“DJs dictate the vibes of the room.” – Mercedes Benson

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And she’s not wrong. The soundtrack of any event is arguably the most crucial and delicate element to perfect. It is the difference between a room of reluctant two-steps and one pulsing with momentum, tension and the shimmer of sweat. When she first started going clubbing in Shoreditch, Benson had a palpable connection to this energy and “really wanted to be a part of it.” Working in events at the time, and constantly seeking talent to take on this precious, sacred role of vibe-setter, Benson decided who better to trust than herself. If you want something done well, do it yourself, no? She credits having “a lot of OGs in the game to pass on their knowledge and push me forward” while teaching herself to mix, and this ethos has stuck with her as her career continues to reach new heights of success.

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Describing herself as “Your Girl’s Favourite DJ”, Benson addresses what is an undeniably male-dominated space to say that not only is she here to stay, but the night doesn’t stop here. “I don’t believe that you can prepare yourself for a set. It’s all about the people. The first thing I’m asking myself is, what music or what vibe is going to make these people dance? So no matter how much I prepare myself, whatever’s going to meet me in that room is what I’m going to have to adapt to.”

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“The first thing I’m asking myself is what music, or what vibe, is going to make these people dance?”

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Between sets at Glastonbury and Cannes Film Festival, Benson runs SOCIAL FIXT, where she is becoming the change she wants to see in her industry. Only 11% of creative roles are occupied by talent from BAME backgrounds, and having carved her own path in a creative career, Benson wants to bring as many collaborators with her as she can. “While I’m working in the industry, I want to bridge the gap and be the plug for young talent in the industry who’s coming from backgrounds where nobody at home’s talking about it. I wanted SOCIAL FIXT to be the big brother, big sister that people need in the creative industry.” By platforming job opportunities, resources and events, SOCIAL FIXT works to uplift new voices and close the employment gap for Black talent in the creative industry.

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“I’m not just about myself, I’m about how I can make other people feel good as well.”

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“I’m not just about myself, I’m about how I can make other people feel good as well.” At the crux of her work, Benson is driven by a simple question: “What would make my younger self happy?” With a pivotal year ahead, in both her career and personal life, she’s getting business in order. Building on the new heights of her success, Benson is looking to take her sets global and maximise the impact of SOCIAL FIXT. At 14STROKE16, we can’t imagine her younger self is anything other than proud of everything she’s built, and as excited as we are to see everything that she’s going on to elevate. It’s Mercedes Benson’s world, and we’re just happy to be living in it.

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If you know anything about good times and even better tunes, you’ve probably already heard the name Mercedes Benson. Open Format DJ and Founder of @socialfixt, Benson has been outside for a minute and is busy building an empire of vibes. Upon meeting her, you’d be tempted to believe that her rise was inevitable. With her charisma and creative instincts creating the perfect storm for an industry change-maker, Benson is a grounding presence on set. And this is unsurprising given her line of work, as Benson tells us, “DJs dictate the vibes of the room.”

MERCEDES BENSON: BEDROOM DJ TO BUSINESS ICON

“My parents being Yoruba has moulded my taste, from going to hall parties when I was younger, listening to old school afrobeats, that was where my love for music came from”

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Before stepping onto the stage, 00ab’s first creative outlet was writing. He started a blog called 'Abolaji's Convo' exploring social commentary, where his love for words and storytelling began. That curiosity for how culture moves through people never left him, it just simply shifted form. Growing up, his parents’ soundtracks of fuji, Yoruba rhythms, and Channel AKA gave him a wide palette to pull from. It’s the kind of musical framework that still finds its way into his sessions today, whether he’s building an amapiano rhythm or leaning into the afro-house sound.

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“Having traditional African parents, and wanting to pursue a creative career, is very difficult…I don’t even think they know what All Points East is, and I performed there yesterday…I’m just doing the work right now, and It’ll all make sense in the end”

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Though, his creative journey hasn’t been without tension. Like many children of African parents, 00ab felt the pressure of expectations, the push toward traditional career paths, the lack of understanding around underground music, and the need to constantly prove himself. Even when he performed at All Points East, one of London’s major festivals, the significance was lost at home. Rather than discouraging him, this resistance became fuel, a reminder that his vision would take time to be understood, but that it is still worth pursuing.

