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Discover the outstanding profile of Selome Djengue Selome DJENGUE Profession: Wealth management advisor Country of Origin: Benin Biggest achievement: Being an Artist Favorite quote : "L’art est une connexion spirituelle entre notre soi intérieur et le monde autour de nous " (EN: Art is a spiritual connection between our inner self and the world around us.) Best talent: art My Outstanding Story En Français In English Mon inspiration artistique, culturelle et spirituelle… Sèlomè est une artiste peintre béninoise, passionnée par l’art spirituel et mystique, mais aussi par la communauté africaine, son histoire, ses richesses et ses traditions. Selome signifie en langue « fon » : « dans les mains de Dieu » ou « dans les mains du destin », une inspiration tirée du prénom de l’artiste qui la guide dans ses créations . Orì, signifiant « tête » ou « esprit » en yoruba, reflète sa quête de connexion entre l’humain et le divin. Sèlomè_orì, c’est aussi un clin d’œil au diminutif "Mori", du second prénom « Mauricette » de l’artiste. Enfin, la résonance de ce nom d’artiste rappelle également les cauris, dont la créatrice est passionnée et qui font partie intégrante de la culture et de la spiritualité africaines. À travers ses créations, Sèlomè célèbre la richesse de la culture africaine, invitant chacun à explorer la profondeur de son être et l’art qui résonne au plus profond de soi . À propos de moi Née en 1997 à Cotonou (Bénin), je suis ce que l’on pourrait appeler une artiste autodidacte pluridisciplinaire. Actuellement conseillère en gestion de patrimoine, je suis titulaire d’un Master 2 en gestion du patrimoine et marchés immobiliers, d’un Master en droit des affaires et fiscalité ainsi que d’un second Master en droit notarial et gestion du patrimoine. Je vis et travaille entre la France, le Bénin et le Sénégal. Ce que l’art signifie pour moi… L'art fait partie de ma vie depuis mon plus jeune âge. Une passion que je nourris à travers des expositions, des ateliers d’artistes et en devenant modèle photo pour certains photographes béninois. Le véritable déclic survient lors du confinement lié à la pandémie de la COVID-19, en 2020. Sous le pseudonyme de « la béninoise aux pinceaux », j’essaye de reproduire sur mon propre visage du maquillage vu sur les réseaux sociaux . Le succès est immédiat, ce qui me vaudra d'être interviewée trois fois par l'ORTB, l'une des chaînes nationales du Bénin. Un an plus tard, je décide de passer à l’étape supérieure en exprimant mon art sur toile. M a démarche artistique est centrée sur la condition humaine à travers des portraits d’hommes, de femmes, d’enfants, de divinités et de situations de la vie quotidienne qui sont relatives aux mœurs, à la culture, à l’Afrique et à sa civilisation . Je donne également un caractère thérapeutique à mes œuvres abstraites, car comme je le dis, l’art a été pour moi une thérapie face aux épreuves de la vie. Une invitation donc à une thérapie alternative. Des défis au cours de mon parcours... je les ai surmontés! Le 21 novembre 2021, un accident de voiture a affecté de façon permanente mon œil gauche. J’ai perdu mon cristallin, développé une cataracte, ma vision a diminué à 1/10 dans cet œil et j’ai subi cinq opérations en deux ans. Cela m’a confortée dans ma décision d’abandonner le body painting, une décision que j'avais déjà envisagée en raison des contraintes liées à l’acquisition des peintures corporelles et du temps nécessaire pour réaliser chaque œuvre sur mon corps. Au-delà de l’impact intérieur sur mon œil, puisque je ne vois plus bien de ce côté-là, l’aspect physique a également été altéré, car on peut nettement observer une différence entre mes deux yeux. Ma paupière est rétrécie et je ne peux plus me maquiller de la même manière sur cet œil, notamment avec des fards à paupières chargés et colorés, comme je le faisais avant. Je dois également éviter d'appliquer de la peinture par mesure de précaution sanitaire. J’ai donc décidé de me consacrer entièrement à la peinture sur toile et d'embrasser pleinement mon rôle d'artiste plasticienne. Cet événement tragique a renforcé ma détermination dans tous les domaines, et pas seulement sur le plan artistique, car je suis une véritable survivante . Même si cette blessure est permanente, je considère que la vie m’a donné une seconde chance de faire mes preuves dans tous les aspects de mon existence. J’ai transformé cette épreuve en une force pour mieux vivre et surtout profiter de la vie. L’art me permet de me libérer et de laisser s’exprimer mon moi intérieur, car mon âme, elle, n’a pas été blessée. Bien au contraire. Un message à la Diaspora: TOUT EST ÉCRIT... Tout est écrit . Je ne sais pas si c’est mon prénom qui influence ma façon de penser ou si ce sont les événements de la vie qui m’ont façonnée, mais tout ce que je peux dire, c’est que tout est écrit et que le destin est bien tracé. Je ne fais pas partie de ceux qui motivent les autres, car moi-même je traverse souvent des phases de doute, où j’ai le syndrome de l’imposteur, où je ne crois pas en l’avenir, etc. Je n’ai donc pas de citation ou de phrase motivante à proprement parler. Mais ce que je peux dire, c’est que tout est écrit : ce qui doit arriver arrivera, et il ne sert à rien de s’inquiéter pour l’avenir, car on ne peut pas tout contrôler. Faites simplement ce que vous