We had the good fortune of connecting with Noble Ekuma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Noble, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I feel that there’s risk in everything you do, even walking out the door. You just have to decide which are worth taking and which aren’t. I never took decisions I made as “risks” it was just the most effective option. Another thing to, committing. That’s what the word of the year is for me, commitment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I used to play sports when I was younger, I wasn’t sure what association or league I was going to find myself in but I knew if I worked hard enough I would find my way. Around 2021, my athletic dreams faded to the intramural courts and I picked up a pen and started telling stories. I had been working with graphic design since watching my dad make slides for his sermon on PowerPoint, that’s where it started, honestly. Since then I’ve dabbled in about everything from music and film to event hosting and stand up. Sometime earlier this year I got to a point where I said “ok, you’ve tried all these things, but what do you want to do”. My “Why?” I’d say that’s been the hardest thing to figure out. For me, finding who I was in all the noise wasn’t easy but I learnt to let go and the answer I was looking for made itself known. I like to play with emotions. That’s what a good story is to me. That’s drama. I also have opinions. I grew up pretty sheltered so I didn’t get to voice them that much. I’m learning to now, and that’s been a battle in its own. I also had to come to peace with the fact that I wanted to preform, there are things u want to say that you just have to see. I want my stories to make you think differently, to consider the truths in another perspective. I also want to help others tell unique stories. The hand these stories fall under is an acronym- Dream C.R.U.W. meaning- “Dream Cus Realities Underwhelming”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Embarrassingly enough, I don’t go out too often, a bit of an introvert. I would say this, though. There’s a coffee shop I go to occasionally with friends called Doshi House. It’s a nice vibe. Right next to it is this amazing institution I didn’t learn about until maybe 2 months ago called The Project Row Houses. They have exhibitions and provide a platform like no other for upcoming young local artists of color. They also have a book store and comic store under them. Yeah, that’s where I would take someone, to Kindred Stories. It’s beautiful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a friend, Annette, she owns a leather goods brand called “Auguri” meaning “Congratulations”. The business is targeted towards the independent black woman. I like what she does mainly because of why she does it. Despite it being a leather goods brand, sales are not the end goal. She wants to empower and educate woman like her. This winter she’s planning on starting a brunch thing as a platform for community and education.

Website: https://Ohnoble.com

Instagram: Nobleekuma

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/43vVDbkeSwHSlv5rwEVFo4?si=He49Rv5JRpy6CwSWknKLRA

Image Credits
WSDM x KND – Wisdom Kaye

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