Celebrating Women of African Heritage
JULY issue 2020
AFROELLE
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Afroelle Magazine is a digital publication celebrating and empowering women in Africa and the Diaspora.
FOUNDER
Patricia Miswa (1985 -2018)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Christabel Telewa PUBLISHER
Afroelle Magazine
FOR SUBMISSIONS AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES Afroellemagmedia@gmail.com
AFROELLE
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COVER CREDITS
Photography | Malkia Roberts Makeup | Malkia Roberts Hair | Mbajja Sean
Models By | Joram MM Styling | Bold Kampala 2
Contributors
Thabile ThabileMakue Makue writer Writer SouthAfrica Africa South Thabile is a South African healer, writer and facilitator. She was the 2016/17 Current State of Poetry National South African Slam Champion. Her debut collection “i know how to fix myself” was released in April 2017 by the African Poetry Book Fund as part of their New-Generation African Poets chapbook box set: Nne. Her work has been included in multiple journals, including “Pain” by Icelandic Parta Press, the 20.35 Africa anthology of contemporary poetry and the New Daughters of Africa collection released in March 2019. She has been longlisted for the Sol Plaatje European Union Prize, and was selected as a finalist for the 2018 Sillerman Poetry Book Prize. Her forthcoming collection of poetry, ‘mamaseko, is set for release this year.
Amina Touray Photographer Los Angeles
Moiyattu Banya Keister Writer Philadelphia
Amina is an award winning fashion and portrait photographer. Born to a Swedish mother and Gambian father, Amina gets inspiration from her multicultural background, which allowed her to move across European and African continents as she was growing up.
Moiyattu enjoys cultivating communities of women and girls through her company Women Change Africa, an African media brand curating stories and experiences for African female entrepreneurs, and her organization Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone.
This instilled in her a sense of curiosity and love for travel, which is reflected in photography.
She helps women-led startups tell their stories and enhance the visibility of their brands online via her communications boutique firm WCA Creatives.
Her work has been published in Vogue Italia and magazines such as Afroelle, Bronze, LA Style Magazine, Elegant, and others. Aminatouray.com
She teaches courses in social entrepreneurship at Columbia University and was recently recognized by Okay Africa magazine as an #Okay100woman honoree. @womenchangeafrica www.moiyattubanya.com
ashleymakue.com
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CONTENTS July - December 2020 8. Faith it until you make it 12. Meet Flortcha Flow 18. It’s a losing battle, but I won 23. Mental health 26. Savage of the Sunkissed Mari 30. Interview with Jasika Nicole 37. Coversation with Nadia Sesay 40. A music duo of sisters
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48. A shade of melanine
PG 18
PLUS MUCH MORE
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“When fighting these battles, it is important to take care of our mental health.”
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he year 2020 has been tough, to say the least. First, the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in Wuhan, China then quickly spread worldwide, resulting in shutdown of schools and colleges, massive layoffs and millions of people quarantined in their homes to contain the pandemic. At the time of writing,10 185 374 cases and 503 862 Covid-19 related deaths had been reported globally. After witnessing the impact of the pandemic when fighting on the frontlines, Flortcha Flow, a nurse featured in this edition, composed the song “war” to honor those who are fighting on the frontline and those who have lost their lives to Covid- 19.
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Still in the year 2020, we had to watch a viral video of four police officers agressively pinning a distressed black man, George Floyd, to the ground. One of the officers was kneeling on Floyd’s neck as Floyd screamed, “I can’t breathe,” while onlookers asked the officer to get off. The officer continued compressing the man’s neck until Floyd’s soul left his body. The video, which was watched all over the world, sparked demonstrations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and many other countries. The demonstrations and demand for accountability led to more conversations on racism, with many people coming forward to share their experiences. It is clear that many have been victims of police brutality and shocking racist acts committed before and after Floyd’s gruesome murder. Hopefully these conversations and action to promote equality will continue. When fighting these battles, it is important to take care of our mental health. Licensed counselor, Sasha Johnson, who has suffered from and overcome mental health issues, talks about her experience with suicidal thoughts and abuse to encourage others who are facing similar issues. Sharnade Johnson, a celebrity and wellness coach and founder of online platform Culture MindsTv, also shares her experience with mental health, including why she got into the businesses, her personal struggles with mental health and how she overcame these issues. Moiyattu Banya Keister interviewed Mariatu Savage, founder of the Sunkissed Mari, a skincare health and beauty lifestyle brand. The brand focuses on uplifting and encouraging black women and girls to embrace, love and celebrate their skin color. Moiyattu also had a chat with Nadia Sesay, founder of Blanc Modern Africa, who talks about the beauty of art from an African and African-diaspora perspective. I hope you will enjoy reading the magazine. I’ll leave you with a quote of Shonda Rhimes. “Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen. It’s hard work that creates change.”