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“5 years on…I’ve written so much music, failed so many times, but I’m a lot more cemented as an artist.”

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His resilience shines through in his latest project, the EP “ ab, we wanna party!”. Written and developed throughout the years, this record marks a pivot in his sound and persona. Playful, bold, and audacious, it’s curated to bring out joy and laughter on the dance floor. From the amapiano-insttpired tracks to the afro swing flavours, this project reflects a desire to push beyond London’s “too-cool-to-dance” culture and instead create music that feels freeing, flirty, and infectious.

For 00ab, the EP isn’t just about sound, it’s about building a world. His lyricism plays with tongue-in-cheek humour, and his merch, with slogans like “I <3 BAD GIRLS” and “Sugar Mummy Wanted” changes that personality into physical form. The project explores multiple sides of his character, tapping into a fantasy world while staying grounded in real experiences of culture, community, and nightlife.

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“My favourite part about parties is the music…and watching how people react to songs”

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Part of that comes from his habit of treating parties like research. He studies the crowd, tracks which songs spark energy, and Shazams constantly to build reference playlists. He’s just as inspired by traffic signs and street life as he is by artists like Bisa Kdei, Mfana Touchline, Zino Milly, or even Justin Bieber. Everything, from podcasts, late-night conversations in smoking areas, or carnival street parties, all become material for building his sound.

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“I want to evoke an adrenaline…I want people to sing out loud, shout, dance, and I want people to sweat...I want a real response from people.”

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For 00ab, music is about release. After years in the modelling industry, where image often overshadowed joy, his artistry gives him freedom. It’s a chance to shake off the weight of perception and lean fully into play, energy, and movement. He wants his shows to feel like sweaty block parties, a space where people shout, dance, and free themselves.

As a writer, songwriter, performer, and world-builder, 00ab is constantly merging the different strands of his life into one creative pot. He’s proud of the resilience he’s built, the team around him, and the ability to see ideas through even when they don’t land perfectly. That grit is what fuels him.

The EP “ab, we wanna party!” is just the beginning of this next chapter, one that’s playful, flirty, and unapologetically loud. For 00ab, it’s not about existing in one lane but creating his own.

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“There’s a distinct intricacy in being Black British… all of my experiences have shaped me, along with my relationship to my heritage and where I grew up… I pour on some of these references in the EP”

Born and raised in London’s cultural melting pot, 00ab grew up balancing two worlds, the energy of East London and the traditions of a Nigerian household. That in-between space of Black British, Yoruba, Newham to Clapton, became the foundation of his artistry, shaping not only how he hears music but also how he makes it.


LOCKED IN WITH 00ab - The Nigerian Thread in Black British Artistry

“Growing up in Ghana meant that I was close to the culture of dance… so I was able to bring the culture & style to London”

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Raised in Ghana, dance wasn’t something Nana learned, it was something he lived. Movement was part of the everyday: woven into celebrations, language, and identity. That early exposure to rhythm and culture became the foundation for what would later become a career in redefining how African dance was seen in London.

When Nana arrived in the UK, there was no clear path for African dancers,  no platform, no blueprint. But rather than waiting for recognition, he carved his own lane. As a self-taught dancer, he honed his craft by studying videos, mastering routines through pure instinct and repetition. With no formal training and little representation in the mainstream, Nana relied on raw talent, discipline, and vision.

Leaving university to pursue dance full-time was a risk, but one that paid off. In the absence of an existing community, Nana built his own. He became one of the first to bring Ghanaian dance culture to London in a way that felt fresh, relevant, and unapologetically authentic, setting trends rather than following them.

