Insights Creativity, Race and Mental Health

In light of recent evidence that suggests young people's wellbeing has fallen over the past year, the discussion shines a light on what it means to use the creative process as a tool to navigate trauma.

Join musician Azekel and mental health advocate and artist Laho Musa Jebak to talk about the the relationship between race and mental health from the male perspective and its links to creative processes. Following a screening of Azekel's recent work Our Father, our contributors discuss their personal experiences as professionals in the creative industry. They share how debates around race and mental health have effected and driven their creative practices.

Azekel releases his album in a series of chapters, incrementally building on its narrative progression. Starting with Chapter One – Family, then followed by Chapter Two – Mental Health, and Chapter Three – Youth. Azekel specifically chose these three themes as he was faced with all three themes throughout the process of the album. The album itself is a compelling account of his life as a young husband and father navigating his twenties, parenthood, and his mental health in today’s society. Our Father challenges the stereotypical narrative of absentee fatherhood in the black community. Through his music, we hear Azekel grappling with the harsh responsibility of transitioning into this role, and stepping up to the plate of nurturing his children. It is the anthem for every present father who desires to help raise the next generation, and give more than what they themselves received.

Chapters is directed by The Rest.

Azekel

Azekel was born in Nigeria as Azekel Adesuyi and moved to East London with his family at the age of 3. It was here that Azekel cultivated a love for music, with an appreciation for genres such as soul, R&B, hip hop, gospel, grime and rock. Music became an outlet for him through tumultuous times in his childhood, where he navigated a challenging relationship with his father. Self-taught on the keyboard and guitar, Azekel found refuge and peace in songwriting and subsequently producing. “Our Father” is Azekel’s long-awaited debut album. The befitting title speaks to its spiritual connotations, as distinct nods are given to Azekel’s faith throughout the collection.

Laho Musa Jebak

Laho Musa Jebak is a producer and visual artist who uses different mediums to express a variety narratives. Using photography, sculpture, painting and mixed media, Laho's focuses are currently exploring the connections between creativity and mental health. Jebak plans to continue to experiment with the power of art therapy in its many forms. His art is rooted in solidifying identity, culture, race and defining masculinity for himself