OURS: Black Star

TIWARA loosely translates to ‘OURS’ and this shoot is a visual interpretation of exactly that.
OURS: (black star) takes ownership of the collective experiences, memories, and emotions tied to hair in the Black community.

Braiding and hair styling have long functioned as a universal language across the African diaspora, carrying identity, status, and cultural memory through generations.
Today, regardless of where we are raised, there is a shared understanding of what it means to get your hair done. These experiences, whether painful or affirming, shape our relationship with the hair on our heads and our identity.

The title OURS reflects a shared experience and collective memory, while Black Star is a poetic contradiction emerging from that history.
It speaks to the influence of Black culture: being simultaneously marginalised yet continuously mined for inspiration, while remaining a source of brilliance, resilience, and innovation. It reflects the pride and sense of self that can come with a new hairstyle, while also honouring the creativity and craftsmanship of Black hairstylists.
The project is also a response to the way Type 4 hair is often labelled as “difficult”, whether by society or by ourselves, despite being deeply versatile and desirable when nurtured.

Creative direction : @jedidah.afo
Set design & styling 👔: @jedidah.afo
Photography 📸 : @angel.mdrna @kashmon3 @j3didah
Videography 🎥 : @anjolafilms
Lighting💡: @joel_robd
Talent: @itsjustdeam @valine.__ @crosscountrymess @emmaugox @gabriell.mdrna @geraldessel_