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They shaped the way I dance, we have flavour..which we brought to the world

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IRAY-Movement taught me to trust in myself and believe in my talent…the way we dance is special

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His time with the collective  IRAY Movement, alongside talents like J Holland, Mundo, and MB , played a major role in shaping his identity as a performer. Together, they brought a new energy to afrobeats, blending tradition with originality and carving out a distinct style that challenged expectations and changed narratives. What they created was more than choreography; it was cultural storytelling.

Nana’s journey has since brought him to stages and into rooms with some of the biggest names in music: Wizkid, NSG, Tyla, Burna Boy. But it was his work with Asake that marked a true turning point. That performance introduced Nana to the world, not just as a dancer, but as a force within the global dance community.


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Even with growing recognition, Nana’s focus remains rooted in authenticity. He speaks often about staying grounded, knowing who you are, and not getting too comfortable with popularity. For him, dance is more than movement, it’s a form of self-expression. It’s how he stays aligned, driven, and connected to a bigger vision.

Nana's journey is built on self-belief, cultural roots, and a clear creative vision. He hasn’t just kept pace with the culture, he’s been the one setting it. And this is only the beginning.


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In a city constantly reinventing itself, Nana stands out as someone who didn’t wait for space to be made — he created it. A dancer from East London with roots deeply embedded in Ghana, we sat down with him to unpack his journey into dance and it reflects a fusion of heritage and hustle that has come to define a new era of African dance in the UK. 

A1NANA - GHANA TO GLOBAL

EUGENE: Let’s imagine everyone is unfamiliar with who Filmabdi is and the work you do. In a few sentences, how would you describe yourself and your photography?

FILMABDI: My name is Filmabdi. I’m a photographer based in London, visual story teller. I document moments of celebration, community, sports, fashion. I’m really just documenting the culture in London.

EUGENE: Your 'Summer is Ours' series is known for its signature softer hues and joyful, sun-soaked moments. How did you develop this style, and what is it about capturing summer that resonates so strongly with you?

FILMABDI: 'Summer is Ours'. Sort of, the idea of it came in 2022 after lockdown. So, after lockdown, it came as a need to document what was going on, how we interacted with the world after lockdown (because we were away for 2 years), just documenting the post-lockdown world. I kind of stumbled on the style of that warmer tone by looking at old film photos from our childhood, our parents' photo albums, and I just thought, when we capture the summer this year, I had in mind what would it look like 10 years in the future. I always had that at the back of my mind while I was documenting. It's just evoking nostalgia in the people that were looking at the photos.

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EUGENE: As someone with Somali heritage living in London, how does your cultural background shape the way you approach photography, especially when working on both personal and commercial projects?

FILMABDI: I guess the biggest thing my heritage does for me is it grounds me. It makes me very humble about what I do. For me, it stresses the importance of representation as well, just making sure what I capture and what I'm capturing feels true to us, true to my background, and feels true to being a Somali in London.

EUGENE: Your Hotel Zamara series takes on a more introspective, black-and-white aesthetic. How do you approach switching between different emotional tones in projects like this and the vibrant warmth of Summer is Ours?

FILMABDI: With that, it was just the inspiration we drew it from, so ‘Hotel Zamara’ is very much is root-centred in Africa. So, I was inspired heavily by, like, African studio portraiture and a lot of traditional African studio work. The reasoning for the black and white was, ultimately, that it came at a time when people wanted to sort of live inside the photos, with a lot people saying, “I wish I could live in a Filmabdi photo,” you know, exist in these worlds that you capture. ‘Hotel Zamara’ came as a result of that, and the reason why it is in black and white is that we kind of wanted people to come for themselves, to experience the colour.

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EUGENE: You’ve worked with big names like Declan Rice, Lamine Yamal, and brands like Nike, Versus, and the Premier League. How does your approach to photography change when working with such high-profile subjects or brands?

FILMABDI: I think the core of my approach doesn’t really change. I’m still trying to capture something real, trying to still make it feel very human and authentic, so it is similar to the work that I capture in London, in the communities that I work with. Typically, yes, there’s a difference in, like, the scale and the pressure of the job, because obviously these are, like, big campaigns. But I always try to find those moments of where the subject is very human, and it feels very authentic and real. So, I would say the core of my approach doesn’t change. I’m always trying to capture something authentic and real, and feels real to the viewer. But obviously, I am not saying that I don’t feel the pressure and the expectation. I know it’s a campaign, you’ve got to deliver. I just always try to make sure it feels true to me, true to something that I will capture.

