European and American colonization has significantly shaped our world and how we see it and ourselves in every aspect. This series of projects explore this theme in different aspects.
decolonize | heritage
This project was born to pay homage to the late Fela Kuti who’s artistry in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s paved the way for modern Afrobeats as we know it. Furthermore, his message to unite Africans and black peoples, and create awareness around our global history of colonization proved a relevant one, particularly during the revolutionary movement of Black Lives Matters in 2020. People from the diaspora have a largely unclaimed heritage that is continued to be fought for in a myriad of ways - efforts which in the US have been revealed in a stronger light due to this year’s uprising. An uprising worthy of continuing on until significant systemic changes are accomplished.
Choreography, Creative Direction and Editing: Kiné Camara
Videography, Makeup, Styling and Direction: Val Gonzalez
Featured Dancer: Koukou Gbakénou
decolonize | resistance
The Lijadu Sisters were a Nigerian female duo whose rise in the 60’s and 70’s accompanied their advocacy for female empowerment. Their song Order-Elejigbo felt like a perfect fit for the message I was looking to communicate with this piece. Their message was to urge the elite of Nigeria to care for their people, something I also desire for our community locally in Seattle, and nationally in the US. Resistance has been painted negatively from colonial powers, but disruption is vital in creating change. We can’t fix a problem unseen.
Choreography, Creative Direction and Styling: Kiné Camara
Videography & Direction: Brendan DeVoue
decolonize | beauty
My grandmother, Ami Diouf, was apart of the Serere tribe in Senegal, West Africa. I was always drawn to a tribal tattoo she had on her chin and in my younger years, I dreamed of participating in this ceremony myself. These images bring that dream to life. Adorned with traditional Fulani earrings, a gold necklace my grandmother gifted over the top of my head and Wax print, I pay homage to my grandmother and Senegalese ancestry. As a biracial woman living in the US, these images while striking are not the conventional sense of beauty we are accustomed to in the states. It is important to me to continue to bring all parts of my heritage to the surface as I explore how colonization has shaped our perception of beauty.
Creative Direction: Kiné Camara
Photography, Styling: Val Gonzalez
Styling: Ashanti Renee Boutique
Makeup: Sasha LaGarce
