NUNAR

30/09/2024

NUNAR was on the scene of the 8th annual earlier this month, seeing some of our favorite artists, and discovering more. Held at Robert C. Marshall Park, the former grounds of the historic Royal Theater, and in partnership with the Black Arts District (), the festival sought to reactivate the outdoor space situated off Pennsylvania Avenue.

Aiming to aid the district’s community revitalization and anti-displacement mandate, the event was a multi-experience extravaganza suitable for all ages, showcasing live musical performances, a petting zoo, an art gallery, engaging activities, and a variety of local vendors.

Founded by Emmy Award-winning composer and musician John Tyler (), Love Groove is an outgrowth of the vibrant DIY underground music and arts scene. Thanks to growing community and sponsor support, the festival has expanded from intimate indoor venues like Motorhouse to accomplishing its second large-scale outdoor stage, providing a major platform for young artists from the DMV and beyond.

The musical lineup included a spectrum of genres and acts including Makinde (.la), Elyscia (), Moore (), AngelCONCEPCION (), Citywide Goldstarz Marching Band, , Troy Story (), nightlife (), BSA Jazz Ensemble, , Adwoa (), , , Briley Harris (), , T. Ali, , , as well as DJ Cash Liss (), DJ Huxtable (), and DJ Nico (). The event was hosted by singer Amber August ().

Our photographer Kaylin Webster was on the grounds capturing every moment.

Full gallery at the link in bio 🔗

Photography by
Text by

17/09/2024

An eclectic crowd gathered at Homme DC for EXPO DMV’s third annual one-night exhibition, EXPO 2024, on September 1st. Homme DC, a magnet for D.C.’s avant-garde art world, hosted Aton Ibe Crawley’s solo exhibition in August and Dieglo’s collection in March.

This year’s show explored the theme of online personas and aesthetics, presenting a multidisciplinary collection from BIPOC, femme, and LGBTQIA+ artists across the DMV. The exhibition featured Rikk (), Phylicia Scott (), Simone Perez-Garcia (), Jordan “HoneyDipp” Dominique (), and Simone Ruth ().

Though Homme DC’s L Street gallery may not boast an expansive space or the luxury of air conditioning, its raw, no-frills environment has become a cherished venue for avant-garde and underground art.

The event saw appearances from NUNAR editor-in-chief Damon J. Barnes and co-owner Daloren, alongside well-regarded artists and tastemakers like .midas, , , , , , and . Co-curated by National Gallery of Art assistant curator and art historian Rashieda Witter (), renowned multidisciplinary artist-activist Trap Bob (), and feminist art star , the night was a highlight for D.C.’s art scene.

Sponsored by and her firm Dead Dirt (), Kelcie Glass (), and , which provided bite-size Indian cuisine, the event also featured speeches and a champagne toast by Expo DMV founders Coco Paylor () and .

See the full story and gallery at the link in bio 🔗

Photography by
Text by

06/08/2024

In 2020, .online captured the NUNAR co-founders for our debut issue. We are wishing him a complete recovery after surviving a brain aneurysm. Let’s come together to support his road to recovery. Join us in contributing to his GoFundMe, arranged by .inc, for much needed medical expenses.

link in bio 🔗❤️‍🩹

27/06/2024

DIP GIVEAWAY 🪩⤵️

To add a little dip on your chip, we are giving away a X medium shopper bag to one lucky attendee.

For your chance to win, all you need to do is:

• Bring any print of NUNAR to the event.

OR

• Sign up to NUNAR’s email list at the event.

We will pick a winner in a random raffle draw during the event at 9:30 PM.

Get your tickets now at the link in bio 🔗
_

This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Telfar or Eastpak. No purchase is necessary to win.

Artwork by
Tickets provided by .usa

20/06/2024

Dip, our first event of the year, is next SATURDAY (6/29) ⤵️ hosted by our friends at to celebrate the DMV’s growing creative cultural presence. The DMV not playing 🤝 but we playing, ya dig?

