Hafsah Dabiri
In the run-up to Black History Month, we at Mvslim want to use our publication to platform some of the unsung individuals and legends of our generation.
With the Black Lives Matter Movement and the level of structural and institutional racism that exists across the world, we at Mvslim feel that it is important that we do our part to support Black Muslims especially and their work.
As we are launching our MVSLIM Creative platform on Instagram, I thought it only right to compile a list of 8 Creative Black Muslim women whose work is changing the landscape of not only the Muslim community but the wider media space.
Do send us your favorite artists and change-makers!
This list is not exhaustive but it is a starting place for anyone who is looking for more diverse and extremely talented creative individuals. Support their work and share this list!
This list covers Black Muslim and female talent across different creative disciplines. From filmmakers and actors to comedians and nasheed artists.
1. Sheila Nortley
Sheila Nortley is an award-winning filmmaker who has written, produced and directed several internationally renowned projects.
Her latest short film Sometimes I Feel was selected for the Oscar-qualifying PAFF festival in LA 2020. Currently, Sheila is developing her feature script, Birdsong, with BFI and Film London.
2. Hakeemah Cummings
Hakeemah Cummings owns a business called CMB which is a styling and marketing service provider, specializing exclusively in modest fashion.
She offers styling for runways, photoshoots, bridal and personal styling.
Check out her blog and website here!
3. Nadirah P
Nadirah P is a content creator and a comedian who we love on Instagram!
She brings the raw and the real topics that everyone is thinking about but never talking about. We love how she uses her comedy to tackle important topics and shine positivity onto our timelines.
Go support her youtube channel here!
4. Asha Hussien
Asha Hussien is a London based journalist, podcaster and social media editor. She currently works for The Telegraph while also being 1/3rd of the Three Pound Thirty Podcast.
On the podcast, she shares her views on some of the most important and trending topics, globally.
Check out her podcast here!
5. Hanan Buhari
Hanan Buhari is a young fine art photographer from Katsina state in northern Nigeria.
‘Having already lived many unique life experiences beyond her years, her work is often subtle, mysterious or cryptic, and addresses themes of freedom, privacy, identity, the public gaze, pride, and the unseen beauty of her Fulani heritage.’
Check out her work here!
6. Sukina Pilgrim
Sukina Pilgrim is a Spoken-Word and Hip Hop artist, Workshop Facilitator and Event Organiser. She has performed across the UK, Europe, the USA, North and South Africa with her group sharing their unique blend of conscious Hip Hop and impactful poetry to engage communities.
She is also ¼ of the Nana Collective which is a poetry and spoken word group with 3 other Black, female Muslim creatives!
7. Hameedah Salaudeen
Hameedah is a Nigerian Fashion and Lifestyle blogger based in the UK.
She brings together modest fashion and her bright and energetic personality to provide us with trendy and unique styles via her blog and social media platforms. She posts about everything from decor to parenting.
Check out her Facebook here!
8. Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Yassmin is an author and presenter who focuses on pushing for change. She authored the book ‘You Must Be Layla’ and the sequel ‘Listen, Layla’ published by Penguin.
Layla is a Sudanese 13-year-old who is ‘clever, ambitious, and funny. She’s left her comfortable Islamic school in Brisbane, Australia, and has recieved a scholarship at a private school where she is the first (and only) child to wear a Muslim headscarf.’ The books follow her journey!
Yassmin has recently announced that we may soon see Layla on screens!
Who are your favorite black, Muslim and Female creatives? Let us know in the comments below!
