What’s hibiscus got to do with it?

What’s in a name? What is in the name? The hibiscus juice or what we otherwise call Karkade in Sudan, is my favorite drink. It’s sweet, it’s tart, it’s refreshing, it has this magnificent color that draws you in, even before taking a single sip. It takes me back to joyous childhood memories, with my family, my grandparents, the cozyness of home and the warmth of familiar gathering. It’s a drink of celebration and community. And, for the longest time, I thought it was a drink we enjoyed in Sudan, and didn’t think beyond that.

When I (finally!) found out that, this gorgeous flower has roots across Africa, and its juice is embedded in so many cultures across the continent and the African diaspora…I was excited, delighted, to learn of something that connects us through our ancestral rituals and their consistent manifestations in our modern lives.

The beautiful roselle plant, didn’t only give us this delicious juice, but it created a line of connection through the continent and beyond, that gives us a wonderful insight into our shared story.

It only made sense to me to model this society, built on collaboration between female creatives from across the African continent on the story of hibiscus. A story of vibrancy, strength, beauty, health and cultural wealth.

So here’s to all the karkade, sobolo, bissap, zobo and agua de Jamaica lovers out there!