Christabel
Christabel Telewa
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Faith it until you make it Erica Dias has a varied job history having worked from the age of eleven. She has worked in the beauty industry, as publicist, entrepreneur and author. Although these jobs seem unrelated, there is a common thread running through all of them- hard work, persistence and success. She has recently written a book “Faith It Until You Make It,” sharing quotes that keep her motivated. “Faith it until you make it” is an interesting title, how did you come up with it? When I first moved to Atlanta, I found work at a high-pressure set that was so toxic that sometimes I felt like I was working in a cult. One day a woman noticed my distress and said to me “You’re here now, just fake it until you make it.” I immediately responded “No, I’m going to faith it until I make it mentally, spiritually and financially.” I was right. My faith kept me going and when I was inspired to write a book, I titled it “Faith It Until You Make It” because that was what I wanted to present to the world. Have you always been interested in writing? No, as a child I was interested in fashion and beauty. I went to cosmetology school while entering my senior year of high school and would travel an hour away to learn about the beauty industry and every Saturday from 8am-5pm go to hair school. I, however, did not limit myself to one field. I have had a job since I was eleven to help me make money since allowance from my parents was not enough. I was very determined, focused and passionate and would achieve anything that I put my mind to.
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So, how did you end up writing a book? I was so used to getting my clients book deals that I decided to write one to inspire others with the quotes that I love. Some of my favorite quotes include “If prayer becomes a habit, success becomes a lifestyle,” and “You are more powerful than you know, and they fear the day that you discover it.” I would post them all around my home for daily inspiration and wanted to share this with other people. What key lessons can people learn from reading the book? These quotes are constant reminders of what never giving up looks like. No matter how hard things got for me, it was that mustard seed of faith that got me through.There were times that I had to stay with my cousin at her home for a few months. I also slept on my friend’s couch at one point in time. I knew this was just a part of my journey, not my final destination. People will learn to keep pushing and keep learning. How has the book been received? I had my first two book signings at Barnes & Nobles and it was a surreal experience. At both signings I sold out and met so many people from everywhere. One guest told me that I had inspired them and that my quotes have gotten them through trying times. You can find the book at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kindle, Books A Million https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/faith-it-until-you-make-it-diaserica/1124784475
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DĂŠcortege Your global marketplace of authentic, fair trade, ethic inspired home dĂŠcor and lifestyle accessories from Africa.
www.decortege.com 11
Meet Flortcha Flow Flortcha Flow is a first-generation Haitian immigrant making waves as an independent multicultural artist. A layered and profound individual, Flortcha has achieved a successful career as a nurse and a musician. After witnessing countless Covid-19 related deaths working as a nurse during the pandemic, Flortcha has released“War,�a powerful song that honors those who have been imparted by Covid-19, including the departed and those fighting on the frontlines.
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hen Flortcha Flow was just ten years old, her parents left their home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, for a new life in South Florida. They quickly settled into their new life. Flortcha’s mother sung in the church choir, spreading her musical influences to her young daughter who soon began showing interest in music. As Flortcha was starting high school, her mother was starting nursing school as well. Her mother worked full time and went to school full time. “I spent a lot of time helping her with essays and research, which helped me gain a greater appreciation for the art of caring for others,” says Flortcha, who went on to become a nurse. Flortcha says nursing has given her a deeper understanding of the human experience, which she has been able to translate into her music. She has seen how incredible, resilient and fragile human beings can be and has witnessed infants going through more surgeries and medical emergencies within a month than the average person could survive in their lifetime. “I have seen love and empathy take people further than any drug or machine,” says Flortcha. She narrates how a gentle touch from a father brought a dying infant’s heart rate back to normal levels. Like many premature newborns, this baby had spent all of her short life in the hospital and on one night it seemed like her small body was reaching its limit. Since she was no longer responding to medical intervention, her family was contacted to be there for her final moments. When her father gently touched her and comforted her, her heart rate came back to normal. It turned out that’s the boost she needed. Flortcha is currently working as a nurse on the frontlines of the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. Most people infected with Covid-19 generally experience mild or moderate symptoms and recover without specialized treatment, but older people and groups with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease are likely to develop serious illness. As of June 30, 2020, there were 10 185 374 cases globally and 503 862 Covid-19 related deaths, the World Health Organization reported.