EUGENE: With collaborations spanning brands like Nike, Viper, and Crack Magazine, Viper, Versus, Recess, Dankie Sounds etc. how do you manage to preserve your artistic identity while meeting the specific needs of different brands?

FILMABDI: So, I guess it is just a need of telling a story, really. Storytelling is a huge part of my work, so if I see two people and can tell there’s a relationship there, I take it upon myself to capture that moment for them. Because ultimately, when you are with your person, you don’t feel the need to capture anything because you are lost in the moment, essentially. So, I’m just trying to tell your story. You’ll be surprised at how many stories I have captured of people that have gone on to get engaged — so it’s like I am just capturing your story and letting you have that moment, essentially. It’s just a need of documenting your story, documenting stories that I see around me. It is very much ensuring that intimacy isn’t always ‘making out’; it’s the smaller moments as well — it’s the hugs, it’s the glances, it’s the connections, holding hands. So, any way I can capture those moments for people, I would.

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EUGENE: The tone of Hotel Zamara feels different from your usual summer-inspired work, embracing a more moody and timeless feel. What do you think black-and-white photography allows you to communicate that color photography doesn’t?

FILMABDI: I guess with black and white photography, it feels more traditional. I personally feel there’s a lot more you can do in the shadows and the contrast of the colours. It allows the emotions to come through a bit more, I personally believe, anyway — because you take the colour away from it, a lot of it is driven by the emotion and what the viewer sees. I feel like it is a lot more powerful than colour photography, in a sense. That’s why, with ‘Hotel Zamara’ — because it is all (based) around visiting this fictional world, in a sense, where you feel free and you are happy — having the colour stripped away and focusing on those emotions, really honing in on what is going on, really helps.

EUGENE: You’ve captured a wide range of subjects, from athletes to musicians to brands. Is there a particular shoot or project that stands out as especially meaningful or challenging for you?

FILMABDI: I shot ‘The Sacred Souls’ in October 2023 So it’s a band i listen to and really enjoy their music and it sort of came about from just dm’ing the singer in the band and just saying “I’ve got a camera, your music has really inspired my photography is there an opportunity for me to just come and take some pictures?” And that was i think probably one of the first shows i ever shot but it was sort of off the back of just creating the opportunity for myself by reaching out and i was just prepared to deliver the images they ended up using it on their socials. It was a good feeling because the band meant a lot to me and the music inspired a lot of my work so sort of having that moment where opportunity met preparation so yeah it was beautiful

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EUGENE: Looking to the future, what new directions or projects are you most excited to explore? How do you envision your work evolving in the years to come?

FILMABDI: I think for me, I definitely want to bring the feeling and sort of all the emotions I’ve captured at events and around London into more of a studio setting — so sort of bring that feeling, that emotion, that colour into a more controlled studio setting; moving into the sports world, the fashion world, and still making it feel very much like my work. So, continuing to develop my visual language, continuing to inspire people — so, yeah, just putting great work out and hopefully documenting important moments in history as well.

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Filmabdi’s work isn’t just about capturing moments — it’s about telling stories that feel real, raw, and undeniably human. From the sun-soaked streets of London to the moody, introspective worlds of his iconic black-and-white series, his photography pulses with life. Whether he’s documenting the pulse of the city, working with global brands, or capturing intimate, everyday moments, there’s always a deeper narrative at play. In this conversation, we dive into the man behind the lens, exploring his creative process, the cultural roots that shape his vision, and how he continues to push the boundaries of his craft while staying true to what he believes in.

LOCKED IN WITH FILMABDI - Framing a Generation

Eugene - Your process starts with drawing lines, which then become sculptures. How does this simple beginning help you express your bigger ideas about creativity? How do you think your work helps push creative boundaries?

