People – Numéro Berlin

IN CONVERSATION WITH LITTLE SIMZ

Anna Klusmeier — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Few artists in contemporary music manage to blend introspection, lyrical mastery, and genre-defying sound as seamlessly as Little Simz. Hailing from North London, the rapper, actress, and storyteller has carved out a space entirely her own, earning critical acclaim and a loyal global following. With a voice that’s both fierce and vulnerable, and a catalogue that pushes boundaries with each release, Little Simz is not just shaping the future of UK hip-hop—she’s redefining it.

Numéro Berlin spoke with Little Simz about her freshly released sixth album Lotus, her personal growth and creative struggles.

As a person, but also as an artist: At which point in your life do you see yourself right now?

I’m just a person who is having a human experience and doing my best to live a happy, abundant life. Even when things get hard, I’m still trying my best to just keep going.

Do you see yourself as separate from your art, or do you think it’s impossible to separate the person from the artist?

It’s all encompassing me, but I can definitely tell the two apart. There are certain parts of my artistic personality that I don’t really show in my everyday life. I’m quite introverted, but I’m different on stage. Two things can absolutely be true at the same time.

Let’s dive into your music. Could you share a few moments from your new album that you’re especially proud of because they show how far you’ve come as an artist?

As an artist, working on a project is never a straight path – especially in the middle, when you start to question everything: Is this any good? Should I even be doing this? There’s a lot of self-doubt. So honestly, I’m most proud of simply seeing it through and finishing it. There are so many times you start something and never complete it because you get in your own way.

My favorite song from the album is Lotus, the title track with Michael Kumanuka and Yusef Dayes. It just feels like the album is such a journey and then it gets to this really climatic place. It’s just a really beautiful song. There’s so many nice moments within it, it just stands out – musically, lyrically, where it travels to. I’m really proud of it.

Is creating also a fight with yourself? Or is it more an act of pleasure and joy? Or both? How do you look at that?

I’m really just trying to be a kid and create – it feels like play. And sometimes, it’s therapeutic, especially when I have things I need to get off my chest. There’s so much I want to say, and making music is a way for me to process my emotions. I often find it hard to open up to people, but it’s much easier for me to write things down and record them. So, it’s a bit of both – depending on how I’m feeling.

How important is it for an artist to keep their inner child alive?

It always has to be there, even when the it’s about heavy or more grown-up stuff. In many ways, it does the real work. It reminds you why you do what you do, why you started in the first place.

How much hardship are you willing to endure when something truly matters to you? Would you say having the patience to let something unfold over time is a distinctive part of who you are?

I think so. I definitely took the long and difficult road, but along the way, I’ve learned a lot about myself, and I’ve met so many amazing, interesting people. It’s truly been a journey, and I’m deeply grateful for it. You must really love what you do – because you don’t go through all of that without a reason.

How do you handle success and fame today, and how do they shape your art?

No one knows how long anyone will stay relevant because everything moves so fast. Of course, if you’re established and have built your place brick by brick, you can feel confident in that. But I also believe there’s value in making the path easier for the next generation. Not everyone who comes into music has to struggle the way I did. If there’s a quicker way, that’s amazing. I don’t think struggle is always necessary.

It’s strange how being famous almost feels like a career in itself. It’s not always about being recognized for your music or earning respect through your craft; sometimes, you’re just famous for the sake of being famous. Honestly, I don’t think many people truly understand what fame really means. With fame, you can’t go anywhere without being stared at. If people really knew what that was like, I’m not sure they’d want it. Not all attention is good attention.

Lotus is also deeply about renewal. How many times have you reinvented yourself throughout your life, and in what ways?

Every day, I reinvent myself—sometimes as simply as putting on a new outfit. Each album brings its own set of challenges, and I try to approach them differently because I want different results. If you keep doing things the same way, you get the same outcomes. So, I make an effort to keep myself excited throughout the process, to challenge myself, to explore new themes – and sometimes revisit old ones. Reinvention is essential. As an artist, you have to find new ways, not just for others, but for yourself.

I get bored easily, which is probably why my albums have such different vibes. I have so many directions I want to explore – maybe it’s my ADHD pushing me to try different things. It keeps my music fresh and exciting. There’s electronic sounds, Afrobeat rhythms – it all comes together to create a real journey where I can tap into different sides of myself.

Do you think it’s important to master each genre before being able to mix them all together?

I don’t have to master it, as long as I don’t fuck it up. I didn’t grow up living in Brazil, so If I make a bossa nova song, there may be elements I’m missing. But I have listened to enough music from that genre. And also, it’s more just a feeling. I trust my ear, and I trust my taste, but I also just try to put my spin on it.

For all of that, you must know yourself really well. What does authenticity mean to you?

I believe it all comes down to trusting yourself. Sometimes, it’s not about knowing exactly what you can do – it’s about having the courage to try. Especially now, when people in the music industry tend to avoid risks. I get it – it’s scary to face criticism and judgment. Taking risks and being brave feels harder than ever. But I try not to let that hold me back.

