UP CLOSE WITH THE CAST OF JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING

Nov 3

Nestled on the vibrant and bustling streets of Harlem, Jaja's African Hair Braiding is more than just a hair salon; it's a cultural sanctuary where stories, tradition, and identity are intricately woven together. As the enchanting story of Jaja's unfolds on the Broadway stage, we are introduced to a diverse ensemble cast that collectively carries the essence of Black womanhood and the significance of hair braiding.

Get up close and personal as we chat about the experiences, aspirations, and profound connections of the cast and crew behind the groundbreaking Broadway play that brings the magic of Jocelyn Bioh’s “Jaja's African Hair Braiding” to life.

These personal narratives highlight the deep connections that Black women have with hair and the significance of spaces like Jaja's. It's a place where memories are crafted, and traditions are carried forward.

Brittany Adebumola and Rachel Christopher: First Encounters in the Braiding Shop

Brittany and Rachel's journey into the world of braiding began at home, where loving hands and skilled fingers wove intricate patterns into their hair.

"I actually don’t remember my first experience in a braiding shop," Brittany reflects. "I do remember growing up and having my mom and my sisters braid my hair, my aunt braiding and twisting my hair." For Rachel, the experience was equally familial, as her mother and family members took turns braiding her hair. Her first visit to an African braiding salon left an indelible mark. "She was gentle, she was gentle, I cried a little!" she recalls with a smile.

Their dedication to the craft is evident as they recount the hours spent perfecting various braiding techniques. "We’ve learned how to do knotless braids, feed in braids, cornrows, box braids," Rachel shares. "We’ve been in training so when we’re on stage we’re actually braiding…" The stage becomes a canvas where their skills come to life, paying homage to the legacy of African hair braiding.

DominIque Thorne and Somi Kakoma: Characters Born from the Heart

For Dominique and Somi, describing their characters' arcs is like embarking on a thrilling adventure. Their stories aren't just roles they play; they are personal journeys woven with their own experiences.

"That's a tough one," Dominique grins, her eyes alive with excitement, "The best way to answer that is to be seated in the house. Really journey with us." It's a tease, a hint of the exciting and transformative narrative they're about to unveil.

And when asked about the impact of "Jaja's" on the tapestry of NYC theater, Somi's response brims with enthusiasm: “I hope it’s going to further open the doors. I hope we’re gonna continue to see more of ourselves.”

Jocelyn Bioh and Whitney White: A Love Letter to a Harlem’s Heart

"It was really the shop, it was really these women. The hair braiding shop is the heart of Harlem. You can't walk up and down 125th street without encountering at least a beauty supply store, a braiding shop, or even hair braiding ladies who are standing outside. You could have braids in your own hair, and they'd ask, 'Can they braid your hair?'“ Jocelyn remarks, “They are the heart of this community.”

“There was, first of all, no question in setting the play there. It was about lifting up their experience, giving voice to the often untold stories of the women who devote their lives to this craft. You may know someone in the hair industry, but have you really thought about what their story is, where they come from, and what they do? The kind of dignity it takes to stand outside, in the cold, rain, winter, and summer, asking people to support their livelihoods, trying to make ends meet for themselves and their families. That is a really incredible story to be able to unpack.”

Stepping into her Broadway directorial debut, Whitney's excitement is palpable. "My primary goal," she shares with an infectious enthusiasm, "is to do justice to their stories, to honor the resilience, dedication, and cultural significance of these women." With each word, it's evident that she is on a mission to celebrate the unsung heroes of the hair braiding world. She continues, "The hair braiding shop is not just a place to get your hair done; it's a cultural hub, a support system, and a testament to the strength of the community." Whitney's reverence for these spaces goes beyond the superficial—it's a deep understanding of their vital role in the lives of those they serve.

Her eyes light up as she adds, "Through our production, I hope to shed light on their lives and their invaluable contributions to Harlem and beyond."

Kalyne Coleman and Maechi Aharanwa: Learning the Art of Braiding

Kalyne's journey into the world of braiding is not just professional; it's deeply personal. She explains, "I play several American clients that come into the shop so I don't have to braid in the show. But I'm learning how to braid with everyone else." In her endeavor to understand the intricacies of the craft, Kalyne becomes a student of not just the art but the women behind it.

