Sam Chegini’s Music Video Grant in Loving Memory of Monika Maid

The Story

Every artistic journey has a beginning. For me, that beginning was a music video for a German singer named Monika Maid.

We met years ago through a shared love for the musical storytelling of Chris de Burgh. Monika was a private soul who sang for the love of it, and she became the very first artist to trust me with directing a music video. That collaboration didn’t just create a video; it sparked my career as a director and formed a lasting bond rooted in music.

Monika passed away in December 2023. In the years since we first met, life took us in different directions, but the impact of that first project never left me. To honor the friend who gave me my start, and to ensure her name continues to inspire new art, I am proud to announce the launch of the Monika Maid Memorial Grant.

What is the Grant?

The Monika Maid Memorial Grant is an annual initiative designed to bridge the gap for emerging musicians.

Each year, I will select one independent artist to receive a fully produced animated music video—completely free of charge.

Because animation is a universal language, this grant is open to artists worldwide. You do not need to be in Germany or the UK; you only need a song that tells a story.

The Award

The selected recipient will collaborate directly with Sam Chegini (Director of videos for Jakko M. Jakszyk, Jethro Tull, Chris de Burgh) to bring their vision to life. The grant covers:

Creative Direction: Scripting, storyboarding, and character design.
Production: Full animation (2D, 3D, or Mixed Media).
Delivery: A master 4K video file ready for global release.

How to Enter (2025 Cycle)

We are looking for authenticity, passion, and a strong visual vision.

Submission Requirements: Please send an email to [monikamaidgrant @samchegini .com] with the subject line: “Monika Maid Grant – [Your Artist Name]”.

Include the following in your email:

The Music: A streaming link (SoundCloud/Spotify/Private Link) to the song you want to animate. Note: The track must be mastered.
The Vision: A short paragraph describing your concept for the video. What is the story? (Feel free to include links to a mood board or visual references).
The Artist: A brief bio and a note on why this video would change your career right now.

DEADLINE: December 4 to 25 – Christmas 2025. WINNER ANNOUNCED: Monika’s Birthday on January 2, 2026

A Final Note

There is no entry fee. This is a labor of love, created to keep the music playing in memory of a dear friend.

“Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory.”

We look forward to hearing your stories.

In Touch to be premeired at The 30th Portobello Film Festival

I’m delighted to share that my music video for @marshaswansonmusic “In Touch” has been officially selected for the 30th Portobello Film Festival.

Portobello has always felt like a second home for me in London, a place where I’ve had the privilege to showcase my work and connect with audiences over these past 13 years.

A heartfelt thank you to Jonathan Barnett for creating such a magnificent festival—one that continues to give independent filmmakers like myself a platform to share our stories with the world for 30 “free” years!

Thank you, Portobello, for your continued support of my films, and congratulations on 30 incredible years of celebrating independent film!

This will be the first international premiere of In Touch after its premiere in Iran at the Tassvir Film Festival.

Sam’s second collaboration with Benjamin Croft

Sam has directed a brand new video for Benjamin Croft’s latest album “We Are Here to Help” titled “Little Moat Manor”. The video and the track are both inspired by the third episode of a popular 80s British TV series titled “Hammer House of Horror”.

Wrestling with Plato – Benjamin Croft

Sam has directed a music video for the great British composer, keyboardist, Benjamin Croft. The “Wrestling with Plato” music video was premiered on February 3, 2024 and is from Ben’s upcoming album “We Are Here To Help” which is due for release later this year.

Here is more about Benjamin and the track “Wrestling with Plato”:

Benjamin Croft is a British Prog keyboardist, music producer and songwriter. He will be releasing his new single “Wrestling With Plato” on February 2nd. The song features Lynsey Ward (Exploring Birdsong) on vocals and virtuoso drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats).

“Wrestling with Plato” is a tragic love story told over the lifetime of two people. A song about elaborate excuses; in the case of our protagonists, these are far reaching…

From a very young age, Benjamin developed a strong interest for music. At the age of 7, Benjamin began piano and trumpet lessons. “Around age 17, my life was forever changed after hearing the album ‘Close to the Edge’ by the band Yes. I quickly developed a love for progressive rock. Keyboard players such as Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson inspired me to practice for up to 8 hours a day,” says Croft.

