Uso (meaning face in Swahili) is a video-based work that honours the unspoken ritual of “the Black nod”—a subtle yet powerful gesture of recognition exchanged between Black individuals in spaces where they are few. Often expressed through a slight smile, raised eyebrows, or a simple nod, it carries the message: I see you. I see myself in you. I’m glad you’re here. Take care.

In this piece, the artist celebrates this fleeting but profound moment of kinship, reflecting on its emotional weight as part of the African diaspora. The work interweaves the artist’s face with those of 14 African women, each representing one of the continent’s many tribes. Through these mirrored visages, the piece becomes an ode to shared identity, ancestral connection, and the quiet solidarity that transcends borders.

The ‘In the Name of Africanness’ collection delves into the artist's ongoing reflection on her African identity, shaped by her roots in Kenya and her current experience in Germany. Through these works, the artist interrogates the complexities of what it means to be "African enough," exploring the nuances of cultural belonging and the multifaceted nature of Africanness. With each piece, she questions: What defines her connection to Kenya? What elements shape her understanding of being African? The collection invites viewers to contemplate the intricate layers of identity and the fluid boundaries that frame what it means to truly belong.