It has been a joy recently to receive the results of pre-lockdown shoots and MUKENI's latest editorial in NUMERO BERLIN shot by Oscar Lindqvist particularly blew us away.

When I got the email saying I was selected for Numero Berlin shoot I was so excited as this was my first editorial with Crumb. I remember walking into Lock Studios and not really knowing what to expect, and for some reason I thought there were gonna be other models with me. It took me 45 mins to realise I was the only model for the day after asking the Make up Artist where the others were. Shooting was so fun and I learnt a lot on the day and got some amazing shots. The thing I loved most about the shoot was how I was able to incorporate my dance into modelling by using high leg extensions and deep lunges to create really abstract positions, and that plus the make up,clothes and the amazing photography by Oscar Lindqvist, the final product was exquisite and breath taking. 

As a dancer we try to convey a story through movement, and even if it's a piece of dance without a storyline we try and make the audience feel something. And with modelling the thing I didn’t realise is that you are trying to do the same thing but with less movement so its all about body language and facial expressions which as a dancer its hard to be more static and still give the audience (the reader) the same feeling. So my answer would be yes there are similarities, both different, but both also try and convey a story/emotion. In terms of what I prefer, as much as I do love modelling and the opportunities it has given me, I would have to say dance because its something that I have put my blood sweat and tears into from the age of 6 but that doesn’t mean I don’t have the same passion and love for modelling as I do for dance but with time and experience I will grow to love both of them equally. My favoutite experience from modelling would be the Vogue Video shoot, I did the other week, it was so amazing to shoot with such an amazing director and to see the playback was definitely something i‘ll remember forever. And in terms of dance, it would have to be my Opening Night in Cats The Musical, hearing the orchestra and dancing the world famous Jellicle Ball was honestly a dream come true. 

I was abandoned in Kenya when I was a baby and when I was found I was taken to hospital where I contracted an eye infection. I wasn’t treated well in the hospital and the eye infection got worse and then I went completely blind. In terms of challenges I was always really self conscious about my eye and when I was 6 I actually got a contact lens to make it match my other one, but with time and a lot of self growth I learned to love my eye and it’s what makes me who I am. I get a lot questions asking how I can dance being blind in one eye but I’ve never known anything different, the one thing I do find myself doing is always walking into things like lamp posts and shelves but I guess that’s me just being clumsy. Having my eye has had a lot of positives, it’s made me a stronger person and has given me so many opportunities, it’s also made me inspire people who may also have had something they’re ashamed of or want to change. 

In quarantine I’ve kept myself inspired by keeping up my dancing and doing different fitness classes, I’ve also been working on things I wasn’t strong at such as my singing. I also think it’s important to not put so much pressure on yourself, everyone copes in different ways and if you want to stay in bed all day and watch TV that’s fine and if you want to have a jam packed day full of activities and exercise that’s also ok. Also my friends and family are definitely keeping me inspired at the moment and are reminding me of what’s important in life and there’s no better time to spread the love and support than now.