norman

He aimed to honour the history, resilience, and stories embedded in Black culture—past and present.

This performance was captured as a live recording, adding a raw, authentic layer to the final product. Not only did we film the visuals in real time, but we also recorded live vocals, bringing the viewer directly into the creative moment.

A Full In-House Creative Process

Exchange supported the project from concept through to release:

• Facilitating Jabez’s creative vision from planning to final edit

• Providing in-house vocalists for backing vocals

• Recording all vocals in Exchange Studios under Jabez’s artistic direction

• Planning, directing, producing, filming, editing, and releasing both music videos

• Filming both projects in a single scheduled shoot day without compromising artistic depth

Every step of the process was built on collaboration, trust, and a shared belief in the importance of the message.

Working Closely and Carefully

This project required more than technical skill—it required emotional sensitivity, cultural awareness, and space for Jabez to lead with authenticity. We worked closely with him to translate his internal vision into structured planning, allowing the shoot day to run smoothly and creatively.

His leadership, paired with the support of our team, resulted in two videos that carry personal meaning, cultural resonance, and artistic integrity.

Jabez’s Reflection on the Experience

“My time with Exchange lives in my memory as a deeply creative and quietly transformative moment. Working on ‘I Can’t Breathe’ and ‘The River Medley’ felt like stepping into a space where imagination was taken seriously and held with care. The team didn’t just facilitate and nurture the work. They fed me, grounded me, and built an environment where every idea I offered found room to breathe. Nothing was ever dismissed or diluted. The vision I brought was caught, expanded, and woven into the final pieces.” “I was in a fragile place at the time, navigating PTSD, head trauma, an Autism diagnosis and severe memory loss. I wasn’t treated through the lens of illness. Instead, I was met with dignity, patience, and the kind of encouragement that reminds you your voice still matters, even when you feel scattered.”

“Exchange helped me take what lived in my mind and shape it into something tangible. We created a plan that held all my ideas in balance, and somehow captured two full videos in a single day—not through force, but through genuine collaboration and trust. It was healing, freeing, and creatively affirming. I left the process feeling seen, supported, and reconnected to the artist I knew myself to be.”

A Collaboration We Are Proud Of

Working with Jabez was an honour—both creatively and personally. These projects pushed us, inspired us, and reminded us of the role art can play in telling the truth, holding memory, and calling for change.

“I Can’t Breathe” and “River Deep Medley” remain two of the most meaningful pieces we’ve ever helped bring to life, and we are proud to have supported an artist whose courage and creativity continue to resonate.