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Flortcha explains that the medical community has experienced several challenges such as lack of supplies and knowledge about the virus, requiring them to adapt quickly. Flortcha has witnessed countless lives lost due to Covid-19.“I composed the song ‘War,’ to honor those who have been imparted by Covid-19, including the departed and those fighting on the front lines.” As a pensive lyricist, Flortcha’s music reminds us to be appreciative of all human emotions. Her words speak of truthfulness, loss, pain, joy, and disappointment. She paints pictures of her diverse identity often with the use of Creole and French lyrics in her songs. As a relatively universal artist, Flortcha is excited to create an impact that transcends beyond the soul, alternative, and pop genres that she so comfortably flourishes in. “Music and singing has been a part of my life since I could speak. During my teenage years I dove headfirst into poetry. I, however, did not start recording original content until I became a nurse. I think for a long time I was waiting to be chosen and made into an overnight sensation from the comfort of my home. After becoming a nurse, I discovered the importance of defining myself,” says Flortcha. In 2017, Flortcha wrote and released her first original song, “The Catalyst,” which led to her emerging career as an artist. Towards the end of 2018, she traveled to network with artists across the country. By 2019, she had three independently published records. She was able to curate her own show and collaborate with many artist collectives across South Florida. “ I’m just getting started,” she says. “You can always expect vulnerability and honesty from my music. In this distant time, my music will find a way to bring you closer to what matters.” In the future, Flortcha hopes to perform at live venues and get the opportunity to share her art and multicultural experience with a larger audience.
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Kadjoé Design Kadjoé Design offers high quality and authentically made African inspired fashion. This inspiration manifests itself in the form of vibrant, eye-catching and dynamic pieces that can be worn casually, for a night out, or for formal events. Each piece is created for women to feel beautiful, elegant, sexy and powerful simultaneously. The fabrics are sourced from and pieces handmade in Ivory Coast (West Africa) .We understand that women want to feel like they are included in the designs when it comes to dressing their bodies. This is why we spend our time constructing clothing that fit perfectly, flatter body’s shape and make these queens feel confident when wearing them. The Kadjoé Design brand makes an inspiring statement of unity, diversity, beauty and elegance. KD has been more than just about fashion statements, it’s also a movement. A movement of uplifting young girls to love themselves and for older women to not let age does define who they are. KD is beacon that promotes self-worth and allows women to be bold in every way they can while wearing their pieces. www.kadjoedesign.com Instagram:@kadjoe.design Facebook:@kadjoedesign
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Sasha Johnson is a licensed counselor who has imp counseling, advocacy and support. Sasha recently a which talks about her experiences with suicidal thou and empowering women who have dealt with similar 18
pacted the community in Alabama and Georgia by providing authored a book titled “It’s a Losing Battle, But I Won,” ughts, molestation, and physical abuse in the hope of inspiring r issues. 19
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hen Sasha Johnson was pregnant with her second child and a mother to a Six-Month- Old Baby, her ex-husband took her car and disappeared for five days to one of his drug binges. When he finally returned, she asked for her car keys. He gave her the key and flew into a rage telling her, “That’s why no one will want you after having two kids by me,” Sasha narrates.
Sasha has fought other battles, including suicidal thoughts and abuse.“The truth is I feel like we all lose over and over again in life. The point is to gain strength and knowledge from every situation,” she says, explaining that although she felt lost after being molested, abused, and feeling suicidal, she won by not giving up. She is now a trained counselor and author of self-help book, “It’s a Losing Battle, But I Won.”
As her ex-husband verbally and emotionally abused her, Sasha said that she did not care as long as he did not touch her. “He tore the house up to the point that the police were called and we had to be removed from the house because he had made holes in the front door and knocked a door off its hinges,” recalls Sasha.
In recent times, most people have been fighting common battles such as mental health issues, abuse, substance abuse and seeking justice for the black community. Sasha wants everyone who is facing these issues to know that they will be okay. “I want people to know that whatever battle they are facing at this time, they will win. You will win, but you have to keep pushing,”.