At 19, he won a scholarship at Leeds College of Music. After graduating, he completed several contracts on international cruise lines, travelling and performing. He lived and played in the US, and toured the world twice, working with artists as diverse as Belinda Carlisle, Leslie Garrett, The Temptations and The Platters. “One night I was playing country, the next musical theatre and then jazz or rock.”

Benjamin relocated to London in 2012 and quickly began to make a name for himself. In 2018, he recorded for Beautiful South founder Dave Hemingway’s latest project ‘Sunbirds,’ and worked as a session musician, composer and arranger. He recently joined the progressive rock band The Gift.

While keeping up with a busy schedule performing and recording, Benjamin started composing his own music and released his first album “10 Reasons To…” on 33Jazz Records in March 2019. 12 original compositions blending jazz fusion, classical and progressive rock.

His second album, “Far and Distant Things,” was recorded throughout 2020 and released in the summer of 2021 on Ubuntu Music. It features some prestigious guest musicians such as Randy Brecker, Allen Vizzutti, Frank Gambale, Barry Finnerty, Mike Miller, and Chad Wackerman.

Both albums have been critically acclaimed in the UK, US and Europe.

Benjamin spent the last 2 years making his latest album, “We Are Here To Help,”. “It has been a great honour to record with legendary musicians including Simon Phillips, Marco Minnemann, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Jeff Scott Soto, Greg Howe, Mike Stern and Frank Gambale.”

“We Are Here To Help “ is an epic project with a heavier blend of progressive rock and metal, pushing further the boundaries of creativity, musical mastery and sonic excellence. The album also marks the launch of his record label “Galactic Receiver”. It is due for release in 2024.

“Benjamin Croft is a force to be reckoned with, and I can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next.” – Sea of Tranquility

“Wrestling With Plato”
Produced, written and arranged by Benjamin Croft
Lyrics by Marsha Swanson
Lynsey Ward – Vocals
Benjamin Croft – Keyboards
Per Nilsson – Guitar
Dave Marks – Bass Guitar, Additional Guitars and Percussion
Marco Minnemann – Drums
Recorded at:
Sleeper Sounds
Engineer – Marcus Locock
Greystoke Studio
Engineer – Andy Whitmore
Mixed by Stephen W Tayler at Millside, Real World Studios
Mastered by Barry Grint At AIR Studios, London
Art Direction, illustration and design by Hugh Syme
Music video directed by Sam Chegini
A selection of analog keyboards have been used on this track including Yamaha CS-80, Roland Jupiter 8, Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Oberheim ob-xa, Mellotron M4000, Hammond Organ and Steinway.

To pre-order: https://orcd.co/wrestlingwithplato

Jakko M Jakszyk’s The Road to Ballina directed by Michael Attenborough CBE with Sam’s animations

King Crimson’s frontman, Jakko M Jakszyk takes ‘The Road to Ballina’ to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022. Directed by internationally acclaimed British director, Michael Attenborough CBE, the concert is accompanied by Sam’s animations from August 3 to 29, 2022. Get tickets here.

Jethro Tull’s The Zealot Gene directed by Sam Chegini

Sam has directed an animated music video for Jethro Tull’s title track “The Zealot Gene” from their latest album of new material in nearly 2 decades. This is Sam’s third collaboration with the legendary band. You can watch the video below:

Sam directs a new video for Jethro Tull: Sad City Sisters

We are truly honored to have had the opportunity to work with Jethro Tull again. This time on their new album of new materials in more than 18 years! Here is the sad story of “Sad City Sisters” from Tull’s upcoming album “The Zealot Gene”:

Chris de Burgh’s ‘Legacy’ directed by Sam Chegini

I’m truly honored to announce the release of my latest music video for my idol, the legendary Chris de Burgh titled “Legacy”. The video was released on October 15th, on Chris’ 73rd Birthday. Legacy is from Chris de Burgh’s 27th Studio album “The Legend of Robin Hood”. Out now. Watch here on YouTube:

International Logo Competition – The World Urban Pavilion

The World Urban Pavilion in Regent Park has released a Call for Entries for designing the official logo for the World Urban Pavilion. This is an amazing opportunity for Graphic Designers and Art Students to submit their art to this international competition. You may find more information and the application form here.

Ian Anderson on making the video for Aqualung

Ian Anderson talks about the making of the video for Jethro Tull’s most celebrated song “Aqualung” after Sam was recommended to him by Jakko M Jakszyk of King Crimson. ‘Aqualung’ will be screened at the 40th New Jersey Film Festival on October 1st, 2021. More information here.