Jinil - Just as every beginning is similar in its essence, when I first delved into the world of art, the very first step I took was practicing lines on a vast sheet of paper—like a baby taking its first steps. Then, as I entered an art college specialising in metal crafts, and gradually learned more about design and art, a sense of boredom crept in. That’s when I realised that breaking free from the confines of precise perspective and clean lines felt liberating. It was in that moment that I felt my creativity expand beyond its limits.

QUESTION 1

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Eugene - The emotions you feel are important in your art, and you turn those feelings into shapes or structures. How do you think this changes the way we usually think about art? What do you want to show us about creativity through this?

Jinil - I don’t believe its vastly different from other forms of art. A painter expresses through canvas and brush, while I explore my own expression through the medium of metal craft, the discipline I’ve studied. My emotions are like the ebb and flow of the tide—sometimes calm, other times restless. And it’s in those moments of quiet or turbulence that I find my feelings emerging as lines, sculpted through the instant decisions of welding or the rhythmic strikes of a hammer.

Eugene - Turning a 2D drawing into a 3D sculpture is hard, but it also has a strong meaning. How do you see this process of 'bringing drawings to life' as a way to explore or change what creativity can be?

Jinil - Each person has their own way of expressing the creativity they carry within. For me, it was about bringing to life the doodles I’d drawn, turning them into something tangible. I wanted the drawings I created to transcend paper, to become something you could touch, something that served a simple, yet meaningful purpose.

Eugene - Wire is both natural and industrial at the same time. How does working with this material-bending, welding, shaping it - help you express things we often overlook in creativity? What does wire bring to your work about art, design, and function?

Jinil - Wire is a material that is both commonplace and inexpensive, yet remains a fundamental building block still used in countless industries. I believe the difference lies in how we choose to use it. Just as a simple stainless steel sheet may become a road sign in one place, or a sculptural piece by Anish Kapoor, or a chair by Ron Arad in another, the true value of a material is defined by the person who can reveal its captivating essence.

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Eugene - You don't focus on making your work perfect. Each piece is unique because of this. How do you think letting things be imperfect challenges the idea that creativity must be controlled or polished? How does this help bring new ideas to life?

Jinil - There are already countless beautiful designs in the world—products with perfect proportions and finishes, crafted by designers far more skilled than I. So, I envisioned my personal works to carry a sense of freedom, a certain fluidity that sets them apart. Yet, the truth is, the works I create today are, to some extent, controlled. But this control is subtle—it’s focused on the parts of the piece where human hands will directly engage, where the tactile experience becomes most intimate.

Eugene - Your work is both strong in structure and emotional in feeling. How do you balance these two parts of your work—technical and emotional? How does this balance change how we think about creativity?

Jinil - At my core, I studied metal craft, a discipline rooted in the tradition of artisans creating beautiful yet functional works for everyday life. Sometimes, I feel as though my pieces express emotion in an intense way, but when I ask my friends, they often find it less overwhelming than I imagine. There’s always a balance, they say, where practicality and function still hold sway, even in the most expressive moments. I believe that point of balance is what gives the work it’s harmony.

Eugene - As a teacher at Hongik University, you help students explore different ways of creating. How do you encourage them to go beyond traditional ideas and think outside the box? How does this fit with your bigger vision of creativity?

Jinil - In class, my focus is on helping students develop the ideas they’ve conceived and guiding them through the technical aspects of bringing those ideas to life. Their minds are younger and more creative than mine, and I’m aware that my role isn’t to overshadow that, but to offer the benefit of my broader experience. When a student’s concept risks crossing a line—taking a direction that may not work as they intend—or when they face challenges in the process, I’m there to collaborate, to think through those obstacles together, and to offer support along the way.

QUESTIONS - 5, 6, and 7

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Eugene - You choose designs that are not only beautiful but also practical. How do you choose what to make? Does the process ever surprise you in ways you didn't expect?

Jinil - I simply choose whatever I feel like creating that day. Some days I’m drawn to make a chair, other days it’s a light fixture. But once I start a piece, I tend to immerse myself in it for a week, or sometimes even a month, fully focused on bringing it to life. Lately, though, I’ve been approaching my work with a bit more caution, taking the time to consider each step more carefully.

