E91: From Dancehall to the World with JAWARA

The Institute of Black Imagination.

Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination, where we beam in conversations with iconoclasts from the galaxy of Black genius. I am your host, Dario. Today, we're thrilled to welcome Jawara, a cutting-edge visionary in all things hair, fashion, and beauty. His work graces the pages of British Vogue, American Vogue Italian Vogue, OK, all the Vogues.., i-D Magazine, T Magazine, and W Magazine… all the lettered magazines. Not to mention the runways of Burberry, Gucci, Chanel. You understand what I’m saying.

In today’s conversation, Jawara discusses the historical challenges within the industry around the styling and care of black women's hair, how the rituals of haircare can allow us a bit of reprieve from an ever-increasing pace of life, some practical styling tips, and how hair indeed can bring you closer to God.

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. And now, a beautifully candid conversation with the maestro, Jawara.

Key Links

Sister Carol- Jamaican musical artist

Kingston, Jamaica- Capital city and chief port of Jamaica

Dancehall - genre of Jamaican popular music that originated in the late 1970s

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)- Public college in New York City with focuses on art, business, design, mass communication, and technology connected to the fashion industry.

Tyler Mitchell - American photographer, best known for his cover photo of Beyoncé for the cover of Vogue.

Micaiah Carter - American photographer/director

What to Read

Crowns: My Hair, My Soul, My Freedom: Photographs - Sandro Miller

Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America - Ayana Byrd

On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker - A'Lelia Bundles

You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain- Phoebe Robinson

What to listen to

Dread Natty Congo - Sister Carol

I Am Not My Hair - India.Arie

Black Cinderilla (Album) - Sister Carol

Don't Touch My Hair - Solange feat. Sampha

Kontrol - Maleek Berry

Who to follow

IG: JAWARA (@jawaraw)

LinkedIn: Jawara Wauchope

This conversation was recorded on December 19, 2023.

Host Dario Calmese

Producer: K.T. Thompson

Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia

Production Asst: Noa Lesche

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer: Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com

Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.