Interview by Pippa Simmonds

Ray BLK, born Rita Ekwere, has spent the past few years making waves in the world of RnB. In the lead up to the release of her first album. Voir Fashion spoke to her about lockdown life, generation #MeToo, and the importance of being a grafter.

“I’ve got a crooked middle finger,” Ray BLK tells me via Zoom, in answer to my query about her music spreading a female-positive, pro #MeToo message. At first, I’m confused as to the relevance of this, but she elaborates: “This guy [in secondary school] was chasing me, trying to grab my bum and stuff. He was like ‘you obviously want me to touch your bum’, and I was like ‘I’m running away… I don’t want you to.’ And I ended up breaking my finger.” Ten or so years later, this playground scenario still epitomises a large portion of the music, fashion and film industries (and probably most others, too, just with less press coverage). “I don’t accept violation, and I don’t think anyone else should. As a woman, having women listen to me, it’s important to share topics that relate to them and elevate them,” Ray continues. “You’re worthy of respect whether you’re nude or covered up.”

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