avez à faire au moment présent . My artistic, cultural, and spiritual inspiration... Sèlomè is a Beninese painter passionate about spiritual and mystical art, as well as the African community, its history, wealth, and traditions. "Selome" means "in the hands of God" or "in the hands of destiny" in the Fon language, an inspiration drawn from the artist's name, which guides her creations . "Orì," meaning "head" or "spirit" in Yoruba, reflects her quest for a connection between the human and the divine. Sèlomè_orì is also a nod to the nickname "Mori," derived from the artist's second name, Mauricette. Finally, the resonance of this artist name also recalls cowries, for which the creator has a passion and which are an integral part of African culture and spirituality. Through her creations, Sèlomè celebrates the richness of African culture, inviting everyone to explore the depths of their being and the art that speaks to the soul . Some personal facts Born in 1997 in Cotonou (Benin), I am what one might call a self-taught multidisciplinary artist. Currently working as a wealth management advisor, I hold a Master's degree in wealth management and real estate markets, a Master's in business law and taxation, and a second Master's in notarial law and wealth management. I live and work between France, Benin, and Senegal. What "art" means to me... Art has been part of my life since I was young. It’s a passion I have nurtured through exhibitions, artist workshops, and by modeling for Beninese photographers. The real turning point came during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Under the pseudonym "the Beninese with brushes," I attempted to recreate makeup looks I had seen on social media on my own face . The response was immediate, which earned me three interviews on ORTB, one of Benin's national TV channels. A year later, I decided to take things to the next level by expressing my art on canvas. My artistic approach focuses on the human condition through portraits of men, women, children, deities, and everyday life situations related to African customs, culture, and civilization . I also give a therapeutic dimension to my abstract works, as I often say, art was like therapy for me when life hit hard. Thus, it’s an invitation to an alternative form of therapy. Challenges in my journey... I have overcome them! On November 21st a car accident permanently affected my left eye. I lost my lens, developed a cataract, and my vision in that eye dropped to 1/10. I’ve had five surgeries in two years. This incident solidified my decision to give up body painting, a choice I had already been considering due to the challenges in acquiring body paints and the time required for each piece on my body. Beyond the internal damage to my eye, which significantly reduced my vision on that side, the physical appearance has also been affected. You can clearly see a difference between my two eyes if you take a closer look. My eyelid has shrunk, and I can no longer apply makeup as I used to. I can't use heavy and colorful eyeshadows like before, nor can I use paint on that area for health reasons. So, I decided to fully dedicate myself to painting on canvas and embrace my role as a visual artist. This tragic event also reinforced my determination in every aspect of my life, not just artistically. I am a survivor, and even though this injury is permanent, I see it as a second chance from life to prove myself in every field . I’ve taken this challenge as a source of strength to do better and, most importantly, to fully embrace life. Art allows me to release my inner self and express my soul, which, despite everything, has remained intact—if not even stronger . A message to the Diaspora: EVERYTHING IS WRITTEN... Everything is written . I don’t know if it’s my name that influences my way of thinking or if it’s the events that have shaped my life, but all I can say is that everything is written, and destiny is already mapped out. I’m not really the kind of person who can motivate others because I go through many phases myself where I doubt, feel like an impostor, or lose faith in the future. So, I don’t have a motivational quote or phrase to share. But what I can say is this: everything is written. What is meant to happen will happen, and there’s no point in worrying about the future because we can’t control everything. Just focus on doing what you need to do in the present moment. Saamiyart's Portfolio

Discover the outstanding profile of Zayn Yusuf Ali Zayn YUSUF ALI Profession: Creative Country of Origin: Nigeria Biggest achievement: My biggest accomplishment so far is building myself into a multi-talented creative. From mastering photography to diving into UI/UX design, I’ve turned my passions into tangible skills that set me apart. I’ve also managed to adapt to life in a new country, stay focused on my goals, and consistently push myself toward growth despite the odds. That ability to keep evolving? That’s my real win. Favorite quote : “Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.” – Bruce Lee Best talent: My creativity is my best quality—whether it’s through photography, design, or problem-solving, I know how to take an idea and turn it into something meaningful. My Outstanding Story A teaser, to start with.... Let's dig deeper... Yusuf Zayn Ali is a Nigerian-born creative with a passion for