Prints will be available. Open bar all night. Arrive camera-ready. 📹

Presenting: Dip 🪩

by NUNAR

at Playhaus 🏠

Sounds by $C0Pi3 🎧

1325 5TH STREET
UNION MARKET, D.C.
SAT, JUNE 29
7-11 PM

TICKETS $10 online, $20 at the door 🎫

KN95 masks will be available. Masking is strongly encouraged.

Attendees can enter an x bag lottery upon purchase of a NUNAR print at the event 🔐🛍️

Link in bio for tickets 🔗see you there.

Artwork by
Tickets provided by .usa
Special thanks to

16/03/2024

tells us about the 757. “Everything is poppin’ in the 757. Our creative scene is always busy and working hard at making sure there’s a lane and opportunity for people to showcase their art forms at all times. The city councils are beginning to see the impact the arts have on the community in the 757 which means more access to resources and expansion. ⁠
⁠
Virginia is well on its way to establishing a massive appeal as an arts destination.”⁠
⁠
Read the full interview at the link in bio 🔗

Photography by

15/03/2024

Mo Woods () starred in and crafted the soundtrack for the feature-length film “PHASES” in 2023, taking on a transformative journey and pushing boundaries in storytelling and self-expression. The artist from the 757 talked to NUNAR about stepping out of his comfort zone to create the film, which involved playing various characters with parts involving switched gender roles, physical challenges like running a full sprint, and intense emotional scenes. ⁠
⁠
“Having to reenact certain moments in past relationships that didn’t have the happiest of endings required a level of vulnerability that I underestimated. It’s one thing to put your feelings into a song, but it’s another thing to put yourself back into that exact moment and relive it. Shooting ‘PHASES’ was a constant effort to ditch my comfort zone and embrace what I typically steer away from.”⁠
⁠
Read more of our interview with Mo at the link in bio 🔗

Photography by

07/02/2024

Imagine a shy and quiet kid who somehow ends up winning “the most dramatic” in high school. Talking to , our back cover star describes finding her expressive, lighthearted personality through a poignant realization in her early years:⁠
⁠
“I literally won ‘the most dramatic’ senior year of high school. I learned how to tap into it and just be dramatic. Life is too short. I’ve seen some dark stuff so I try to cheer people up and cheer myself up.”⁠
⁠
Her narrative unfolds as a deliberate peeling back of layers, revealing not only a flair for humor and performance but a nuanced understanding that life encompasses both light and shadow. Beyond a mere catalog of achievements, her character encapsulates resilience, self-awareness, and a commitment to vibrate light in the face of darker life experiences.⁠
⁠
Miss Kam emerges not merely as a multi-talented individual but as a raw personality poised to uplift spirits and let you into her world 🌎🤲🏾✨⁠
⁠
Photography by .iimy
Text by ⁠
Story by ⁠
Fashion by .shelton⁠
⁠
Full read at the link in bio 🔗 Get your limited print copy of Issue 5 at our shop!

06/02/2024

is our back cover star for the Nu Era Issue ⭐️ ⁠
⁠
Miss Kam wears .shelton as seen in Baltimore, the city she’s been putting on since her debut album “Tew Faced” dropped in 2020. The rap artist, host, and ophthalmologist talked to NUNAR about embracing multiple passions, following in the enterprising steps of her mother, and being present as her career jumps tiers.⁠
⁠
The bodacious run she’s had since debuting two years ago led to Kam being honored alongside some of the most celebrated names in hip-hop for The Culture: Hip-Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Saint Louis Art Museum.⁠
⁠
She is one of Charm City’s best in the rap game 🏆 and she’s just getting started.⁠
⁠
Full read at the link in bio 🔗 Get your print at our shop! 🛒

Text by
Story by
Fashion .shelton

05/02/2024

Delving into the profound influence of her late father, Kwame Ansah-Brew, a revered arts professor and musical artist, Adwoa speaks on carrying forward her father’s legacy.⁠
⁠
“[W]atching him perform, create, and teach was when I had some of my first introductions to music and its impact. I used to assist my father during his performances, whether I was there passing out flyers, playing the drums, flute, or African bell. It was always an amazing experience to see the ultimate joy on people’s faces while watching my father at work.”⁠
⁠
Full read at the link in bio 🔗

05/02/2024

is our fifth cover star for the Nu Era Issue ⭐️

A near-death experience in 2022 catalyzed a transformative shift in vulnerability and musical themes for Adwoa, as explored in the poignant album “My Testimony”, a personal reflection on healing, vulnerability, and resilience. She opens up about her personal artistic journey and more in the full read at the link in bio.

