Fatima Adamu was born here in Philly and raised in Nigeria. She is the quintessential example of a modern-day Renaissance woman. In addition to holding a degree in Geography and Urban Studies from Temple, Fatima is a poet, model, actress, singer, fashion designer, dancer and painter. As the Barbary reopens, Fatima is starting a new party, Kinky Boots, on the first Wednesday of each month.

So you were born in Philly, raised mainly in Nigeria and blowin’ up on the scene back here in Philly. How has your international experience influenced your art?

I think that my exposure to Bollywood films, country music, American culture (from my Mom) and the African/British mix of culture in Nigeria has influenced my dancing, visual aesthetic and taste in music which tends to range from Duran Duran to Yanni to Garbage to Brigitte Bardot to M.I.A.

You’ve been performing all over the east coast. Have you seen people’s perspectives of Philly change over the past couple of years?

I think that people are definitely beginning to change their view from “Philly sucks! I wish I was in New York, Portland, etc” to a more proactive, positive mindset. Overall, it depends on your attitude. I have become more comfortable with myself as an artist and more determined to create opportunities for myself and thus, my “phillyxperience” is more positive than it was 2 years ago. People are hopefully, beginning to look BEYOND the limitations. There are a lot of amazing artists in this city and it took me experiencing other cities to realize that…

More after the jump!

How did your party Kinky Boots come about?

Kinky Boots was inspired the British movie of the same, a tale of outsiders finding themselves and living their dreams in spite of adversity (cheesy, yes…but inspiring nonetheless!) My friend Sean (DJ Reve) is also a fellow “outsider” like myself and we were inspired by our similar taste in music and DJ/ex Vampyros Lesbos dancer Jaiko Suzuki’s Mon Mon Mon amour party as well.

You dance, sing, write poetry, make your own clothing…are there any artistic mediums left that you want to try in the future?

I would love to do some more painting, relearn the piano and overall become a better artist! I have only just begun to explore singing and would love to join/create a band!!

Fatima on Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/yarinya

Kinky Boots
With Fatima Adamu and DJ Reve
Every First Wednesday of every month from 10PM to 2AM (No cover!)

The Barbary
951 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
http://www.myspace.com/thebarbary