• Africa’s biggest artistic breakthrough.
• A role in culture with the ‘Ky Concept’.
• Her TEDTALK experience.
• Advice to young creatives.
• Plans for 2024.

In an extraordinary confluence of talent, timing and world attention, one of Africa’s artistic breakthroughs, Laetitia Ky, rose to acclaim by her redefining the boundaries of creativity and self-expression. With nothing more than her own hair and a dash of wire, the visionary sculptor and activist from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, breathes life into her creations, forging astonishing sculptures that captivate the mind and soul. From the delicate grace of an umbrella to the vibrant radiance of a sunflower, from the majestic spread of wings to the unwavering power of a raised fist, Laetitia’s art speaks volumes about bodily autonomy and self-acceptance. Ky’s work transcends mere aesthetics; it serves as a powerful medium for advocating a profound message of empowerment. In her world, where the locks of her hair transform into agents of change, Laetitia Ky is the catalyst, artist, and activist, all rolled into one.

Her creative power and presence as a global culture shifter has been unique, particularly as that of a young back woman, an identity that is often sidelined if not silenced all together. Laeticia’s work has been in Vogue, Vice, BBC News, Allure, Insider, Bazaar and she has collaborated with internationally renowned designers, Marc Jacobs and Giuseppe Zanotti. She was nominated for the “Shorty Award for Instagrammer of the Year 2020”, was featured in the 2022 Venice Biennale, as part of Marco Rambaldi’s installation and then published her book “Love and Justice: A Journey of Empowerment, Activism, and Embracing Black Beauty”.

Fresh from her presentation on TED TALK, the WIRE had an exclusive interview with this fascinating artist and activist.

The WIRE: When did you decide to play a bigger role in culture and start ‘Ky Concept’?

Laeticia Ky: I went viral for the first time, and I started receiving messages from black women worldwide, saying that my art made them feel better about their hair and overall blackness. I was just doing it for fun before, but those messages made me realize the power in it, and that I could actually make a difference.

TW: How was your recent TED TALK experience?

LK: It was amazing! Overwhelming at times, but such an incredible human experience. The TED community, from the team to the audience, is filled with love. I felt safe and met some amazing people. It wasn’t my first talk, but definitely the one where I felt the most pressure! Everything went well, and I even remembered my entire speech! 😂

TW: Who inspires you the most?

LK: Oh, there are so many people. It’s hard to name them all. I get inspired by anyone who excels at what they do. It pushes me to give my best too.

TW: What are your dreams for the future of African culture?

LK: I hope we get more credit for what we bring to the world. The whole world draws inspiration from African culture in various fields, but often without being given proper credit. The more recognition we get, the more opportunities African creatives will have.

TW: Any advice for young creatives?

LK: Be themselves, always. They shouldn’t create based on what they think people will like. They need to do them, and they’ll attract the audience who resonates with their work. Even if their ideas seem weird, politically incorrect, or not good enough, they should still put them out there. The right people will find them, even if it takes time.

TW: Who’s making waves in popular culture in Africa, at home and abroad?

LK: I’m really impressed with the Nigerian music scene. They’re doing a fantastic job representing us.

TW: What do you see as the continent’s biggest challenges, in culture and beyond?

LK: It’s difficult to speak for the whole continent, but in Ivory Coast, we need more government investment in culture. There’s very little to no support here. For an Ivorian artist to be independent, especially outside of music, they have to go international because there’s no support, no help, and no funding. It’s quite depressing. I think we don’t realize how culture can be important for a country’s development. It is not even considered a real career here.

TW: Any more plans for film or TV after your role in “Night Of The Kings”?

LK: Absolutely! I’m passionate about acting. It’s something that will play a more significant role in my life later. I’ve recently been cast in a new project by the director Erige Sehiri from Tunisia, and I’m very excited about it.

TW: What are your plans for 2024?

LK: So many things! I’ll keep creating more pictures and paintings. I also want to start making music, and I’m writing a comic about an Ivorian superhero who fights crime using the power of her hair. Little African girls need more representation in the superhero world. I’m passionate about Marvel, DC, and comics, and I want them to have a hero they can relate to. It’s a project that can make a real difference.

TW: Favourite city in Africa? Favourite city abroad?

LK: My favourite city in Africa has to be ABIDJAN 😭😂. I might be a little biased, but I’m not sorry 😭😂😂. And abroad, for now, I’d say Amsterdam.

TW: What music are you into right now? Any favourite TV show?

LK: My taste in music is all over the place, from Afrobeat to sad rock, including rap, R&B, and pop. Currently, I’m hooked on Lana Del Rey’s “Art Deco.”

As for TV shows, I don’t watch many because they tend to stress me out. I feel the need to finish all the episodes the same day! 😭😂 So I avoid them and go for movies!