Editor’s Note: Given our Italian/French theme this issue and in an effort to spotlight what black women are doing all over the world, we’re putting highlighting Black women in Italy this week that are carving out a space for themselves in popular media.
– by Ellen Haile, Contributor
Who She Is: Known for her fiery political commentary and lyrics, Liberian-Italian singer, rapper, beat maker, and self-proclaimed “African Queen,” Karima Gehnyei tackled Italy’s biased immigration policies in her first album and continues to weave politics into her music. She’s also a huge proponent of people of Africa and the African diaspora remaining connected to their heritage. Check out her videos for Bunga Bunga and Orangutan, both of which are responses to Italy’s racial controversies.
Signature Look: Often wrapped in exotic turbans of eccentric designs the Italian songstress embodies royal afro-centricity simultaneously accentuating her strong features. Bottom line, we adore her look just as much as we adore her audacity.
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