Exploring Ways Of Living
As Embodied Archives.
Welcome to KAKAZI Oral Histories, my name is Nabiséré Nicole and I’ve dedicated this platform to moments of gathering as a resource that can help us foster intimate connections through the practice of sharing stories, active listening and creativity. In this space, I am encouraging us to be intentional with the profound impact that sharing personal narratives can have on individuals and communities. In various forms and languages extending beyond the spoken word, encompassing the use of voice, objects, and images that inspire deep and meaningful experiences. We reflect, creating portals to the past, present and future stimulated by the sounds, textures and colours in our everyday.
As a trans-national initiative, KAKAZI Oral Histories is committed to preserving and celebrating intergenerational African and Caribbean memories of women and gender non-conforming people, although sometimes this extends to the wider communities we are connected to. Co-creating a caring and autonomous space for contributors to explore their personal archives, memories, and visions for the future in everyday life can have a profound impact on our well being.
Created in 2018 by Nabiséré Nicole, the platform records informal conversations with families, friends, partners, and various interpersonal dynamics in curated spaces that I have designed to re-contextualise our experiences in a relaxed, welcoming and creative environments defined by us. This dedicated space honours the value in sharing personal memories, creative exploration, and self- expression.
In contrast to a simple nostalgic journey, KAKAZI Oral Histories is focused on the transformative power of being witnessed by our communities, growing skills in empathy, and accountability as our life stories unfold.
My name is Nabiséré Nicole, and in 2018, I wanted to connect with people who shared similar expereinces to me. What began as a personal journey into trying to understand my heritage, figuring out what it feels like to belong and embark on my healing journey, has evolved into KAKAZI Oral Histories—a space rooted in traditions of gathering and storytelling as a restorative practice for African and Caribbean diasporan people. I consider this platform the heart of KAKAZI studio, where clothing, homeware and special projects like this one come together to reflect on paths to better futures. I was raised between London and Kampala resulting in my own complex identities weaving migration, heritage, race, sexuality, and so much more that isn’t recgnised as isn’t own culture. In a world that so often flattens us into homogenous entities, honouring our multifaceted selves is crucial. With this platform I seek to create creative and empowering spaces that embrace and celebrate the complexities of our diverse narratives.
KAKAZI Oral Histories is a collaborative endeavour, co-created with our wider community of contributors, listeners and donors. We invite contributions, engagement, sharing, and support from individuals who resonate and/or want to be a part of our journey.
We invite you to contribute, engage, and explore with us. Together, we are creating a space that connects generations, creates more opportunities to gather and celebrate the power of storytelling. To be a part of KAKAZI Oral Histories contact : contactus@kakazistudio.com