design, photography, and storytelling. Growing up in Bukuru, Nigeria, Zayn discovered an early love for creativity, blending cultural heritage with a sharp eye for detail. However, life took a challenging turn after the passing of Zayn’s mother, Kangyang Ruth Jatau, an event that deeply reshaped their outlook on life . Instead of giving in to despair, Zayn channeled their grief into growth, using it as fuel to pursue a purposeful career built on resilience and adaptability. Over the years, Zayn has honed a unique skill set that spans photography, marketing, and UI/UX design . Their work reflects a commitment to excellence, creativity, and positive impact, whether capturing moments through a lens or crafting user-centered digital experiences. Zayn’s artistic journey is one of persistence, evolution, and a desire to leave a meaningful mark. Personal Insights Zayn’s story is one of transformation . From managing housekeeping teams in Nigeria to earning recognition as a photographer and UI/UX designer, their journey highlights the ability to adapt and thrive. Zayn often reflects on the influence of their cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the rich history and resilience of their community to create work that is both functional and impactful. Personal loss has only strengthened Zayn’s resolve to approach life with empathy, always striving to create designs and stories that connect with people on a deeper level . Recognition and Awards Zayn’s contributions have been consistently recognized: • Employee of the Month (Rockland Motel, 2016) for exceptional performance. • Excellence in Customer Satisfaction (Rockland Motel, 2017) for achieving high satisfaction ratings. • Best Team Player (Tims Gems & Jewelry, 2018) for outstanding collaboration. • Outstanding Content Creator (Tims Gems & Jewelry, 2019) for engaging and creative content. Impact and Outreach Through their work, Zayn has created lasting value for various communities. As a volunteer photographer for Shiny Gloves Club NGO, Zayn used their talent to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups, helping tell stories that matter . Their journey into UI/UX design reflects a desire to solve real-world problems, such as improving accessibility and creating designs that enhance everyday life. Zayn’s commitment to using design as a tool for social good ensures their work resonates far beyond personal achievement, inspiring others in both their diaspora and broader society. My piece of advice for emerging diaspora members and creatives... To all the emerging diaspora members and creatives looking up to me, my advice is simple: Never underestimate the power of your story. No matter where you come from or the challenges you face, your voice and your perspective are unique and invaluable . Embrace your roots and let them fuel your creativity . Use your experiences, whether painful or triumphant, as the foundation for your work—because the world needs to hear and see it. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries, experiment, and evolve. The journey will not be easy, but persistence is key. There will be setbacks and moments of doubt, but each challenge is an opportunity for growth. Stay true to your vision, collaborate with others who inspire you, and always remember that your art is a reflection of who you are and where you come from. The future is yours to shape—so create boldly, live authentically, and let your work be the bridge that connects your culture to the world. How can you describe your artistic or creative discipline? I’m a multidisciplinary creative with a background in photography, design, and content creation. I first discovered my artistic side growing up in Nigeria, where I started experimenting with photography—capturing events, portraits, and everyday moments. Over time, my love for storytelling evolved, and I transitioned into UI/UX design to explore how creativity could solve real-world problems . Taking online courses and working on projects, I’ve developed a strong passion for crafting user-centered designs while staying rooted in my artistic foundation. So how does culture influence your work? My Nigerian heritage is a big part of who I am and deeply influences my work. Growing up surrounded by vibrant colors, diverse traditions, and rich storytelling, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in details and the power of community . This perspective shapes my creative process, whether it’s in photography—where I aim to capture authenticity—or in design, where I focus on creating experiences that are inclusive and meaningful. My culture has taught me resilience and resourcefulness, which drive me to create work that connects people and leaves a lasting impact. I was surrounded by creativity in all forms—whether through traditional art, music, or oral histories—and that instilled in me a love for visual storytelling. Personally, my journey through loss and resilience continues to shape my perspective. I channel these experiences into my work, aiming to create designs and photography that connect on an emotional level and reflect both cultural depth and personal growth. Any encountered challenge that influenced your journey? One of the most profound challenges I’ve faced was losing my mom in a fire. It happened back in 2015, and it’s something I still carry with me. I watched helplessly