Aicha Thérése
Spoken Word Artist / Future Creative
Aicha Thérése, Spoken Word Artist / Future Creative
Aicha Thérése is a 21-year-old, raw and authentic Spoken Word Artist from South East London. She encapsulates real-life experiences into a relatable and transparent spoken-word style, often creating mix-media poetry with art and musical influences.
Tell me about you. Who is Aicha?
I always find it hard to describe myself because I’m multi-faceted, but I would consider myself to be outgoing, and optimistic. I like to be quite logical in my approach, so I’d say I’d give good advice. I am a plant mom, profound music listener, love talking to people and I’m always down to have fun with my friends.
When did you realise that you were a creative?
Ever since I can remember I’ve been creative, whether that’s writing fictional stories, creating illustrations and front covers (and then performing them to my mother), or ripping up an old sock to sew into a new dress for my Barbie dolls. I’ve also always had a profound love of music and drama, and been part of acting clubs and choirs growing up. The craving for innovation has always been there.
How do you define your craft?
As Spoken Word. All of my work begins as a poem, which I then add layers to, performance and aesthetically based, through adding musical elements or inspiring a physical piece of art.
What drives you as a creative?
I’m driven by the experiences of others and myself, the life that we all live separately, but so in sync. I take courage in the resilience that we have as humans and finding small pieces of beauty in everything around me.
Who influences you?
I am heavily influenced by musical artists such as J Cole, Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse, and also the likes of Sophia Thakur, Rupi Kaur and The Floacist.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I enjoy the creative process of it all, the trial and error, allowing the flow to take place and hoping for the best. I enjoy performing the most, there’s a euphoria I experience that I have not found elsewhere.
How are you supported by your family?
My family is super supportive of my career and I am always massively grateful to them. My mother always made it clear that as long as I was happy, so was she. Knowing this has definitely played a part in my confidence in choosing this path.
When you think of yourself in the future, where do you see yourself going?
I see myself having a brand that encourages authenticity. I want to use my creativity in all forms – art, performance and literature. I see myself being an expressive voice for those who may struggle to do so themselves, and highlighting important issues within society in a digestible and relatable way.
How have you been spending lockdown?
My creativity has been the only thing to keep me sane, either reading, writing, drawing, painting or dancing –anything to release stagnant energy. I am also currently working on my first EP, a fusion of poetic and musical elements and some visuals to follow soon after. I’m very excited about what I’ve been cooking up and I’ve really honed in on valuable themes and topics.
Interview by: Sherry Collins
