±«Óãtv

Aleks Mladenova, from the University of Westminster, won a pitch to create a photography series for the ±«Óãtv’s 50:50 The Equality Project. This portraits went out on ±«Óãtv social platforms in the spring of 2021. Aleks was tasked with researching and finding three subjects for a portrait series, which would highlight the diversity of voices in their industries.

Aleks Mladenova, Photographer

"Being an artist myself and spending most of my time with other creatives, I really wanted to use this opportunity to hone in on individuals who face tension in their respective creative industry," explains Aleks Mladenova, who is a second year Contemporary Media Practice student at the University of Westminster.

She continues: "Nicole is as a classical violinist and jazz singer who has struggled to find her identity as a mixed race person and artist. Abbas inspired me deeply to pursue what I love and believe in, no matter the cost and opposition. While Shani is an icon and beacon of light for many. It is an absolute privilege to be capturing such a big heart, full of courage and compassion, who has paved the way for many to come after her."

Nicole Petrus Barracks, Violinist and Singer

"As a child it turned out that my afro/frizzy hair didn't have a place on the classical music stage. I needed to look 'neat' and 'tidy' and so it was suggested, 'why don't you straighten your hair?'" Classical violinist and jazz singer Nicole Petrus Barracks explains. "Don't get me wrong, I love my straight hair, but why was I not allowed to have the freedom and support to style my natural hair as a classical violinist? All because I did not look like the people I shared a stage with."

"As a 23 year old, studying jazz voice and still working as a classical violinist, I decided to get my hair braided and I received many remarks but one in particular stood out: 'You look much more like a singer now,'" describes Nicole Petrus Barracks. "It cannot drown the disappointment when my visual appearance, and in particular, how I style my hair is almost more important than the music I create."

Syed Abbas Naqvi, Producer and Engineer

"As I was the only one seeking a future in the music industry within my area, I learned to focus more on myself despite the people around me and their constant need to advise me against my dreams," says music producer and engineer Syed Abbas Naqvi. "I've always felt that I couldn't completely fit in and was different compared to everyone around me, but today I use my differences to my advantage."

"Being Pakistani and Muslim, I did and to this day face judgements about how I'm losing my way. However, I consider faith my superpower," explains Syed Abbas Naqvi. "Music has only brought me closer towards my faith and the journey has been nothing but growth. I hope those that face hostility from their own communities can block out the background noise and pursue whatever they wish."

Shani Dhanda, Disability Specialist and Entrepreneur

"As a South-Asian woman who experiences disability, I have grown up with no representation of that on screen, in books or in society," explains disability specialist and entrepreneur Shani Dhanda. "I’ve always strived to ‘be the change I want to see’ - because we all want to be seen, heard and valued."

Shani Dhanda says: "It may not be easy to stand up and speak out for what’s important to you. But you will be amazed at how empowering, and important, it can be not only for yourself but others too."