“I remember crying for him like an idiot as the police were taking him away. I remember how low I felt at this moment, but what I remember the most is a weird feeling of relief when I knew I didn’t have to go back.” Although these feelings were confusing then, Sasha says the incident made her stronger.
She encourages communities to help survivors of abuse by being there for them while acknowledging that everyone is affected by abuse and mental health in individual ways.
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People have to deal with their issues in their own way while having the support of family, friends, and the community, Sasha says. It is also important for them to seek help such as counseling or a social support organization.
The mentoring program that the organization provided for children was a great success last summer. They took the children to college campuses and civil rights museums in Montgomery, AL, such as EJI and discussed suicide prevention and taught the children about self-care and job preparation.
Sasha has founded a social support organization, Sister’s 2nd Chance, which supports women by providing free counselling, food and financial assistance as well as mentorship for children. “I am a single mother and I know that there were times that I wished that I had someone to support me. I decided that I needed to provide support to other women like me,” she says.
“I want people to know that whatever battle they are facing at this time, they will win. You will win, but you have to keep pushing.”
The organization has offered a lot of support to people in the local community. “The most memorable case is when I arrived at a home to provide food to a family and the whole family was disabled and unable to do a lot on their own,” Sasha recalls. “We provided Thanksgiving dinner for them and they were so happy and grateful, which brought tears to my eyes because the simplest things made them happy.”
www.sashamercedes.org sasha@sashamercedes.org Phone: 334-328-5070 IG: www.instagram.com/ sashamercedesss
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Mental Health Sharnade George is a celebrity wellness coach and founder of an online platform called Culture mindstv. Her goal is to encourage healthy conversations about mental health for ethnic minorities and offer support to those who need it.
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s a therapist and wellness coach, Sharnade supports individuals with mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. She uses positive psychology by encouraging her clients to use their inherent strengths to manage how they think, feel and act.
It varies. I work with clients with mild to moderate emotional and psychological difficulties. Many suffer from anxiety or low self-esteem. One thing most of my clients have in common is the lack of self-belief and self-worth, not feeling like they’re good enough and letting this affect their life.
This is very meaningful work, how I had one celebrity client who was you get into it? struggling with anxiety. Their worries were getting the better of them and I’ve always loved mental health and because they were in the public eye, psychology. I started when studying this was affecting their career. They would also feel anxious about their at university and in the working environment. Working in private health, job, work life, family life and this was having a noticeable impact schools and psychiatric hospitals grew my passion and helped me love on their daily functioning, mainly within their profession. They were this line of work even more. always feeling sick, nervous, not What are the common mental wanting to perform at gigs when they health issues people who come to saw the crowd, cancelling events, you suffer from? worldwide trips and many other amazing job opportunities. 23
We collaboratively worked on anxiety management, using their strengths for self-discovery and understanding their emotions, what’s healthy vs unhealthy and how they can manage this to help achieve their goal and reach their full potential. After the trajectory of our session, they were able to manage their anxiety and went on their worldwide shows. Have you personally experienced any problems with mental health? I struggled with social anxiety because I was bullied throughout my schooling experience, from primary to secondary. This heavily affected my confidence and self-esteem, and as I grew older I became very withdrawn and always fearful of being watched and others talking about me in a negative way. This was because I was used to constantly being criticized, judged or people wanting to fight me in school, yet I was a very friendly, quiet person who kept to myself. I never mixed with the wrong crowd. My fear affected my social life.I would not go out much and was very withdrawn. I was also afraid of meeting strangers and did not know how to make friends or talk to people because I was always worried about what they would think of me.
I avoided social situations and would not speak much in groups because I was scared of embarrassing myself or saying the wrong thing then being judged and bullied again. This was a massive impact on my self-esteem. It wasn’t until I grew older and started working within the mental health profession that I knew in order to truly be a great therapist, I had to work on myself. So, I became my own therapist and learnt about my condition and how it was affecting me. Then I helped myself overcome my fears of being socially anxious. Now I have a great career where I’m always meeting new people and speaking at events. How do you protect your mental wellness? Surrounding myself with people who uplift me and have good energy is very important. I also pray, journal, engage in positive self-talk, spiritual practice and meditation. Lastly, not being afraid of how I think, feel and behave, which entails being honest with myself and always looking within for ways I can grow and become a better person. Why do you think there is a lot of stigma about mental health within ethnic minority groups?