Get a copy of a limited Issue 5 print in our shop! 🛒

02/02/2024

Youth activists who are joining Palestinian-led organizations like and Jewish-led groups like have mobilized near daily disruptions across the DMV. These scenes surrounding the White House from October 16th mark the start of regular disruptive actions in the DMV area to protest business as usual in the federal heart of the country.

Globally, Gen Z and Millennials have been over-represented in the support for the Palestinian cause, signaling a departure from traditional power structures. The impactful involvement of Generation Z in this movement lies in their unique ability to harness the power of social media and digital platforms. With a proficiency in online activism, they amplify their voices, mobilize support, and foster global awareness, creating a virtual ripple effect that extends far beyond physical protest locations.

The visual storytelling captured by Wallace becomes a crucial element in this digital dialogue, allowing Gen Z activists to communicate their message globally.

Photography by
Text by

02/02/2024

The ongoing Israel/U.S.-backed genocide in Gaza, coupled with the Palestinians’ armed resistance against Israel’s occupation forces in the Gaza Strip, has given rise to a new era of solidarity and heightened awareness for the Palestinian cause and other causes alike– freeing the DRC, Sudan, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Tigray, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Armenia, Hawai’i, and Turtle Island– igniting historic protests across the globe against genocide, apartheid, and Western hegemony itself.

Wallace captures visual rebukes of the injustice faced by not just Palestinians but others globally, providing a commentary that both deploys and transcends words.

Photography by
Text

02/02/2024

NUNAR honors the global movement for Palestinian liberation for our fourth cover 🍉

Camille Wallace’s photo series, captured on the streets of Washington, D.C., stirringly portrays the protests that unfolded on October 16 and October 20, 2023, just days into the ongoing 100+ day Israeli siege on Gaza. Led by Palestinian and Jewish activists, these disruptive mobilizations echo powerful chants of “not in our name” and “from the river to the sea.”

The photo essay goes beyond capturing the scenes of protest; it encapsulates the essence of a global movement. Wallace’s lens extends its focus to include diverse placards and banners, echoing the sentiments not only for the liberation of Palestine but also for freedom from Western oppression in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Tigray, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Armenia, Hawai’i, and Turtle Island a.k.a. the United States.

The images vividly capture the palpable energy and fervor of the protests, reflecting the diverse voices that have converged in the heart of the U.S. empire to stand in solidarity against injustice. In this visual narrative, NUNAR pays homage to The Nu Era of global solidarity, where movements for justice intertwine, transcending geographic boundaries and uniting individuals in a collective pursuit of freedom and equality.

Photography by
Text by

Get your print at the link in bio 🛒

01/02/2024

Blaxian’s hair journey serves as a symbolic and personal transformation, reflecting his evolution as an artist and an individual. In 2022, he made the bold decision to undergo a “big chop,” describing it as a “beautiful beginning.” This significant change wasn’t just about altering his appearance but represented a profound shift in his self-perception and journey towards self-discovery.⁠
⁠
“Everything I do is always a step to the next thing and me cutting my hair, changing my look, style, it showed me that I’m always evolving every single day!”⁠
⁠
Describing his pre-chop self as a “kid tryna find himself,” Blaxian’s hair journey is a relatable tale of self-exploration, marked by a literal and metaphorical shedding of old layers. The big chop served as a catalyst for self-realization, a reminder that sometimes a change in appearance can be a powerful step toward understanding and accepting oneself.⁠
⁠
Get your copy of the Nu Era Issue at the link in bio 🛒

01/02/2024

’s connection to the King of Pop runs deep, rooted in a childhood defined by influential soul artists.⁠
⁠
“I s #!+ you not, I’ve been listening to Michael since I was an infant. My father played me a lot of Michael alongside other black, amazing soul artists like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Rick James, Prince, ETC. I’ve always listened to R&B/Soul, Pop music growing up. I ain’t start listening to Rap until middle school.”⁠
⁠
In the face of acclaim and expectations, Blaxian’s commitment to authenticity shines through. By embracing the comparison to Michael Jackson as a compliment rather than a burden, he fosters a creative environment that transcends conventional boundaries.

