There is an overwhelming eloquence Adanna Madueke possesses, most especially the way she speaks about the virtues and vices of the natural hair movement; it’s seemingly calming. And as she speaks, making quick jokes intermittently, the panel room bursts into a subtle laughter. For the filmmaker, content creator and natural hair advocate, it feels like a dream, and it’s easy to understand why when she tells Guzangs her starting out story.
More than anything, she is joining the forces of the global African hair movement and her newest documentary Our African Hairitage addresses the authenticity of African hair, spotlighting historical hair moments and traditional hair practices.”I wanted to create a moment of self appreciation, that we as a community of black people understand the meaning behind our hairstyles, more than the aesthetic of them.” Adanna told Guzangs. “It’s easy when you know where certain things come from, you’re going to wear them with confidence, and you’re also going to tell the world to accept you for who you are. You can’t be telling the world to accept you for something you’re not confident about. So building confidence from the grassroots is the key.“
The documentary, a five-episode journey filmed across Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya, explores themes of empowerment, resilience, and legacy within Africa and the diaspora. It took nearly 24 months to create and features intimate storytelling, interviews, and stunning visuals rooted in the traditions of these three countries. Most notably, it highlights the sculptural forms of hairstyles that have endured for centuries, passed down through generations, showcasing the artistry and history behind iconic styles like Senegalese twists, Fulani braids, and cornrows.
But the documentary isn’t just a means to showcase different beautiful hairstyles, it offers well-crafted dialogues educating audiences on the misconceptions and perceptions of natural hair in modern times, citing the trans-atlantic slavery as a tool for these misconceptions and also the harmful media and societal portrayals of natural hair that has affected black people in modern times. For Adanna, the process certainly taught her a few lessons. “It just made me realise that in as much as we are Africans, we have our unique cultures and we’re very diverse. We have a lot of similarities as well that makes us Africans. It’s just beautiful to witness,” she said. “I feel like the way we see hair across different countries in Africa is very different. I always give the example, like if you go to places like Ethiopia or Somalia, wearing wigs there feels like you don’t love your hair. But in most West African countries, we are wearing wigs. I have nothing against it because we actually still have our rich history tied to us Africans. But you just see the different relationships with different hairstyles and hair overall across the continent.”
Our African Hairitage documentary came alongside a show-stopping premiere and it was quite a delightful one featuring countless Nigerian celebrities, content creators and stars, all in elegant clothes and very eccentric hairstyles. Adanna herself wore a bespoke Ugo Monye three-piece and a round-woven hairstyle. The premiere included a fashion showcase, panels and other eventful moments.
With the eight years behind her now, Adanna Madueke finds this journey of hers very fulfilling and there is an optimism for more. “It feels fulfilling. I’ve tried to hold myself to this day. I don’t know, the tears just came out on stage. I was like, oh my God. It feels great seeing everyone with these amazing hairstyles. It shows that we are doing amazing work.” she said.
