Caleb Kunle’s soulful and intimate music has always been dedicated to healing, both himself and others. And since last year’s lockdown, he’s increasingly pursued mindfulness through the physical realm, too. Specifically, by taking up the practice of holistic qi gong and kung fu.

“From a childhood of watching kung fu movies, I've always marvelled at the athleticism and discipline these heroes presented and held those lessons in courage and resilience close to my heart,” the Nigerian-born, London-based artist tells us. “Growing up in the solitude of the Irish countryside, I took up meditation in my early 20s and through self-inquiry, I found profound discoveries and trauma resolutions within myself. These became the building blocks in my craft of making music. Yet I found something missing. I believe in the liberation of the mind and needed to do the same holistic work in my body and so found a shifu, Master Desmond, who has guided me along this pursuit.”

“The primary goal of holistic kung fu is redirection of force, having a resolve for what's to come and not just what you face,” Kunle continues. “I've learnt the art of building inwardly, how in being grounded you aren't just rooting yourself but also using the entire planet as your ally. In furthering my practice, I am furthering a trust in life.”

He’s found these arts so powerful that they have creatively inspired this special shoot for Nataal in collaboration with photographer Elena Cremona and stylist Malcolm Yaeng. It captures a session between master and apprentice wearing looks by Nicholas Daley, whose SS21 collection Stepping Razors fittingly exudes martial arts stylings. Time to begin…

See our story on Caleb Kunle’s film Rose Hertz here.

Photography Elena Cremona
Styling Malcolm Yaeng
Master Desmond
Apprentice Caleb Kunle

Fashion
Nicolas Daley
Xander Zhou

Published on 26/05/2021