His approach reflects not just an artist navigating the industry but an individual grounded in a profound and genuine love for the transformative power of music.⁠
⁠
“I be feeling like it’s programmed in me. And of course, with a lot of practice and time, I’ve become really great at what I do.”⁠

Photographed by
Text by
Production Manager .clix
Styling by Blaxian
⁠
Get your copy of the Nu Era Issue at the link in bio 🛒

01/02/2024

is our third cover star of the Nu Era Issue ⭐️⁠
⁠
In just a couple years time, the singer, songwriter, and producer has already been able to rack up nearly forty thousand monthly listeners on Spotify to go along with high praise from a list of well-respected music discovery outlets—most notably being deemed by DMV Crank as DC’s version of Michael Jackson. But to the DC native, being like Mike isn’t all about just singing and dancing. Recently, NUNAR had a chance to speak with Blaxian about his experiences building community within the DMV creative scene and what it means to him to put on for his city.⁠
⁠
Get your copy of Issue 5 at the link in bio 🛒

Photographer
Text by
Production Manager .clix
Styling by Blaxian

31/01/2024

Letter #5 from ✉️

It was upon attending my first 20NVR show at the Village Cafe in late 2020 that I finally located the DMV local music and arts ecosystem. The distinct underground allure made my heart beat fast and my mind expand. Reflecting on the growth of our magazine in parallel to the escalation of arts activity across the region reveals an emergent presence, participation, and application of the arts that is creating a whole new environment for people looking to exist as an artist. The longer I tarried sites of shows, exhibitions, festivals, the more I witnessed a youthful scene elevating to and mingling with large-scale arts institutions, established artists, and showbiz celebrities. In tandem, a boundary-crossing ethos prevailed artistic activations and content avowedly for ‘the DMV’, and even more for the outside world.

A bell has rung and the DMV is waking up to announce and demand it’s viability for artists. At NUNAR, our purpose is driven by advocacy for artists and stimulating arts activity. Through the magazine, we help artists expand their portfolio and public profile by providing a media platform and press that is accessible to new artists. DMV artists shouldn’t have to uproot themselves to New York or Los Angeles to pursue a viable career in the arts. This is changing for the better.

Issue 5 of NUNAR will mark three years of NUNAR magazine in a big way. The number three is significant for its divine relation to unity, transformational stages, and creation. As we meet our fifth issue, NUNAR is returning after months of rest, restructuring, and refocusing to present an issue that captures a span of formative artistic activity in the DMV urban cultural landscape earmarking NUNAR’s arrival. We call it the Nu Era.

17/10/2023

03/10/2023

"There's really no right or wrong answer when you're creating art. So that's what people, I think a lot of people get hung up on. They have to do something the right way in order for it to look good or sound good, or for people to receive it," says when reflecting on his approach to creating art.⁠
⁠
"Well, that's not really the case. I mean, honestly, I'm a self-taught engineer, self-taught producer, self-taught writer, self-taught recording artist, and a lot of people don't understand. Recording is a skill as well,"⁠
⁠
"It can only come from loving the creative process and loving just every aspect of creating. And I think as an artist, you should have that if you want to succeed. But a lot of people think about creating in the wrong way."⁠
⁠
Read more of his conversation with at the link in bio 🔗⁠
⁠
Pre-order your copy now at nunar.myshopify.com 🛒⁠
⁠
[The Nu Era Issue No. 5, OCT 2023]⁠⁠⁠⁠
Photography by .kev⁠
Interview by