Eugene - There’s a unique visual language in your work that feels both conceptual and tactile. How do you develop such distinct design elements, and what influences your aesthetic choices?

Jinil - I do not challenge the definition of art and design. What I do simply exists on the borders. It involves a labor-intensive, craft-centred process, offering visual delight through its outcome. It’s a piece that serves a modest function, a sculpture of sorts—not a work laden with profound meaning. I simply find joy in the act of creation itself.

Eugene - What advice would you give to emerging designers who are looking to create meaningful, innovative work in a field that’s becoming increasingly saturated with digital noise?

Jinil - If you are in an environment where you can utilize advancing digital technology, I hope you actively adopt and take the lead in applying new technologies to explore creative work. Technological advancements have brought significant changes to art and design, and I believe we are currently in a crucial transitional period.

However, if your inclination is more towards traditional craftsmanship, like myself, working with metal and focusing on handcrafting, then first and foremost, do not give up. Always observe your surroundings carefully and practice perceiving brief moments from a different perspective. Over time, you will encounter moments that inspire you, and I believe this will eventually lead you to create meaningful work.

QUESTIONS - 8, 9 and 10

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Jinil Park is a furniture designer whose creative journey is grounded in the simplicity of line and form. His work—an exploration of metal craft—transcends traditional design boundaries, blending the tactile with the emotional, the functional with the conceptual. Much like an artist starting with the most basic element, Park’s process begins with a line—an unassuming shape that evolves into complex sculptures that speak to both the practical and the expressive. In this interview, Park opens up about how his unique approach challenges the conventions of design, pushing the limits of creativity while embracing the beauty of imperfection. Through his work and teachings, he continues to inspire others to explore new dimensions of what design can be, encouraging a balance between artistic freedom and technical mastery.

IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH FURNITURE DESIGNER JINIL PARK

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For any of her followers who may be wondering, a shopping trip with Abi Masters is a bit like stepping into every ugly duckling makeover; every slow-motion strut down Beverley Hills Boulevard overladen by armfuls of boutique bags; every “My dad gave me this card for emergencies and trust me, this is an emergency” montage of noughties television come to life. Watching her eyes dart between pieces, connecting tones and textures – a world of possibilities contained in the clothes rail – it’s clear that Abi is in her element. We began our day at Poppy’s Girl, a boutique vintage stall run by one of Abi’s friends and, before we could blink, the style icon had whisked a fully coordinated outfit from the racks. A pair of brown suede micro-shorts, and an earth-toned mesh top with pink accents to match the detailing on some vintage cowboy boots: a fit to make Carrie Bradshaw herself swoon. Abi’s unique and self-assured style can be credited to her upbringing, particularly her mother, who sounds like a style icon in her own right. “She dresses how she wants, and she doesn’t really give a fuck what anyone thinks”, Abi tells us, alongside some words of wisdom that we could undoubtedly all benefit from hearing: 

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“Dress how you want, wear what you want, do what you want. Because it’s your life, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

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This lesson has certainly carried through – Abi Masters knows exactly who she is: “The minute I become predictable, it’s over.” She carries herself with surety in front of the camera and when you see her in action; so comfortable in her own skin, you can’t help but want to be too. It was surprising, then, to hear that she works through some pretty gnarly imposter syndrome. When asked how she overcomes this in the interests of her work, she points out that: “You kind of realise how insignificant you are, but that’s not necessarily a negative thing because it’s so freeing. You’re like, genuinely no one gives a shit, like, you do you!” This premise is also one of the reasons that London has become Abi’s creative hub; the anonymity of the city offering a liberating freedom to pursue individuality and creative expression. “Everyone here is sick, everyone here’s got their own style” she tells us, confessing that she loves nothing more than sitting in a coffee-shop and people-watching. Abi draws creative inspiration for her work from her surroundings in everyday life:


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“I’ll be walking into Soho and I’ll be like, ‘That’s a really cool colour!’ or, ‘I remember a top I’ve got that’s that colour at home, I haven’t styled it yet.’ Everything kind of connects.”

