HEY SALAM HOLA BWAKEYE

A groundbreaking audio-visual exhibition that celebrates humanity, respect and joy. Real stories. Real People.

  
At Breadwinners it is our core belief that everybody is valuable within our society; and there’s plenty of room. When we recognise our shared humanity, celebrate our differences, and come together as a community is when we are most powerful - and most happy. We believe that the stories we share matter. Fear of the unknown is often used to manipulate our world view. Borders, distance and overt cultural differences can act as barriers that are difficult to cross. But the best way to learn about something is to experience it for yourself. So come in and meet our co-creators, who share their true selves beyond the refugee headlines. Each story invites you to see what we see every day: kindness, humour, strength, and a connection within your own life - our shared humanity.

  
SHADIA

9:33

  
Shadia wears a contemporary abaya by British-Yemeni designer Kazna Asker. An abaya is a loose-fitting robe-like garment that some Muslim women wear over clothes. It represents tradition, dignity and a connection to faith. On her eyes is ithmid kohl - a black powder used for centuries in Yemen by women and men to protect their eyes from sun rays. It is believed to protect from the evil eye, as well as have antimicrobial properties - preventing eye infections. Much like the abaya, her henna (a natural dye used for celebrations) is a contemporary design; blending traditional practice with modern aesthetic.

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FAISAL

5:49

  
Faisal is adorned in the Yemeni flag. On his head he wears an authentic keffiyeh, traditionally woven in the West Bank, to stand with the people of Palestine. In Yemen he used to meditate at the river of Khor al-Mukalla. We photographed him in the River Thames which reminds him of this river back home. Moringa oil has been used in his beard which has a long history in Yemen, dating back to ancient civilizations. It’s known for its medicinal properties and it continues to be a source of livelihood for many rural Yemeni communities.

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KWIZ

7:07

  
Kwiz from the get-go said he feels more comfortable in Western clothes as that’s what he’s worn his whole life growing up in Burundi. For special occasions in the country, men might wear a Western suit with a kitenge (a colourful, cotton cloth) folded and draped over one shoulder. To pay homage to that, we did the same styling on Kwiz but with a tracksuit to bring in his love of sport and football. “That fabric.. It brought back memories I didn’t even know I was missing. Took me straight back home. It’s rare to come across things that carry that kind of feeling, especially living out here. It reminded me of my mum, how she used to wear those with such pride and grace.”

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SHANZAY

7:53

  
Shanzay was styled in a lahenga, a traditional skirt of Pakistan, but HOT PINK to match her nail spa settings. In her hair is the jasmine flower, worn as a gajra (flower garland), which are worn for celebrations such as weddings and Eid. They’re symbolic of femininity, beauty and tradition. She’s been styled in a sports top to represent her love of sport - tying in something she discovered about herself in London harmoniously with the traditionally Pakistani elements. Shanzay loves getting her nails done so we gave her some extra glamorous ones for the shoot.

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EXHIBITIONS

  
This project is a response to our 2024 Participatory Action Research (PAR) findings, where we learned that 87% of our community wanted us to use our platform to elevate voices of and for refugees. At Breadwinners we aim to be a positive space in the sector. While many vital organisations do the indispensable work of advocating on the difficult issues refugees face, we were challenged to advocate while focusing on our mission of joyful acceptance and integration.

This exhibition challenges negative narratives and offers a joyful counter-image, capturing our co-creators with the power and respect they deserve. Each subject was photographed in a London location that holds meaning for them, intertwining their home cultures and their London culture into one frame - a culmination of who they are and how they want to be seen. Aside from our co-creators, participants from our community got valuable on-set experience during the shoot itself, gaining internships and paid work in the creative industries.

The title is how you say ‘hey’ in the mother tongue of each of our co-creators who you’ll meet in the photos and stories today. So - hey, salam, hola, bwakeye; we’re so excited to embrace you into our community. And as they say in Burundi, nyumba yetu si kubwa sana, lakini karibu sana; our home isn't much, but you are welcome.

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Co-Creators

      Raina Khan, Shanzay Ahmad, Shadia Musse,

      Ahmad Kwizera, Faisal, Leen Bukhari
    
On-Set Collaborators

      Daniel Belay, Dagmawi Asefa, Salim Abbo,

      Bemnet Haileyesus, Sarah
    
      Sound Recordist Zeina Dowidar
    
      Audio Editor Chelsey Ranore
    
      Printing Praxis Limited
    
      Creative Director, Photographer, Programme Manager Josie Kyan
    
      Creative Producer Chelsea Pineda
    
      Art Director, Co-Creative Director Hannah Licia Heath
    
      Stylist Tiamani Howard-Jones
    
      Stylist Assistant Anastasia Martins
    
      Hair & Make-Up Artist Billie McKenzie
    
      Photography Assistant Idris Rhys
    
      Colourist Jack Siggers, Josie Kyan
    
      Nail Technician Nosipho Ledwaba-Chapman
    
      Graphic Designer Sofia Najera