03/10/2023

When NUNAR cover star first began producing and recording music, it took years for him to believe he could be great. As he battled his inner critic, he located a deep appreciation for the artistic process and a determination to continuously learn and improve his craft. ⁠
⁠
Motivated by musical inspirations including Mac Miller, Frank Ocean, and Juice Wrld, as well as the wisdom of Rick Rubin, Daloren not only produced, wrote, and recorded his latest album, "Dreaming in Disturbia", but he has crafted a significant milestone in his artistic career. ⁠
⁠
The album showcases his growth, skill, and ⁠ability to beautifully evolve a creative idea into something that, ultimately, he can proudly listen to in rotation alongside his favorite artists.⁠
⁠
"This project definitely is what made me realize I actually can be the artist I set out to be."⁠
⁠
Read the full story at the link in bio 🔗⁠
⁠
Pre-order your copy now at nunar.myshopify.com 🛒⁠
⁠
[The Nu Era Issue No. 5, OCT 2023]⁠⁠⁠⁠
Photography by .kev⁠
Interview by ⁠
Text by

03/10/2023

stars on the cover of The Nu Era Issue! 💫
⁠
The music artist and co-founder at , our parent company, talks to his twin and NUNAR editor-in-chief about the creative process behind his latest alternative hip-hop/rap album "Dreaming in Disturbia". The brothers also reflect on their unique creative journey, emphasizing the importance of nurturing creativity and letting it flow naturally. The feature sees him photographed by .kev.⁠
⁠
Read the full story at the link in bio 🔗⁠
⁠
Pre-order your copy now at nunar.myshopify.com 🛒⁠
⁠
[The Nu Era Issue No. 5, OCT 2023]⁠⁠⁠⁠
Photographed by .kev⁠
Interview by

02/10/2023

In conversation with editor-in-chief , the NUNAR cover star revealed stories behind her album collaborations with and more. ⁠
⁠
"I worked with everybody on this project in person. Wow. And that really means a lot to me. I love to work in person. So it was really nice."⁠
⁠
She also got candid about having strange or unusual experiences, meetings, and timings during the making of the album.⁠
⁠
"I have weird, odd experiences all the freaking time. Everything is just so spiritual. I just feel like everything sometimes feels like it was already written... I experienced a lot of those moments meeting people that they just don't, they don't feel human. I don't know."⁠
⁠
Read the full story at the link in bio 🔗⁠
⁠
Pre-order your copy now at nunar.myshopify.com 🛒⁠
⁠
[The Nu Era Issue No. 5, OCT 2023]⁠⁠⁠⁠
Photography ⁠
Editor-in-chief ⁠
Interview by ⁠
Creative Director .iimy ⁠
Stylist .galore⁠
Make-up ⁠
Set design assistance ⁠
Production assistance ⁠
Camera operators ⁠
Sound recordist ⁠
Editor

02/10/2023

stars on the cover of The Nu Era Issue! 💙⁠
⁠
The rap phenom from P.G. "Pretty Girl" County talks openly about creating her latest project, "Something Odd Is Coming," revealing the miraculous experiences that manifested the album and strengthened her spiritual perspective on life. The feature sees her photographed by Larry Lewis and styled by Cliff Adams.⁠
⁠
Read the full story at the link in bio 🔗⁠
⁠
Pre-order your copy now at nunar.myshopify.com 🛒⁠
⁠
[The Nu Era Issue No. 5, OCT 2023]⁠⁠⁠⁠
Photography ⁠
Editor-in-chief ⁠
Interview by ⁠
Creative Director .iimy ⁠
Stylist .galore⁠
Make-up ⁠
Set design assistance ⁠
Production assistance ⁠
Camera operators ⁠
Sound recordist ⁠
Editor

24/05/2021

just released her second EP “PHASES” at the beginning of April and the gurls and guys are loving it.

The EP features 11 songs, and while there are no musician features, there are cameos from some powerful sisters. Not only will you hear an interlude from women like Nikki G and Jae Nichelle, but you’ll get a sermon from our favorite, Pastor .

For Henri, this project represented all the trials and tribulations that she has gone through from 2019 through the pandemic into 2021. “I wanted to create something that told my truth that resonated with who I was and who I am as a person and what I’ve gone through. But also, I wanted this project to be the voice for Black women that was the main goal.”

Tap the link in bio for the full read. 🔗

Photographed by .hicks and .
•