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Abigale Masters on Sofa

It’s clear that London is where Abi belongs, and as she breaks into the luxury fashion space, she’s made it her priority to remind the city of the luxe potential of shopping vintage. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without charity shops”, she tells us, and we hear whisperings of plans to collaborate with British charities sometime in the future. As Abi continues to promote the creative, environmental, and economic potential of sustainable fashion, we’ll be watching along every step of the way and can’t wait to see where she goes next.

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@abigalemasters is making fashion fun again. When 14stroke16 joined the influencer for a shopping trip down Portobello Market, we were greeted by a whirlwind of tulle and twill; clusters of clips, rings, and tooth gems glinting in the sun. As if the word “bisous” had got up from the pages of a dictionary and started walking around; Abi has an irresistible charm. Her look was a playful take on business-core, pairing a pinstripe shirt, waistcoat, and tie with a grey tutu, and she prides herself on her commitment to buying and wearing exclusively pre-loved clothes. Encouraging her followers to experiment the same way, she says that “shopping second-hand, you’re given this whole realm of creativity that you can’t get from going just to the high street.” Having built an ever-growing audience off her infectious personality and joyful approach to dressing, and it’s easy to see how a few TikToks documenting her charity shop and car-boot endeavours have taken Abi out of her childhood bedroom to working in the capital with some of the biggest brands out there.

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ABIGALE MASTERS - MAKING FASHION FUN AGAIN

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Having grown up in such an artistic family, maybe it is. He tells us that “there was just always music going on in my house... there was just, noise”, and with inspiration abounding from his father, aunts, and uncles alike, his path was clear: “I guess I had the pick of the litter of what direction I wanted to go into musically.” He cites the likes of Pharrell, Quincy Jones, and Max Martin as his primary influences, and was drawn to production for its multi-faceted role in the creative process; allowing him to combine his love for writing, composition, and – most importantly, creative collaboration. He tells us:

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“It’s being in service to the thing that you love. And everyone who I’ve looked at who’s super successful, they’ve always made sure there’s a humility to, you know, how they approach the game. And it always starts with, “I’m in service to this artist, I’m in service to this company, or to whatever.”

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Despite their cross-border and cross-genre variations, Kwame’s productions can each be identified by an intricate sonic tapestry – his own personal ‘Wall of Sound’, if you will. In tracks like ‘Angels in Tibet’ for Amaarae, and EXO’s ‘Cream Soda’, you can hear his delicate multi-track arrangements, rising and falling with crisp melodic tension, while maintaining their energy with contagious, driving rhythms. These features stamp his work distinctly as his, like an artist’s signature in the bottom right-hand corner, and it’s a testament to his craft that this personal touch can be found applied to such a broad breadth of genres. When we ask about his process, Kwame tells us that instead, he has processes.

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His foundation always starts with authenticity, but he allows himself “to be as open and receptive to whoever’s in the room with me.” Rather than any one personal ritual or tradition, he moulds his creative approach to the artist that he works with – “my process is more, ‘how do I connect with this human being?’” We find that this fluid creative approach also applies to the places he creates in. From London to Paris, LA, Accra, and Lagos, Kwame tells us that “the sound is still the same, but certain decisions I make around it might be different.” Always a traveller never a tourist, he looks to his hosts for “whatever’s either popping, or whatever feels good, I’ll latch on to that, and just add my sauce that way.” This adaptable approach to making music is also expressed in his personal style. Wearing a dark-wash contrast-stitch cowboy tux with oxblood leather boat shoes, Kwame tells us that his wardrobe strives “for uniqueness as much as possible” and would “rather thrift something or get something tailored. Like, with my music everything is bespoke, so my clothes also are a similar thing.” Drawn to comfort and practicality in design, he notes the influence of fashion on the music he makes:

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“Everything from how I feel in an outfit can sometimes dictate what I make. Do you know what I mean? Like, there’s times when I’ve come from the club and I know I’m looking wavy and I’m just like, “Listen, let’s just go back and make something lit.”

