An Oriki Tribute to Kahlana Barfield Brown, My Professional Troublemaker Partner
Kahlana of House Brown, first of her name. Chic consort. Red lip royalty. Serene stunner. Pusher of poshness. Ferocious fashionista. Trailblazer of trends. Slayer of supreme style. 🎨 @nicoleupdegraff
An Oriki Tribute to Beyoncé, the Greatest Entertainer Alive
Beyoncé Giselle of House Carter. First of her name. Maker of History. Snatcher of Edges. Killer of Stages. Exemplar of Excellence. Citizen of Creole Wonderland. Legendary Black Girl. Wakandan Council President. Spreader of Noir Pixie Dust. Queen. 👑👑👑 Greatest entertainer alive. We hail you. ⭐⭐⭐
An Oriki Tribute to President Barack Obama
President Barack Hussein Obama. First of his name. Swagnificence in the West Wing. He Who Speaks in Complete Sentences. Shea Butter Skinned Leader of the World. Michelle’s boo. 44 of Life. The Calm Before the 45 Storm. Today, we honor you, because you deserve. Also to piss off the Walking …
An Oriki Tribute to Issa Rae for this ESSENCE Cover
Issa Rae of House Diop. First of her name. Slayer of Content. Opener of Doors. Creator of Best Life. Producer of Dreams. We hail you and this stunning cover. You deserve all the props and your work is making so many people realize that they too can be the architects …
An Oriki Tribute to Aretha Franklin: In Memoriam
Queen Aretha of House Franklin. First of Her Name. Dame of Detroit. Empress of Elevated Sound. Reverberation Royalty. Vocal Victor. Sovereign of Soul. Aural Authority. Your job is done. Rest with the stars. ✨ And SCATTER DEM at Heaven’s next karaoke night. 🎙️🕊️🕊️
An Oriki Tribute to Oprah Winfrey
Presenting Oprah of House Winfrey. First of her name. Changer of the world. Protector of the Realm of Noirpublic. Creator of Paths. Breaker of Chains and Limits. Walker in God’s grace. Simply, Queen. Madame, we hail you. Looking like Diasporic Jollof cooked to perfection. This cover snatched my edges and …
An Oriki Tribute to Yara Shahidi, a Rising Star
Yara of House Shahidi. First of her name. Builder of Generational Bridges. Teller of Truths. Thoughtful Activist. “It” Factor Maven. Brilliant Being. Niece goals. Taker of Fierce Photos. You didn’t come to play on this cover!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 We see you, sis. And I cannot wait for what is in store for …
An Oriki Tribute to Janelle Monáe for this Rolling Stone Cover
Janelle of House Monae. First of her name. Citizen of the Future. Breaker of Chains. Walker of Tight Ropes. Sprinkler of #NoirPixieDust. Rocker of the Baddest Suits. Giver of No Intergalactic Fucks. Head Android of Wondaland. We celebrate you. You free ass motherfucker. Thank you for celebrating yourself and others …
An Oriki Tribute to Beyoncé
Beyoncé Giselle of House Knowles. First of her name. Snatcher of Edges. Killer of Stages. Citizen of Creole Wonderland. Legendary Black Girl. Queen 👑👑👑. At this point, if you disagree that Beyoncé is the greatest performer alive, there’s hateration where your heart used to be. This should be undisputed. And …
An Oriki Tribute to Lena Waithe for this Vanity Fair Cover
Queen Lena of House Waithe First of her name. Writer of brilliant stories. Teller of truth. Liver of best life. Opener of Doors. Pride maker. Changer of the game. This Vanity Fair cover got us shook in the best way and we are buying 15 copies each. You. Better. Flourish. …