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I think stigma is mainly caused by ignorance. Mental health is not often spoken about and not taught in schools, so people who have an interest in this area have to seek out this knowledge. Stigma could also be due to cultural upbringing and beliefs which have been learnt during our upbringing.
Did quitting your job improve your well-being? Yes, I was able to reconnect with myself and learn about myself and ways I can improve. As I mentioned, I struggled with social anxiety for a long time and having this time helped me learn about this and overcome my fears. After my child, my emotional well-being dipped and reflecting back, I can admit that I neglected myself and lost my sense of direction. I had to help myself and manage this for myself and my family.
How do you think we can encourage people to have conversations about mental wellness? Watching my interviews with public figures and ordinary people is a great way to hear someone’s story, which could spark a conversation. Knowing which form of communication is comfortable with you, verbal or nonverbal is important. Sometimes giving someone a hug can mean so much and spark a conversation such as “I need that hug.”
What else would you like us to know about you/ your business? My business aims to help encourage and support people from all cultures to not feel alone and to know there are people here who want to help them. I am currently creating a therapist directory for people to find a therapist and connect with other like-minded people and learn more about mental health. I also have a WhatsApp group of ladies who I’m helping to encourage and help build mental strength.
Why did you quit your job to become a well-being practitioner? I quit my job for many reasons. I wanted to be there for my one-yearold daughter, as I was missing out on her development and growth, my fiancé and family. I also wanted to be able to have a healthy balance to take care of my own emotional well-being. In addition, I’ve always wanted to be my own boss.
https://sharnadegeorge.com Instagram: ask_shar & culturemindstv
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Mariatu Savage of the Sunkissed Mari Brand An interview with Mariatu Savage, founder of Savage of Sunkissed Mari, a Skincare health and beauty lifestyle brand established in 2018 . The brand is focused on uplifting and empowering black women and girls to embrace, love and celebrate their melanin power.
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ariatu Savage is a Sierra Leonean-American woman currently residing in Maryland where she works as a legal assistant and an entrepreneur. She launched her skincare line under the Sunkissed Mari (SKM) brand which she founded in 2018. Mariatu has a passion for uplifting and empowering black women and girls globally to embrace their melanin. She has also worked as a girls empowerment facilitator and activities leader with various organizations at home and abroad. Tell us about Sun Kissed Mari? The SKM brand is a health and beauty lifestyle brand established in 2018. It is focused on uplifting and empowering black women and girls to embrace, love and celebrate their melanin power. The brand is specifically focused on empowering black women to love their skin complexion, inspiring black women to share positive stories of loving their skin whilst embracing their true selves, and providing spaces to uplift black girls to build self confidence by sharing skin positive stories. What inspired you to go into the beauty industry ? In 2011, I visited Sierra Leone on holidays with my mother. During my visit to the local markets, I noticed that many of the market women were selling bleaching creams. This caused me to feel dismayed about how African women viewed their own beauty. I felt we were ruined because of a certain image we wanted to attain. We have so much inside of us that can be powerful and we don’t want to embrace it. From that defining moment, I began reading about melanin and dark skin and in college my transformation to using strictly natural products occurred.
What is one thing you want little black girls to know about their beauty? Everyone was created uniquely by God. Your beauty is one feature that you have the most power over; never alter it. You are beautiful no matter what shade you are. Who is your ideal client? My ideal clients are black girls, boys, women and men. What are your future plans? I plan to expand the skin brand line by adding more products and having them sold globally. I will be offering different skincare services such as facials, skincare workshops, and partnerships with other beauty brands. Tell us your favorite beauty product ? My favorite product from the Sunkissed Mari Skin Care Line is the Lemongrass Lavender Whipped Body Butter. I love the fresh scent of the lemongrass and the everlasting glow from the Shea Butter on my skin. What advise would you give young women interested in this industry? The black beauty industry is something that has been missing for years. Let your brand speak for itself through your compassion. Remember that we are all aiming to embrace the black community worldwide. Follow Mariatu’s work via instagram @sunkissedmari By Moiyattu Banya Keister www.moiyattubanya.com Photocredit Images: Photographer Ishmail Alghali IA FIlms| Creative Direction WCA Creatives 29
Jasika Nicole Jasika Nicole is a series regular on the hit “ The Good Doctor,”an ABC series that follows the journey of Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) as he navigates the unique demands of being a surgeon with autism. Nicole’s character, Dr. Carly Lever, is a pathologist who has a romantic relationship with Murphy. Nicole has also been on FOX series “Fringe” alongside Joshua Jackson and has had roles on hit drama series such as “Scandal” and “Underground.” 30
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Did your childhood prepare you for what you are doing today?
