We sat down recently with artist, model and long time friend of the brand Anisha Okpalanze. Discussing all things music, love and discovering your identity.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP ON THE SOUTH COAST?
It has definitely shaped me into who I am today. A big thing has been discovering my self-expression because it is such a small mildly narrow-minded place at times, I grew up sticking out like a sore thumb being a half African woman with a giant afro.
I just embraced my differences and I think that's a big blessing as much as it did freak me out when I was younger, i've definitely learned to take it in my stride.
HOW DID YOU FIND GROWING UP A TWIN, HAVE YOU TWO ALWAYS BEEN CLOSE?
Super close, attached to the hip! Right now is the first time we've never lived side by side, so that's been quite different but I guess that's a part of getting older.
Its beautiful, being in a place where we did stand out and were kind of alone in many aspects, having someone by your side definitely helped with that self-belief, self-worth and elevating the way you view yourself.
HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE SEPARATING YOUR OWN IDENTITY AND STYLE FROM HERS?
Being a twin is an interesting thing, it's a journey that you learn to befriend.
Initially there were moments only naturally that we found ourselves trying not to be associated as “the twins” because as much as we are alike we're so very different. Once we got to about 18 we realised that we're kind of a yin and yang situation and that's completely okay.
It's been something that we've really lent on because it does go hand in hand so beautifully.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE AND HOW HAS YOUR AESTHETIC EVOLVED OVER TIME?
I've gone through many evolutions but the 60s and 70s is my home where I find a lot of inspiration. I'm a very seasonal person so in summer I tend to love the linens of Victorian clothing and then I can be a bit more moody and gothic inspired.
I think that comes with being so involved in theatre, I love the act of being embodied by a character so I'm gonna wholeheartedly do that no matter what it looks like.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SELF-CARE OR RITUALS THAT YOU FOLLOW?
I've started doing ballet the last few years and it's something that's really fulfilled little Anisha. I’ll never forget watching the nutcracker with my mum and there was one beautiful black ballerina, I was like oh my goodness that might be me! I went to one class, cried and then never went back until one day I just signed back up.
It's tough, much more tricky than anticipated but i've had a great time with it. Finding new challenges is something that I like to tap into my routine.
My biggest ritual is spending at least one meal outside a day. I take my grandma teapot, an old book and I just sit and be. It’s definitely something I wouldn't cope without.
WHERE DO YOU GO OR WHAT DO YOU DO TO RECHARGE AND STAY GROUNDED?
As much as I am a social butterfly, growing up where I did I tend to retract and regroup, I think it's really important to find places where you can anchor and recharge. I've always been a little forest fairy, I really gravitate towards perching on a rock and reading a nice book — Taking things slow.
Being home for me has been my little charging port, I love my little art studio, getting my paints out and playing the guitar out on the porch.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE?
There’s been some very monumental moments in Surely Shirleys small span of performing. I had a very shocked emotional reaction to one of our shows supporting Don West. It was this beautiful auditorium with stained glass and the sun was coming through, it was heavenly.
Seeing how far we've come in such a small amount of time got me choked up. When we got off stage I nearly collapsed in tears I was just so overjoyed.
We have a very special song Jen wrote about our great grandmother who passed away. I had a little spoken word about what the song meant to us and seeing the reactions tugged on my heartstrings more than you could imagine. It's something I'll remember forever.
HOW DO YOU SEE SURELY SHIRLEY EVOLVING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
I have a wonderful feeling about what's ahead. The more we're putting ourselves out there, the more we're finding our home.
We have ideas for new music videos that we direct and style so just making this world as big and as beautiful as it can be is definitely something i'm looking forward to evolve.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
I've always loved Joni Mitchell, that 70s Laurel Canyon era has definitely been something I've been drawn towards. I grew up with my great-grandmother, so the 1930s and 40s were pivotal in my upbringing. I loved the Andrews sisters, Marilyn Monroe and that very romanticised era.
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