as she screamed my name, trapped in the flames, unable to do anything to save her. That moment shattered me, and the pain of that loss has stayed with me all these years. But despite the grief and the darkness that followed, I found a way to keep moving forward. I channeled my pain into my work—whether it was through photography or design—focusing on building something meaningful in her memory . It hasn’t been easy, and I still have moments where the weight of it all feels unbearable, but I’ve learned that resilience doesn’t mean forgetting the past, it means using it as a driving force to keep going. My mom’s belief in me continues to guide me, and her memory has pushed me to pursue my dreams even when it feels like the world is standing still. What about engagements with your community...? I engage with my community and contribute to cultural preservation by using my work as a platform to share stories and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard . Through my photography, I capture moments that reflect the richness of my Nigerian heritage, preserving cultural practices, traditions, and everyday life. In design, I focus on creating user-centered experiences that are inclusive and accessible, ensuring that technology serves diverse communities. I also make it a point to collaborate with organizations and initiatives that promote cultural awareness and social impact, helping to preserve traditions while pushing for a future where technology can enhance and elevate cultural expressions . My work is about building connections—whether through visual storytelling or creating digital spaces that reflect the values and diversity of my community. Any aspiration or goals, as a diaspora member? As a member of the diaspora, my goal is to collaborate with others who share a passion for preserving and showcasing our cultural heritage , while also pushing boundaries and reimagining how African culture is represented globally. Having recently moved to Europe, I see this as an opportunity to rebrand my photography and elevate it to new heights. I want to use my art to showcase the vibrancy, complexity, and beauty of African culture—highlighting its rich traditions, contemporary influences, and untold stories. Through my work, I aim to bridge the gap between Africa and the global stage, adding a unique spin to the narrative by incorporating fresh perspectives and modern influences. I’m inspired to mix traditional African aesthetics with contemporary elements, creating visual stories that resonate with both the diaspora and broader audiences. Looking forward, I see my creative journey evolving into a more collaborative and impactful space. I want to team up with fellow creatives from the African diaspora and beyond, exchanging ideas and pushing for innovation in the arts . My work will continue to evolve as I explore new ways to use photography and design as tools for cultural empowerment and storytelling. Ultimately, I want to inspire others from my community to embrace their own creative potential and celebrate our shared heritage in a way that’s both bold and authentic.

"IMMERSIVE": Diaspora Innovative narratives An exhibition event that aims to strengthen the creative contribution of diaspora through film, by highlighting the valued impact they have in shaping cultural narratives in Europe and beyond. ART FOCUS: Film MOVIE: "Dahomey" by Mati Diop SCREENING OF "DAHOMEY" by Mati Diop Mati Diop’s movie documents the return of 26 treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey to their homeland. These return falls within the recent dialogues and actions around the repatriation of ancient artefacts looted during the colonial era with the Government of Benin being among the countries that initiated the negotiations. These same items, showcased in the documentary film of Mati Diop further raises debates among students at the University of Benin. The movie Dahomey is also the winner of the Golden Bear award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2024. RELEASE & RIGHTS TRAILER An immersive exhibition of innovative narratives by creatives from the Diaspora through film Showcasing this art highlights the contribution of creatives from the diaspora to ignite discussions on important and sometimes political discussions. Watching the movie, we are immersed in the creative process of the producer, the innovative approach to give a voice to the artefacts themselves and the Beninese youths. SPONSORS OF "IMMERSIVE" Join us in acknowledging our sponsors, who make this unique experience possible. Together, we are creating an event that highlights innovation, heritage, and community. Their commitment to cultural diversity and empowerment helps us celebrate the creative contributions of the Diaspora Creatives. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Sypnosis November 2021, twenty-six royal treasures from Dahomey are about to leave Paris for repatriation to their homeland, now Benin. Along with several thousand others, these works were looted during the invasion of French colonial troops in 1892. But how to live with the return of these ancestors in a country that has had to build itself and come to terms with their absence? As the soul of the works is set free, debate rages among students at the University of Abomey Calavi.

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