She shares her journey with Afroelle.
Did you get any help along the way?
asika grew up in Alabama and received scholarships to study theatre, dance, singing and studio art at a small college in North Carolina. She then moved to New York City (NYC) to begin a career in musical theatre, but ended up getting more work in television and film. She worked in Vancouver for four years, then ended up on the West Coast, where she currently lives.
Did you always want to be in this line of work? No, internally I fought against it for a long time. I loved performing all throughout my grade school years, but there was a part of me that resented the fact that sports and entertainment were generally the most promising ways that poor black children could dream of having successful careers. When you don’t grow up seeing lots of people who look like you and come from backgrounds like yours succeeding in fields like STEM, literary arts or entrepreneurship, you don’t think of it as a viable option. Eventually, I realized that holding myself to anyone else’s standard but my own was really unfair since I got so much joy from being onstage. But it took a while. I think it wasn’t until my junior year in high school that I began to truly consider having a career in entertainment.
I grew up in Birmingham, split between the black and white neighborhoods that my parents lived in, but I went to mostly white grade schools. I grew up understanding well the racial and power dynamics that would be at play in nearly every institution, organization and company that I ended up working for as an adult.
One of my teachers in high school (I suspect I know who it is but it was never confirmed) anonymously donated the money for me to go on my theatre class’s trip to NYC during my senior year. I grew up poor and was unable to afford the trip, although I desperately wanted to go. At this point I was dreaming of being on Broadway, but I had never been outside the southeast before, much less traveled on a plane. The distance between where I was and where I wanted to be seemed too vast for me to ever even consider trying to cross with my limited resources. But this teacher’s donation made it so that I could travel to NYC for the first time and experience a whole new possibility for what my future could look like. I will always be grateful to the person who made this happen. It made what felt like an unattainable goal seem so much more realistic, and it gave me the confidence to make it happen for myself one day. Photo by Jess Nurse 31
“This teacher’s donation made it so that I could travel to NYC for the first time and experience a whole new possibility for what my future could look like.”
Photo by Jess Nurse 32
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What other memories did you have growing up?
What lessons have you learned in this industry?
My parents have great taste in music. So, I have lots of fun memories that revolve around certain musicians, songs and albums from my childhood. I just recently showed my dad how to start a Spotify account. So, I send him old music we used to listen to and new music that I think he would like. It’s so fun! I think my mom might be too technically challenged for her to have a successful experience with Spotify, but I’m working on it!
I think it’s extremely important to build up a solid support system of people who can hold you accountable and understand the stresses that come with working in environments where you are almost always the minority. You shouldn’t surround yourself with “yes” people, but it’s important that you have people to talk to who get, on some level, what you’re going through. I can’t do good work on set or lead a very satisfying life if I have all this pent-up bitterness inside of me all the time; it needs to come out!
What do you like about your job? It’s fun. It’s freeing in unexpected ways and it allows me to use all the good and terrible life experiences I’ve had to inform the characters I portray.
What do you do when you are not working? In addition to being an actor in TV and film, I am an avid maker. I’ve been sewing all my own clothes for about five years now, I haven’t bought ready- towear clothing in nearly as many, and I also make my own shoes, throw and handbuild pottery, knit, do needlework, illustrate, cook, build furniture from scratch, reupholster armchairs, etc. I love learning about crafts and playing with art in new ways. Making has morphed into a routine of self-care that has become essential to making my mental health a priority, and it is one of the biggest joys of my adulthood.
Have you experienced any challenges along the way? Racism, misogyny, and homophobia. I truly don’t know how to navigate any of these challenges. I just know how to survive them. I’ve learned how to quiet the constant frustration that I experience, to convince myself to keep going and to pick my battles because the fear is that if I use my voice to call out every single microaggression I experience, the fallout will be that I work less often. Pointing out people’s “isms” makes them defensive and uncomfortable, and they would rather get rid of the “problem” than address their often unconscious, but nevertheless hurtful discrimination.
I share mostly making on my blog, www. jasikanicole.com and on my Instagram @jasikaistrycurious. Photo by David Muller
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In conversation with Nadia Sesay
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adia is an arts writer and editor, focused on contemporary African art, for her own platform, BLANC Modern Africa. The digital platform documents contemporary art, design and travel inspired exclusively by Africa and its diaspora.
