OUR TEAM

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Uzo is a Nigerian-American multidisciplinary artist whose work encompasses illustration, film, and animation. Her illustration and animation clients include Adult Swim, Hulu, MTV, VH1, and Oxfam America. In 2023, she graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in Art, Film and Visual Studies. That same year, Uzo founded ZOMA Studios, an animation studio committed to telling stories from a culturally specific lens. She's currently directing the studio's debut project, Mmanwu, an animated short film set in modern day Nigeria. Through her work, Uzo is interested in championing underrepresented voices and wielding different creative mediums to tell vibrant, compelling stories. You can find her work at uzongwu.com.

BOOKING MANAGER & MARKETING LEAD

Charmaine (Solorah The Essence) is a Minneapolis-born jazz, soul, and R&B singer whose voice carries the weight of lived experience and the light of healing. Her artistry has graced iconic stages like First Avenue, The Dakota Jazz Club, The Green Room, and The Turf Club. Today, she fronts the group BAKKWOODDRIFT, known for their genre-blending sound, electric performances, and packed-out shows. Beyond the stage, Charmaine is also a dedicated teacher and crafter. A former early childhood music educator at School of Rock and now a full-time instructor and administrator at MacPhail Center for Music, she combines her passions for music and creativity in the classroom. Her crafting journey began as a tool for self-expression and mental health, evolving into The Heartcraft Collective and its flagship community event, The Crafter Party, where others are invited to find healing and connection through art.

CO-EVENTS LEAD

Cynthia Abalo is a Togolese-born creative based in Minneapolis. Her creative approach is multifaceted, with a primary focus in photography. Cynthia has a deep passion for art with a desire to design experiences that give more visibility to Black creatives in the Twin Cities. In 2019, she founded CYNVISUALZ, a photography business where she captures subjects of all ages. Her experiences with creative direction and project management gave her the skills necessary to found NEO Narrative, a media collective centered around Black creatives with a mission to form a new narrative around Black art. Cynthia firmly believes that her success comes from being a creative with multiple passions and rejects the idea that she should only focus on one. You can find her work at cynvisualz.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Kemmah Lombel is a Houston born Minneapolis raised multifaceted Liberian artist. From everything behind and in front of a camera, to a page and pen, Kemmah’s passion carries her through multiple art forms. Kemmah has been modeling since childhood and came back to the art form as a teenager. Kemmah’s passion for literature began in high school, inspired by writers such as James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni. After graduating from with a degree in Journalism, Kemmah began assisting and modeling for Cynthia and subsequently began creative directing for NEO Narrative in 2022. Kemmah believes in building and maintaining spaces for Black art and Black youth to thrive.

CO-EVENTS LEAD

Jamond is a St. Paul native and the Events Lead for ZOMA House. His main creative focus is photography and videography. He is the primary videographer and BTS photographer for NEO Narrative and he has his own photography/videography business called JJVisionary. Aside from the media realm, Jamond loves to stay active, indulge in different art mediums, and make those around him laugh. A quote Jamond likes to reference is “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” Jamond is always looking to meet new people and build connections.

MEDIA LEAD

Brandyn Lee Tulloch is a multidisciplinary artist who dives deeply into his creativity. He is a writer, poet, self-published author, musician, photographer, videographer, and filmmaker. Through the process of trial and error, he attempts any artistic venture that peaks his interest. Additionally, he is an activist and community organizer who believes that artists play a vital role in the collective liberation of all oppressed people.

Amber Scott is a Minneapolis native with Liberian roots. She works as a Creative Director with NEO Narrative. Her most revent project, Neocentric, was a photo and video series celebrating Black Music Month. In addition, Amber does social media outreach and logistical planning for ZOMA House. Currently a third year student at Morgan State University, Amber studies Biology on the Pre-Med track. She is a student leader on campus for organizations such as Sisters in Medicine and Bold and Beautiful. She enjoys reading, going to creative events, and fitness.