Self-reflection & preservation across an unprecedented year
Stephn, photographed by Youssef Hussein.
Repression
How do we preserve our individuality? In attempts to assimilate to the world around us, we repress ourselves and discard the most integral aspects of who we are. Why do we lock ourselves inside these imaginary boxes? How do we navigate the confines of these boxes? I remember struggling to ground myself—struggling to remember who I was. Slowly, I began to look inwards to understand and embrace the qualities that differentiate me from my peers. To me, the freedom of expression is far more satisfying than the “security” of assimilation.
Appreciation
We cannot take blessings—the little things that make us smile—for granted. They’re often easy to miss and sometimes forgettable, but they should always be cherished. I make it a point to appreciate every sunray that touches my face, as there may come a time when I won’t be around to feel them anymore. In the midst of all of the loss, I am holding on to all that I have left and practicing gratitude along the way. Tomorrow is never promised.
Time
Every day, I wake up next to the love of my life wondering how much time we have left. Every day, I grapple with the concept of time. It waits for no human. It waits for no love. I often reflect upon how quickly the days flew by as we spent months exploring each other and challenging ourselves to be vulnerable. We lost track of time, but it didn’t matter. Who cares how much time passes by when I’ve spent it wrapped in the warmth of love?
Inspiration
Sometimes we have to look behind us to move forward. Inspiration is a motivation to create, catalyzed by an understanding of that which came before. As creatives, we strive to demonstrate our originality, but in doing so, we forget that we are all divinely interconnected. Our best work is fueled by the work of the generations before us who stretched boundaries and broke barriers. Instead of forcing yourself to find a road that has never been traveled before, consider using what you have gained from your experiences to finish the journey that those who came before you had started.
Alignment
When you lose focus, align yourself. Look back on your journey, and remember your calling. Though it may sometimes be daunting to walk in your purpose and embrace who you are meant to be, you must be patient with yourself. Keep in mind that you already have the formula—you already have the tool-kit. Utilize what you have in your toolkit, find a source of inspiration, and give the process some time.
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A blend of New York City, Nigeria, and Washington DC, singer-songwriter Stephn creates music that embodies a diverse array of soundscapes. Stephn kickstarted his music career in 2018, delivering his debut project Time Before Us, which he released as an EP accompanied by a visual component. Since then, Stephn has opened shows for the likes of Kari Faux, Mac Ayres and Ari Lennox on various tour stops and has released his most recent single “MORE” with a mesmerizing visualizer on YouTube.
Youssef Hussein is an Egyptian-Virginian photographer and cinematographer whose love for music, fashion and culture was deeply influenced by his hometown Norfolk. In between capturing faces and documenting moments, Youssef committed himself to creating and releasing his first photobook “We All Talk Too Much.”