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Listening to him, it’s apparent that the pursuit of self-expression and authenticity permeate so many of his decisions; the potential for creative endeavour to be found around every corner. One piece of advice he’d give his younger self? “Believe in your authenticity, believe in your uniqueness. Because that is the thing that’s gonna make you successful. All the different avenues you went down to try and be things that you’re not? Great learning experience. But it’s not you, stay the same.” Or ask he originally put it: “Big man? Trust your ting.” 

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Undoubtedly something everyone could use hearing every now and then.

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It’s not every day you sit down with a legend in the making. When 14stroke16 sat down with Kwame KZ Kwei-Armah, we had the unmissable chance to be flies-on-the-wall in his North London studio. KZ is perhaps best known for his twofold nomination at last year’s Grammys under Best R&B Album for Babyface’s Girls Night Out, and Best Song Written for Visual Media with Lift Me Up from the Black Panther Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Couple those with his BAFTA under Best Original Score/ Music for the BBC’s hit mini-series Mood, and it’s clear that we’ve got a veritable virtuoso of musical storytelling on our hands. A storyteller who can spurn the spoken word cuts to something deeper, more visceral in the human condition. Relaying narrative and rousing emotion while transcending the confines of language is a feat most artists could only aspire to – and one Kwame makes look as easy as breathing.

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“the idea of getting people out of their shells and having a flowing conversation… I take pride in being able to get that out of people.”

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Building an unavoidable rapport with those around him by sheer force of personality, he understands this as something that’s always been a part of him, and credits to growing up in North London: “It’s very multicultural so I’m around a lot of people. Now I’m interviewing, there’s kind of the common ground of being from London mixed in with that.” While the role seems to come naturally to him, Rambo didn’t set out with an ambition for content creation. Like so many young people at the time, he began his creative journey in lockdown, and explains that, “I was consuming a lot of content; a lot of podcasts, a lot of interviews and, just sitting there, just watching it, enjoying it – it made me think, ‘You know what? I could do this.’” Finding himself in more and more musical environments as a result of his friend’s own creative journey, Rambo took the opportunity to use the settings and people around him;

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“started doing videos here and there, interviews for certain people, and one part after another, now I’m here.”

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Man facing the wall wearing a supreme bomber jacket.

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The unshakeable positivity of his content makes Rambo’s rise to success somewhat unsurprising, and he admits that “it’s gone well because, like, people like me. Whether it’s off camera or on camera, they like me.” Having made several appearances at London Fashion Week, Rambo tells us that he’s excited to break into new spaces: “I’m not in a rush, you know? And I really do appreciate being, like, a figure within the music industry, even if it’s still on the upcoming, like, I’m recognised for that and I still love that. But definitely, would love to venture out and be in other spaces.”
When we ask him where he sees it all going, Rambo says he hopes to maintain

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“the same thing but just bigger and better.”

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It’s difficult to imagine a world where this wouldn’t be the case. Rambo’s content is marked by a contagious optimism that the streets of London just can’t resist, and offers the internet a project in human connection that it is long over-due. In his own words, Ramboistalking is “well-versed to talk to anyone because, at the end of the day, like, everyone’s just a person.”

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Readers might know Ramboistalking for his prolific record of interviews across the UK music scene, or they might be more familiar with his high-energy, man-on-the-street content. But when 14stroke16 sat down with him on a cloudy Sunday afternoon, we weren’t greeted by the man with the mic, but by a composed type – deliberate with his words, and holding a quick, understated wit. Not nearly the loudest person in the room, Rambo explained to me, laughing, that “Ramboistalking doesn’t really talk that much. When the camera’s on, I just– not turn it on, but just, amplify it.” This shines through in his work. Whilst he provides an energised and engaging presence to his interviews, Rambo listens far more than he speaks and this could be why, regardless of whether he’s interviewing a capital-P Personality or a stranger on the street, he has a remarkable ability to set those around him at ease. He explains that he’s drawn to the interview dynamic by 