By: Mana Faye
In the heart of New York City, a vibrant collective of artists, descended from African and Caribbean roots, is reshaping the cultural landscape. Known as WESHHH, this group transcends traditional boundaries, weaving together fashion, film, photography, modeling, and music. Their mission? To revolutionize the art world, making it more inclusive, innovative, and service-oriented, while inspiring future generations, especially within the community.
The journey of WESHHH began organically, as a group of skilled artists from diverse backgrounds met at different points in their lives. Co-founder Assane Sy and Ahmad Cisse, along with twins Madeleine and Diarra Fall, stylist Mo, Papi Diagne, Nnenoma Angel, Ngozi, Ant, Slimoe, and Aïsha, joined forces with a shared vision: to create a space where creativity thrives and community flourishes.
Central to WESHHH's ethos is a dedication to breaking down barriers and fostering connections. Ahmad reflects on the collective's evolution, describing it as a nucleus of different communities. "As much as we are artists, the crux of our existence lies in the communalism principle," he explains. "We show up for the community and understand that we are of the community."
However, the path to building community hasn't been without its challenges. African and Caribbean parents' reactions reflect skepticism and support for their children's creative pursuits. Ahmad, who describes himself as the "wild child" of his family, acknowledges the unconventional nature of WESHHH but emphasizes the positive reception it has received within the community.
Ngozi and Angel, sisters and skilled professionals in their own right, specialize in jewelry making and hair and makeup artistry, respectively. They share a common background of maternal support and encouragement, stemming from their mother's influence. Their mother, a caterer, embodies a supportive yet practical approach to nurturing creativity. Initially skeptical, she eventually recognizes the value of following one's passion and actively encourages her daughters to pursue their dreams.
Maddie, one-half of the Fall twins, reflects on the lack of community in New York City and the importance of coming together to support one another. "Community is something that we have to create together, and that's what makes us stronger," she says.
With a firm commitment to community, WESHHH is actively involved in outreach initiatives, both locally and globally. Pape envisions leveraging the collective's platform for community outreach, particularly during the month of Ramadan, to support and empower newcomers in the city. Maddie fondly recalls past successes, such as the impactful Soho House event, which brought people together through meaningful experiences and discussions.
Looking ahead, the collective is filled with anticipation for future endeavors. Diarra emphasizes the importance of diversity in WESHHH's programming and the need to explore new avenues of expression and collaboration. WESHHH remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of artists and creating a legacy of inclusivity and innovation in the art world and beyond as they continue to evolve and push the boundaries of creativity.
Photo courtesy WESHHH
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