'Afropresentism: Black Presence in the Diaspora' is an exaltation of Afrodiasporic identities and cultures. It aims to confront classic Western spaces, occupying them with black aesthetics and presence through art and fashion. The series explores African histories, present, and futures within a post-colonial lens, to critique the precarity of Blackness in the West. It is an unapologetic affirmation of the hybrid identities that have forged over time and space.
‘Afropresentism’ is an emerging ideology borrowed from Neema Githere, who explores Afrodiasporic culture in the digital age. They coin the term as “a digital genre fusing archival, fine art, documentary practices on and through new media, in the expression of an Afrofuturist lived-reality.”
Drawing on this framework, this staged celebration is located in London’s Soho district, originally a fashionable district for the elite, and now a major entertainment melting pot in the capital. The styling showcases cross-culturalism, using costume that nod to Black festivities. Taking inspiration from several traditions, movements, artworks, ideologies and aesthetics, the visuals share a commonality of unapologetic celebration. These include quintessentially European motifs juxtaposed against elements drawn from afrofuturism, black dandyism, carnival culture, the works of artist Yinka Shonibare, Ghanaian Highlife, Black renaissance, and the Brazilian Baianas de Acaraje. It also pays homage to icons of African photography such as Malick Sidibe and Seydou Keita, whose pioneering works captured black joy and consciousness.
The African Diaspora has been alienated by a lack of representation and blatant misrepresentation in Western visual culture. In an age where protectionist politics have attempted to erase the layered identities of ethnic minorities, this series mocks the failure to acknowledge not only the presence of the Diaspora but their contributions which have outshone expectation. In this spirit, it mimics Western conceptions of ‘sophistication’ while showcasing a renaissance built on black joy. It serves as a reminder that the Diaspora will be present and celebrate themselves regardless.
The rise of nationalism has come at the cost of Black lives around the world. In light of the ongoing Windrush scandal in the UK which has involved wrongful deportations of Black British immigrants, this series overtly challenges an unaccommodating world system. In the United States, anti-immigrant rhetoric and institutional racism has fractured race relations, while Afro-Brazilians remain severely marginalized despite composing over 50% of the population. These images give recognition to the validity of embodied hybrid identities. The project also uses an accommodative conception of pan-Africanism which does not homogenize or erase individualities. By featuring models and attires from Africa and its diaspora, it celebrates all lived-experiences while reversing attempts at separating ties across continents. Ultimately, the series advocates black carefreeness worldwide, to continue the momentum of reclaiming space and depicting our power image within the present.
PHOTOGRAPHY / CO-DIRECTION: ETHEL TAWE (@artofetheltawe)
CREATIVE DIRECTION: TOBI ONABOLU (@tobionabolu)
FASHION COORDINATION: MORENIKEJI AYO-JOSEPH (@kejikiefer)
FEATURED BRAND COLLABORATORS: Turbante-se, Afriek, LaHana, Bila Jewellery | SPACE: MeWe360 Soho, London
MODELS: Sihine Negede, Sarah Owusu, Kaleke Kolawole, Sarah Nugdalla, Cecilia Aina, Jackie Esono, Neema Githere, Wale Kuponipe, Samuel Nzol, Tano Mousset, Maximus Poumie, Elisha Tawe, Melvin Osadolor, Modou Adams, Nathan Knight
VIDEO PRODUCTION: Vassou Ourouho - WATCH VIDEO