excited to share the inaugural shoot for an ongoing photo series that i’ll be spearheading titled “An Ode To...” which fixates not only on creating beautiful, conceptual-based imagery, but educating viewers about iconic figures of the past and telling true stories in the process. CHIQUITA, ‘22: Oftentimes, some of the culture’s greatest contributors to some of the greatest moments are erased from them. On November 4th, 1998 a film by the name of ‘Belly’ was released to the masses. Director, Hype Williams, directed the film which went on to be a cultural phenomenon/cult classic. There was a character by the name of ‘Chiquita’ who was portrayed by dancehall mistress Paula Ouch, who was apart of the iconic dancehall posse... The Ouch Crew. Chiquita, a female assassin, was responsible for the assassination of Ox, who was portrayed by Louie Rankin because he ordered a hit on Sosa who was a close friend of Pelpa. Pelpa ordered Chiquita to seek vengeance on Ox for the death of his friend. Prior to the execution scene, I remember being about 7 y/o, watching the film for the first time and seeing this woman step from the back of a reggae house while Sister Nancy’s ‘Bam Bam’ played in the background who looked like she stood 7 feet tall, wearing leather trimmed shorts, patent-leather boots and spiked accessories w/ a holographic black lip. There was one problem—Paula was not credited for her involvement in the film. Although, she played a huge part. This is my way of commemorating such an iconic figure to not only me—But countless others. s/o 2 my incredibleeeeee team for this one. they showed up and showed out w/ me. love y’allllllllllll. 🖤 Photographer/Creative Director: Nico Kartel @nicokartel Photo Assistant/Lighting Technician: Wayn O’Hara Reid @theecurrent Model: Nyanakim Mayor @urgirlkimm at @ucmodels Stylist: Matthew Mazur @mazurbate at @opusbeauty Makeup: Andrew Colvin @andrewcolvinmakeup at @saintlukearists using @maccosmetics MUA Assistant: Rosa Suh @rosegoldrefinery Hair: Jadis Jolie @jadisjolie at @_e.d.m.a Hair Assistant: Nichole Llew @niftyllew Nails: Chantel Robinson @tellytallons Studio: @refugearts, managed by studio director Sam Black @samblvck