Exclusive interview with Nasra Jama
S!: Hello, Nasra, thank you so much for being with us in such a difficult period!
NJ: Hi! Thank you so much for inviting me.
S!: In you poetry you touch a lot of deep social aspects of life. What was your experience with the pandemic? Was it hard for you to stay on isolation?
NJ: There is an old saying ‘there is good in every evil’ that I will now use as a tiny consolation in this difficult, unexpected time. But believe me it has been hard dealing with this situation, and to everyone who is reading this and feeling helpless, I just want to tell you that you are not alone, and it will be better! Alot has been taken away from us due to this situation, of all the unrealised plans, be it birthdays, travels, weddings... and sadly, we cannot do anything about it. But we are not powerless. On the contrary, it is all of us together that can make the world a better place. If each of us respects the measures imposed by authorities, the situation will get better and it will pass much faster than expected.
S!: What did you learn during this time?
NJ: Staying in isolation for such a long time has been very difficult not gonna lie, especially someone like me as I am always out and about, whether be in London or travelling due to my work. But isolation has also given me so much time that I did not have much of it before and is allowed me to think and reflect on what really matters to me. Such as taking care of myself and my family is one of the things that makes me happy. During the isolation period I was able to tap into my creativity bit more , write, bake, create art in so many ways it wasn't too hard the isolation as I was keeping myself busy. However, if I didn't do many of these activities I think it would have been very challenging time for me as I am a person who is constantly busy and evolving. I’ve been thinking a lot - what is it that will come out of all this? Equality! One of the things this situation has shown me and taught me that we are all the same regardless of our religion, culture, customs, whether we are poor or rich. The virus simply does not choose. It connected us in a way, it showed me that we should all stick together. During this chaos, while many of us in a panic, it showed me the weight of humanity. It reminded me who I am. Maybe the world will finally change. We as humans are fragile by ourself . Our strength lies in being part of community.
S!: Your poem “Digital Purgatory” was selected as among thousands of others to be published in the Cambridge-Hall Poetry Journal. Were you surprised that they have chosen this poem or do you feel that this is the one that can be appealing to many people?
NJ: Ahh man, is hard one. To be honest I was surprised because it was the first proper poem that I have ever written and which I also submitted to a poetry Journal. When I wrote digital purgatory I was inspired by my lovely digital friend so I wanted to write something that was captivating, exquisite, personal and based on our beautiful unique friendship. I did not think anything much of it at the time. However, I wanted be a creative love story. Looking at now I can see why perhaps they did select it, I think it was such a unique poem. A passionate love story for a digital age where I think many readers could relate to it some way or another. I just hope the readers will be able to enjoy reading it as much I loved writing about it.
NJ: In the month since George Floyd death at the hands of the police, the world has witness some of the most engaged, passionate and determined anti-racism protests and calls-to-action in recent memory. We have seen thousands of protesters taken to the streets across the world to show solidarity with black lives matter movements and demand government actively put an end to police brutality and institutional racism. I have noticed some changes, Since Floyd’s passing, people have taken the chance to reflect on their own privilege and racial ignorance. Others have had uncomfortable but crucial conversations about performative allyship and social inequality in order to find out how to make a lasting change and hold themselves accountable for racial bias. So I can only hope that this will continue to inspire change.
S!: What is your favourite poem of yours?
NJ: Oh I can't chose one poem of mine as they all have different meanings and are very personal to me. But I think "Grenfell Massacre" and "Saphio Sexual love", and "My black skin is Gold" are some of my poetry that I have enjoyed working with and which I am proud of.
S!: What is your favourite poem in general?
NJ: Favourite poem, there have been many, and I can’t narrow it down to just one. But I love the poems of prominent Somali poet and songwriter, Mohamed Hadrawii. He is considered by many to be the greatest living Somali poet, having written many notable protest and even been linked by many to Shakespeare. My fav poem of his is "Clarity" I also love Maya Angelou. "Still I rise". I love every word embedding with mocking ,courage, Inspiring, memorable, and I bow down to the pen.
S!: Besides being a brilliant poet, you are also a talented make up artist with your works being displayed at fashion shows, in music videos and in popular magazines like Black Beauty & Hair and Sleek. What is the most exciting project you’ve been working as a make up artist?
NJ: Oh my job has allowed me to meet the most interesting, exciting people all around the world and I have worked with so many different amazing projects . However I think when I was booked to worked with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia princess for the first time was pretty dope, it was such a pretty cool experience for me and I was never told who they were until I got to their apartment so you can only imagine my excitement when I heard who they were. Hehe. Sweet memories.
S!: This is not the end of your traits! You found the time to obtain degrees in both Real Estate And Accountancy and Law. Which of those studies did you enjoy the most?
NJ: Oh I enjoy studying in general but I loved studying The British legal system because I am not from the UK and I found it to be very interesting and I enjoyed learning every aspect of it.
S!: So which profession do you plan to select as your future job?
NJ: I think I will always do art because that's something that I thoroughly enjoy doing and I am passionate about. But I am hoping to practice law some point in the future . I would love to give back to the community and be advocating for the less advantaged.
S!: You are so talented! Do you have a secret how to manage everything and stay creative?
NJ: Oh thank you so much for your kind words, well I am naturally an organised individual. I think I am bit of perfectionist to be honest and always like to stay on top of things. I always like to challenge myself when comes to creativity and find ways or things I can do differently. Of course at the moment we can’t explore our environment, visit exhibitions or exchange ideas with others in the ways we are used to doing. Therefore, the internet and social networks can offer plenty of content for inspiration. I try to take advantage from the current situation we are in to nourish my mind and educate myself and treat each day as new start. Engaging in activities that make me feel good and that puts me in the right mood to create art in my free time.
S!: What is your biggest dream right now?
NJ: My biggest dream is to take my parents and all my family members for world tour. Especially, my parents as they both have worked hard to give us comfortable lives.
S!: What is your motivational quote of the day?
NJ: My motivational quote of the day is “The harder you work for something, the greater you'll feel when you achieve it.” Always push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you.
S!: What advice would you give our readers who dream to achieve as much as you did in various spheres of life?
NJ: My advise is to any readers is to work in a profession that you enjoy most or do work you are most passionate about. And If you ever feel your in a place for a very long and your kinda stuck in life, then find ways to challenge yourself and make changes, shake up your patterns and your outlook on life. Do things that will make you feel good and happy . In all honesty all our dreams can come true as so long you have belief and is surrounded by positive, motivated minded people.
S!: Thank you so much, Nasra, for being with us today!
NJ: Thank you again for having me and it's my pleasure to be here.
Follow Nasra on her social media: LinkedIn @Nasra Jama, IG @Moksienas12
