Être jeune, douée et noire. 

Shainess Daoud is in no uncertain terms: A Jill of all trades. If you’ve had the opportunity to attend any of Paris’ black events over the last six months, there’s a high probability you’ve crossed paths with someone sporting a “Noir, pas black” t-shirt. This notable t-shirt, which represents a whole movement within those three simple words, is one of the products Shainess has brought to life. The apparel can be spotted all over Paris being sported by some of the top noir bloggers in the city. It’s just one of  many pieces being sold by the 24 year old founder of The Kure Project, an apparel company giving voice to a generation. 

But the African millenial is continuing to set her sights on greater things, still. Namely, the transformation of her birth home, Comoros. A volcanic archipelago off Africa’s east coast. What’s more, she’s doing this through photography. Perhaps quite fittingly, the young photographer was recently featured in African Lens Publication, an indie publication that features and celebrates photographers from the continent; and Aprés Josephine stans for her work, too.

We sent Shainess a few questions about photography, being black in France and the formation of the Kure project. Here’s Shainess in her own words.

In two sentences, tell us who you are?

I’m Shainess, 24 years old, born in Comoros. I lived in France from 2009 to 2018. I’m currently trying to figure out what kind of life I want to live in accordance with my passions, my talents and my beliefs.

Where did the idea for "Noir, pas black" come from?  

I have always been frustrated about people saying black almost apologetically. I had just launched The Kure Project, when I came across this picture of a young man sitting at a bar. The caption was simply : “ noir, pas black”.I thought to myself, “this is everything. My next T-shirt is going to be about this!”

It seems like it’s not just a phrase, but a political statement. Am I right? If so, what do you think people --including Africans Americans-- should take away from it? People should stop trying to apologize for being BLACK. People should be proud of their color, their origins, their history. That’s what makes us special. White people in France and everywhere else in the world should stop pretending race doesn’t exist, and feeling sorry for us being black as if it’s a disease. It reminds me of when people say, “Oh, you are black but you are beautiful” or “your skin is not that dark” as if they were complimenting me.

How has the response been to the Kure Project, and specifically the ‘Noir, Pas Black’ merchandise? 

A lot of  people understood the message, and felt like it was needed through this medium. I have given my brand a strong Identity. I’m very glad to know that people are proud to wear products from The Kure Project, and every message of support is always delightful to read. “Noir, pas black” is my most sold slogan and it has opened up unexpected doors.

There is a lot of commentary from black Americans about what  black is, and we have our own working definition of the black experience. So, I guess my question is: what is black to you and what is noir to you? 

If you feel black or noir then that means you are. Haha. I don’t really have an opinion on what being black/noir is. I am black because that’s what the mirror tells me. 

Are you french? The french (allegedly) tend to stray from identifying people byrace. Is this your lived experience? If so, how,and if not, why? 

I have french nationality, yes. It is true that french people tend to pretend like race doesn’t exist, at least in their vocabulary. But in their behaviour, they surely show you that you are different. They make assumptions about you because of your skin color. They think they know what kind of music you listen to, what language you speak (african, haha), and what type of food you eat. I remember one day at University, the professor talked about bananas  [as a type of food you eat], and I swear everybody looked at me with a joking eye. Stereotypes still exist about black people even though they were born and raised in France.

 In addition to the Kure Project, which introduced the "noir, pas black” t-shirt, you are an amazing photographer. Your pictures are vibrant and vivid, and I feel like they have served as an introduction to Comoros for me. How did you get into photography? Do you have any formal training? What camera do you use to shoot? Who are your influencers?

 You’ve asked a couple of questions there, Josephine! Haha. Thank you for your compliment, it’s heartfelt.  I got into photography because I was amazed by the things you could say through it. At the same time, my brother and a friend were getting into photography, and they really inspired me. I mostly use my iPhone 6sn and I own a Nikon D3100, which I barely use. [With 2000€] I would buy a Fuji camera - not sure which one exactly. I’m influenced by a lot of things and people. My main source of inspiration remains to be the places and  faces I get to encounter throughout life. 

Can you share your favorite photo? What makes it so special?

 I really don’t have a favourite photo. Really. I will share this one (attached).  It has everything I like in pictures - patterns, movement, and an unexpected moment. One of the girl turns towards my camera, probably because she suspected I was taking pictures with my phone. All of her friends are immersed in their walk and their games, but she noticed me and it’s almost like she is telling me something. Haha. Maybe I’m being dramatic.

In a follow-up question, we asked: It seems you use black and noir interchangeably. What is the difference between noir and black? (My assumption was that the it was that "black" others blackness in French because it is an English word but my impression may be wrong.)

I do not use black and noir interchangeably. I use only noir when I speak in French, and I use only black when I speak in English because I think the word black is used to apologize for the word noir, but I believe it’s not an insult to be called noir.