Flame Faire for ASICS
Equally as retro as it is ahead of the curve, the ASICS GEL-1130™ has transcended time and space by remaining unapologetically original.
Inspired by the philosophy of "Sound Mind, Sound Body," the silhouette pays homage to the entire GEL-1000™ series, with a unique mix of 2000s runner aesthetic, state-of-the-art GEL technology™, and sustainable materials. Above all else, the sneaker brings a sense of nonconformity, made for the style individualist.
In celebration of that very spirit, we're re-igniting our Close Up series with rising Danish-Gambian rapper Flame Faire.
Flame is the type of person you can feel is destined to do great things. Equally as humble as she is confident, her lived experiences and talents would be intimidating if it weren't for her disarmingly warm demeanor that leaves you wishing she was your best friend.
Born in Denmark but raised in Norway and Gambia, the model, finance student, and musical artist wears many hats but knew music was her number one goal from the moment she first laid eyes on the music video for Crazy in Love. At 19, Flame saved up and moved to NYC alone, an experience that introduced her to the music scene and shaped who she is as a person.
Currently back in Copenhagen, on the cusp of releasing her debut single, we sat down with Flame to chat about alter egos, 2000s influences, counting your blessings, and what's next.
MEET FLAME...
What’s the meaning behind your name?
The thing is, I've always had a passion for music. It was always one of my goals. Before I was even making music, I wanted an alter ego. So, I tried different stuff. I tried to sell Monet; I tried Beverly, all kinds of stuff. It wasn't giving me what I wanted. I want it to give. One day Flame just came to mind, you know, because my outfits are fire. I started using it on every single platform. And ever since then, it just stuck.
Are you Flame 100% of the time?
So, my name is Haddy. And my friends definitely caught me heavy, because that's what they were used to calling me. At the end of the day, I feel like it's the same person. Of course, when I'm on the stage, I have a different attitude, but I would say other than that Flame is just as cool as Haddy.
Can you tell me a little bit about your background?
I was born in Denmark and was mostly raised in Norway and Gambia. I think having a different culture shaped me. In Gambia, culture is important, especially when it comes to discipline, respecting parents, and talking to elders.
I moved out when I was 19. Honestly, I didn't have any money, but I always wanted to move to New York. So, I worked at a sushi restaurant and saved up and just went. I told my dad about one week before. I had been telling him here and there. But he sometimes thinks I'm playing, but I'm never playing. Then I just moved, and it shaped me. I'm glad I did it because I challenged myself a lot. It's weird when you move to a different place. You start to realize how alone you feel even though you know you have people around you. If you don't pick yourself up, nobody will. That's what I realized. I want to move back. It has been very hard with the pandemic and everything; I've never been in Denmark this long. I'm really asking myself, what's next in life? If you don't take chances, you'll never know.
Who are some of your dream collaborators?
I would love to work with Pharrell. He is one of the people who shaped the sound in the early 2000s. Also, because he's like a fashion icon. I would love for him to be a part of some of my work. And Beyonce, she's my everything.
“I think it's important to have people around you that you're inspired by. Because if you don't have a good team around you, you're not going to evolve as a human being.”
The idea behind the ASICS GEL-1130™ is "Sound Mind, Sound Body." What does that mean to you? How do you achieve this?
For my mind, I have a video diary and a book that I use to write down anything that comes to mind. I also talk with my friends and make sure always to speak my mind. It's a good way to cope with things. You know, everyone is different. I think writing your goals down is important because sometimes you forget the things you've asked for, and then, boom, it's here, and you forget to be grateful for it. But when I write it down, I just remember everything. It is so beautiful to see. You never know when your time is, and then all the blessings are coming in. As for my body, I love to work out while watching performances. I've seen every single Beyoncé video you can find on YouTube. I could do the dances in my sleep.
When can we expect new music?
I think I'll drop some January 2022, around my birthday. I have another project coming before that isn't music related, but it's going to be cool, and that’s all I can say.
What's next for Flame and what are your goals for the future?
To be a big, big artist and change the world. I'm from Gambia, Gambia is a very poor country. I would love to make some changes over there and I have a few projects in mind that I want to be a part of in the future. And just, you know, live life. Life is short. So just making sure to stay positive and move through.
CREDITS
Art Direction + Production: Voni Robi @somethingbutnothing_
Photographer: Ed Gumuchian - @edgumchian
Videographer: Marcus Nielsen @filmbymn
Talent: Flame Faire - @flamefaire
Talent agent: @cirklemanagement
HMU: Marie Thomsen - @mariethomsenbaby
Stylist: Maya Soul Paustian - @mayasoulpaustian
Words: Jess Harvey - @notjessharvey
THANKS TO ASICS SPORTSTYLE: @asics_sportstyle