Kichwani Series
(Part of the ‘Am I African Enough?’ Collection)
2023, 20 secs, Photomontage in Video Format, HD 1080p
(Kichwani: ‘On the Head’ in Swahili)
In this video, I embark on a joyous celebration of the myriad headdresses adorned by African women, paying homage to the rich cultural heritage and distinct traditions found across the continent. From the regal elegance of the dele in Nigeria, to the exquisite intricacy of the doek in southern Africa, to the striking beauty of the hijab across the continent, the video showcases a tapestry of headwear that reflects the unique identities, histories, and regional influences of African women. Through this visual journey, I encourage you to appreciate the diversity and heritage encapsulated within each meticulously crafted headdress, while also recognising the empowerment and self-expression that these headdresses symbolise for African women across generations.
The ‘Am I African Enough? ‘ collection is a body of work in which I question my African identity as a born and bred Kenyan currently living in Germany. What is this ‘Africaness’ that I identify with? What makes me truly Kenyan? What makes me African enough?
Communicator: Through art and conversation!
