Blood Orange Shares ‘Sandra’s Smile’ Video, Announces NYC Benefit Concert

Just a day ago, Dev Hynes teased a new Blood Orange track dubbed “Sandra’s Smile” by posting a photo of the song’s lyrics on Instagram. Now, he has shared the song and an accompanying video.

Hynes directed the black-and-white clip, which features appearances from Waffle Crew, Junglepussy and Ian Isiah -- check it out above. You can also stream the song on Spotify.

“Sandra’s Smile” serves as a tribute to Sandra Bland, who died while in police custody in a Texas jail in July. The lyrics reference Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, when Hynes sings, “I read Sybrina’s quote. / Why should she forgive? / Do we lose you if we don’t?”

Hynes has also announced a benefit show that will take place at the Apollo Theater in Harlem on Dec. 12. Proceeds for the “Blood Orange and Friends” concert will go to the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music. Hynes offered this statement on the gig in a press release:

Playing music saved my life; if it wasn't for the chance to play cello or piano when I was a kid growing up in Essex, I shudder to think where I'd be right now. At this point in my life, all that matters to me is giving back to communities and making people happy, so I have decided to put on a fun night of performances at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem that is hopefully affordable to all, with all proceeds going to the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music. New York City, let's have some fun!

Since releasing his critically acclaimed Blood Orange LP, Cupid Deluxe, in 2013, Hynes has shared a handful of standalone singles and a scrapped film score.