I grew up in a suburb of DC. So, my mother took me on frequent trips to the city to check out art. What drives you to pursue such a career as a young black woman ? I’ll be honest. I never imagined my professional career would involve these spheres! God worked out an especially unique path for me. I remain excited because I feel that I am walking in purpose.
Tell us about yourself and what you do? I am a child of God and daughter of an incredibly caring and strong African woman. My work experience in interior design, travel and art have led to the current position of an arts writer and editor focused on contemporary African art, for my own platform, BLANC Modern Africa, and as a contributor to other publications.
What is Blanc Modern Africa and what you do? BLANC Modern Africa is a portfolio of art fairs and galleries I have visited around the world, that’s all recorded in the Travel Journal of BLANC. The City Guides give readers insight to various cities globally from the insight of arts and curators living there. The Art Guide is a global list, this one of museums and galleries that showcase contemporary African art.
How did you discovered art? My arts awakening originated in my youth. Washington, DC is a city with a rich collection of art and history museums, most of which are free. 37
Who is your favorite artist right now and why? There are so many artists on my radar! Tools like Instagram continually introduce me to the work of artists I was not previously familiar with. Restrictions from Covid-19 led many exhibitions and fairs to transition to online formats, which has been a way to become acquainted with work I may not have otherwise seen. Back to IG, I have become fascinated recently with the work of various collage artists I’ve discovered on the app.
“There are some positives to this inclusion, but we also must be careful not to commoditize the message of Black Lives Matter, whether in art acquisition or otherwise.”
How do you think art is influencing the times in the era of black lives matter ? The beauty of art, especially art from the African and diaspora perspective, is it naturally influences culture on many levels, like so many other things created by our people do. The current political climate has caused an urgency of some collectors and corporate institutions to incorporate this art into their collection. There are some positives to this inclusion, but we also must be careful not to commoditize the message of Black Lives Matter, whether in art acquisition or otherwise. In many ways that desire for the ownership of black creation led us to the current moment in history. What advise would you will give to young black women interested in this career? I will give advice from my experience that I believe apply to any professional pursuit: Trust God, allow yourself grace to make mistakes and nourish what fuels your creativity. Follow her work on Instagram @blancmodernafrica By Moiyattu Banya Keister www.moiyattubanya.com Photocredit: Dayane Ohira 38
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Najuah Najuah is a music duo of sisters, Hanifa and Juliet, who were born in Africa and raised in Canada. They talk about their upbringing in a multicultural environment and how they have infused those experiences in their music.
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“People need to realize that the black experience is not homogenous.”
Our parents fell in love and got married in Uganda. When the civil war broke they were forced to flee to other African countries, then to Canada, where we were raised. Hanifa was born in Zimbabwe and Juliet in Kenya.Every time we visit Uganda, our father shows us where he was born. “Right here” he points to the earth nestled between a canopy of banana trees. “This is where I started. This is where your father was born.” Our mother was also born in Uganda. We are the essence of where our parents have been and those stories echo in our hearts.
They had discovered our demo through a photographer who had taken images of us. At the audition, we nervously sang a song that our vocal coach would have us sing during lessons. The rest is history. Although the journey has been fulfilling, it has not always been smooth sailing. As women of color we have had to constantly defend what it means to be a black woman in society. Born in Africa and raised in Canada, our experience as women of color is different. A person’s skin tone is not the only thing that signifies who they are culturally. Our parents are Ugandan. I was born in Zimbabwe and Juliet was born in Kenya. We grew up listening to African music and eating Ugandan food. We are not African- American. We are African-born Canadians and people need to realize that the black experience is not homogenous.
Culturally, we are as Canadian as we are African. As children we were fortunate enough to partake in all forms of art, including dance, music lessons and visual expression. It was quite common to hear Rock & Roll and R&B classics blaring from our balcony on warm summer nights. Although we didn’t know back then, these experiences opened a doorway that would lead us to a life expressed through art. Our first audition experience was singing for the managers of the male rap-duo “Sporty Thieves” in their downtown Toronto Condo. 42
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“ Success is not just about winning or wealth, it is about how you feel when you accomplish each milestone.
