ÁJÁ - meaning “earth” in Igbo, a language from southeastern Nigeria, celebrates beauty in imperfection. It also evokes the vast dunes of the Sahara, a landscape where countless people have journeyed, enduring hardship and discomfort in pursuit of safety and hope. Additionally, it draws inspiration from the dusty sands of Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria, during post-colonial times, invoking a sense of nostalgia even for those who have never visited the city but feel a sense of belonging through the literature of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This imagery particularly highlights the interplay of dusty red sand, complemented by gardens and fallen leaves.

Ájá honors the earth as both cradle and grounding force - a place that sustains, balances, and reminds us of the fragility of human nature. It also represents the genesis (the beginning of creation) and the exodus (the departure) of existence. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust” serves as a poignant reminder to be present and to find beauty in the imperfections of our life’s journey.