Maechi recounts a pivotal four-hour session with Our Black Tresses led by Nikiya Mathis and featuring Hair by Susy. The experience left an indelible mark on her. "I think I still have a little tingle from doing that session," she recalls, her voice laced with the memory of the intense physical demand. The pain, the effort, the precision—all were etched in that moment.

In search of answers and deeper understanding, Maechi posed a question to those who are intimately familiar with this world, including her own hair braider: "How do you get used to it? Do you get used to it?" The responses she received revealed the undeniable truth—braiding is demanding, and it doesn't come without its toll on the body.

"It doesn't come easy," they explained. Enlightening Maechi’s understanding of the experience, she realized the following, “They just get used to it because there's no way that the human body is conditioned to do something for more than 12 hours a day, every day, and not feel the effects."

Maechi's newfound perspective has transformed her admiration into profound respect for the hair braiders. "I have even more respect for hair braiders," she says with sincerity. "This work, I talked about my hand, but it's actually a full-body experience. It is a whole-body dedication." Her words resonate with an understanding that the beauty of the braids is not just in their appearance but in the lives and dedication of those who create them.

"Behind the person who does the beautiful braids is an entire life," Kalyne reflects, underlining the depth and commitment that go into each and every braid.

Nanaa Mensah and Michael Oloyede: Healing HANDS

As the cast immerses themselves in the world of African hair braiding, a tapestry of personal stories unfolds.

Michael Oloyede warmly recalls his first visit to a braiding shop with his mother, where time seemed to stretch endlessly, and Nollywood movies played in the background. "I remember being very tired," he chuckles, reflecting on the lasting memory of those early experiences. "So maybe it was a bit traumatizing, but this experience has mended that trauma."

Nanaa, too, reveals her own history of tight braids and intense discomfort. "My hair is very thick. I always came out with my head on fire, having to take Advil and unable to sleep because it was too tight," she recalls. However, as she takes on the role of a hair braider within the play, she's finding a renewed sense of empathy for these artisans, recognizing the challenges they face in achieving both precision and comfort.

In the enchanting world of 'Jaja's African Hair Braiding,' the cast not only breathes life into their characters but also embarks on a deeply personal journey. Here, shared joy and rediscovered empathy transcend the confines of the rehearsal room, becoming an integral part of the very essence of the play. "There's a certain muscle memory when it comes to joy in this room," Michael shares, his eyes aglow with the happiness that fills the space. "When you get a group of Black folks together, what's gonna happen? We're gonna have a good time." Nanaa chimes in, "It's been a great experience; everyone is incredibly professional and bringing their A-game. It makes you sit up a bit straighter."

Lachanze, Zenzi, Latasha: Personal and Cultural Significance

In the creative tapestry of 'Jaja's African Hair Braiding' on Broadway, seasoned actor and producer Lachanze, alongside Zenzi Williams and Lakisha May, brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the production. When asked about their initial thoughts upon reading the play, their responses unveiled the deeply personal connection they felt to the material.

"This is personal, this is familial, this is ritualistic," Lachanze muses. "This is something that I've experienced as a Black girl growing up in the world. I think I got my hair braided when I was probably two. You know, it started that way, sitting between someone's legs, having that communal connection. And what it has done for me and what it means to me as a Black woman to have had this be the way I beautify myself for decades. And how Black women have been beautified since the pyramids. The history and the knowledge of how deeply this is rooted in our culture is the most important reason for me that this is being brought to Broadway."

When it comes to learning how to braid, Zenzi shares, "I learned how to braid watching my grandmother. So, to come back to it in a way where I am also learning styles and also the knowledge of why we were braiding, who we were braiding for, it's giving a whole new aspect to this skill." For her, it's a profound journey of rediscovery and education.

Lakisha adds, "For me, it's fun! It's necessary to learn how to braid your own hair. To tap into that feels good." It's not just a skill but a celebration of heritage and identity that transcends generations.

In the tapestry of 'Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway,' threads of heritage, community, and empowerment are interwoven, creating a narrative that celebrates the resilience and beauty of Black women. Through laughter, tears, and the artistry of braiding, this production invites audiences to witness the human experience in its purest form.

GET TICKETS TO JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING HERE

Renee Harrison