Jessica Jumanji captivated us with her “Distant Relatives” photo series on Instagram, and she’s back again to connect us to our ancestors.
In her newest series, “Same S**t, Different Day,” Jumanji compares the culture of today with that of our ancestors.
“This series is a spin-off of the 'Distant Relatives' series, which highlighted similarities in facial features of Native Africans versus black celebrities,” the artist told Blavity. “With the 'Same S**t, Different Day' series, I am focusing on cultural parallels in fashion, hair and everyday life that have stuck with us for centuries, despite our displacement from Africa. Many black Americans are unaware of the closeness of 'tribal' versus 'urban' living. Many traditional African styles are pop culture trends today.”
As she curated this series, the Memphis native noticed more than a few trends that prove we are not as disconnected from our roots as we may think. She sees similarities in “certain handshakes, dances and embraces.” Jumanji also noticed our love for being iced out and having our hair laid started a long time ago.
“One of the first things that I noticed is our lasting affinity for jewelry and other adornments. In fact, Africans were the first people to make and wear jewelry. In hip-hop culture, diamonds and gold are almost a necessity after reaching a certain status,” she said.
“Another reoccurring theme was different braiding styles and hairstyles and similarities in hair maintenance.”
Like “Distant Relatives,” “Same S**t, Different Day” has been well received. However, one comparison raised some eyebrows: a picture that features Lil Wayne’s tatted back and compared it to the scarification of a man from 1910. Some viewers thought the comparison was a reach, but Jumanji sees it differently.
“Some people weren't making the connection because it is two different things. But tattooing is a form of body modification that was inspired by scarification,” the artist told us. “Instead of knives, needles are used to mark the body. Both are intentionally done and are traditionally used to indicate family or tribal associations, status, or simply for aesthetic. Overall, it is a symbol of identity and belonging, telling a story skin deep.”
Jumanji has a reverence for black culture and wants to spread that admiration to the rest of the community. She believes acknowledging these likenesses could unite the diaspora.
“I feel an obligation to introduce more and more black people to the magic of self-discovery and learning your roots,” Jumanji said. “It really changes your perspective of your place in space and time, and your power to impact history. If we can carry on traditions without even realizing it, imagine the influence we can make with unity and awareness of our kinship.”