We are lucky we’ve gotten to explore music with so many great talented musicians and producers who see the possibilities of creating something new. We have toured and opened for several bands, including Surplus Sons/No Warning, AFI, Mobile, International Noise Conspiracy, Sloan, Die Mannequin, among others; just to name a few. Our music has also been played in several platforms such as Canadian radio, MTV and Much Music. We have performed at Canadian Music Week (CMW), North by Northeast (NXNE) and the Billboard Black Entertainment Television (BET) awards show in New York, among other achievements.
At the end of the day, you have to do what is true to you. You cannot please everyone. We are not ashamed of who we are and realized that it is important for us to infuse who we are and our experiences into our music. Someone has to be first to do something different and maybe that is us. It is not the easy road for sure, but it is one that you can travel. You have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and like who you see.
What a journey. How far we have wandered to find the right beat and the rhythm that would carry our dreams. We hope, together with you, we are going to push the limits and live the many possibilities that this life has to offer. We will wander until we get there. We will wander with you, until you feel the magic that this life has to offer. Sit with us and enjoy some African Tea.”
Success is not just about winning or wealth, it is about how you feel when you accomplish each milestone. The greatness in glory will always live within you. When the time is right, people will hear your song. Make sure it is a song that you are proud of because this is what will move you to strive for more. There is nothing worse than having it all but still feeling tremendous sadness because you are living inauthentically.
You can reach Najuah on Phone: 416.659.6677 OR 647.515.3217 https://www.facebook.com/ NajuahMusic 44
ZANTA ADEYDE
Zanta Mimi Nanu Belt is all a woman needs ... available at the Zanta Adeyde store, Village Market 1st floor old wing, Kenya or Instagram @zanta_adeyde_
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A shade of melanin
Creative Directors: Paul Howard | Aby Kane Photographer: Paul Howard @poward_ Stylist: Aby Kane @aby_wabby | @flyasaby Models: Aby @aby_wabby, Diarra @jah_ruh, Maddie @maadiieee_ | @fall.twins Wardrobe: H&M, Reebok, Steve Madden
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The inspiration and process
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By Aby Kane
Paul Howard approached me about putting together a shoot that would highlight the beauty of dark skinned women. We did not want to use body oils or accessories normally used to accentuate what’s already beautiful.There’s been an ongoing trend of appreciation of black women, an admiration that we share. However, Pauland I were united in our fatigue of the same old methods of portrayal of dark skinned women. We wanted to do something different. The theme was simplicity, very little makeup, minimal jewelry and natural hairstyles. We wanted to show dark skinned women posing naturally, sitting naturally and standing against bright contrast that displayed their darkhues. Having all the models wear white was a great way to make this happen. The shoot took place at Alchemical Theatre Library, a collection of studios known for their stark white walls and long almost ceiling-tofloor length windows. Of all the rooms available to us, we selected the one which drew in the most natural light. The women were selected for individual shots; each showing a different side of the simple, yet intricate beauty of dark skinned black women. The lack of adornment forces the onlooker to notice the beauty for what it is, unaided, unabated and unaffected by any influence other than the spirit wherein it exists. In the mirror shot, the twins stare effortlessly at one another, but in such an angle that at first glance it appears to be the same twin looking on at her displaced image. With Paul’s direction, we placed the twins at an angle that made this possible, yet was not unsettling for viewers. By generalized stereotypes, we wanted to show that even those of us identical at birth could not be placed into an easily digested box. In a few of the images, the models are seen in various poses, each screaming defiance through their body language, facial expressions and interactions with one another.The audience is lured by the models’ beauty, intrigued by their distinctiveness and captivated in their harmony. Continued on page 54 48
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Directing the group shots was perhaps my favorite part of the shoot. The models can be seen leaning into one another, Maddie (right) sporting an unfazed expression, her mannerism unbothered displayed by the casual extension of her leg. Aby (center) extends her shoulder allowing Maddie to calmly lean her head, while Aby herself leans on Maddie for support, her white nails adding to the contrasting effect. Diarra (left) effortlessly leans in with the other women, all while seeming to do so in a “are we done yet” manner as her shoulders face slightly away from Paul’s lens. In these group shots, we see three differently personalities. We had over 45 images of the women seated together, but the one of them seated encapsulated the togetherness yet independence we aimed to reveal. You can feel the solidarity these women share, yet each seems to have her own objective materializing before her. In addition to the mirror shot featuring the twins, we wanted to capture more personality shots of Maddie and Diarra. In a world where most dark skinned black women are judged.”
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