Could you share your perspective on the current climate in music? I get the sense that the pressure is coming from multiple sides. The ongoing discussions around vocal culture in recent years seem to have had an impact on creativity, making it feel somewhat constrained. How do you see this?

It’s tough for artists these days because there’s this constant expectation that you always have to know exactly what to say. The more pressure you feel, the more limited you become creatively. What excites me most about art is when I don’t fully understand it. I don’t have to like every piece in an exhibition – I can stand there, unsure if it’s for me, but appreciate that it’s challenging me.

Maybe some of that freedom is getting lost nowadays. The world just doesn’t feel like a safe space anymore. It’s harder to be vulnerable when you don’t feel safe, and that definitely affects an artist’s mindset. You hesitate to share your true feelings because you know they’ll be scrutinized. I get that too. So yes, it’s a difficult balance. I just try to create what feels authentic to me.

Great art, as you said, comes from vulnerability and pushing boundaries. I’m curious – what does it feel like to create something truly authentic and recognize it in the moment? Like when you have a piece of music and you just know it’s something really special.

Music is such an invisible art form – you can’t see it, yet when I create a piece and can almost feel it, it’s like it takes on the color red or some vivid sensation. That sense of bringing something intangible into existence makes me feel truly creative. Music isn’t just a feeling; it’s a vibration, and I believe there’s a reason it moves us emotionally.

When we made the song Blue with Sampha, he was just freely creating, and I found myself crying because what he was expressing touched me deeply – on a level even he might not have been fully aware of. It’s moments like that that remind me how music connects us. It’s not just about me; collaborators bring so much to the process, shaping what the music ultimately becomes.

“The whole process was a crazy, crazy, crazy experience, crazy.”

Your name actually means “brave woman,” doesn’t it? I’m curious—what does bravery mean to you personally? Have you ever thought about what truly defines a brave woman in your eyes?

It’s someone who really owns their truth and isn’t afraid to speak up for themselves. I haven’t always done that. I’ve had moments where I look back and think, Why didn’t I say no? Why didn’t I stand up for myself? But with time and growth, I’ve really stepped into my name, if that makes sense. I’ve grown into that person – into what being brave really means to me.

IN CONVERSATION WITH PAZ DE LA HUERTA

Anna Klusmeier — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:43:23 +0000

Paz de la Huerta presented Sacrifice, her second solo exhibition with Ruttkowski;68 in Berlin, in collaboration with Reference Studios. During this year’s Gallery Weekend, the PR agency transformed part of its space called P100 into art exhibition rooms, once again enforcing its reputation as a cultural institution in its own right.

In this deeply personal show, de la Huerta reflects on her inner narrative and childhood trauma, exploring themes of abuse, survival, and finding peace. Her paintings are seemingly innocent and childlike, yet full of brutality and raw, existential energy. It is art that speaks directly to the heart, leaving the viewer deeply moved. Numéro Berlin sat down with Paz de la Huerta on site to discuss her unimaginable and tragic life.

P100 Reference Studios, Potsdamer Str.100, 10785 Berlin

Ann-Kathrin Riedl: Your art appears colorful and playful at first glance, but reveals deep abysses at second. What is behind these hidden depths?

Paz de la Huerta: I come from Spanish aristocracy, and my own family sex trafficked me — also to Harvey Weinstein. I went public with my story, but members of the aristocracy are forbidden from speaking to the press. As punishment, they tried to kill me. Once, they had me hit by a truck, which left me with a near-fatal brain injury. Just three years ago, my father — who also abused me sexually — beat me almost to death. I still receive death threats to this day.

For a long time, I nearly destroyed myself with drugs. But three years ago, I took a plant medicine that repaired my brain. I was able to piece together my past and truly understand who was trying to kill me and why. I took some money and left Spain. Now I live in hiding with high security.

From the red carpet into hiding…

Yeah. I have reason to believe that my family offered people money to find and hurt me. And now people are wondering: Where’s Paz? What happened to her career?

Every time I survived an attack, I had a spiritual experience. When you’re close to death, your brain releases DMT. That changed something in me — it made me want to live instead of die. So yeah, it’s a really crazy story. There are even films based on my life, like Leos Carax’s Annette. The kind of trauma I went through is beyond words. I was the sacrifice. They wanted to sacrifice me.

Also, many of your paintings show you offering white animals in a gesture of sacrifice. Is that why the exhibition is titled Sacrifice?

I’m also a victim of satanic rituals. In those, it’s always the most innocent — animals, small children — who become the prey. Now, in my hiding place, I live with all these animals, they’re all white, including dogs I’ve rescued. I call the swan that appears in many of my paintings my wounded angel. And I like the matryoshka doll as a symbol – it keeps taking on a new life, again and again.

Just like you, it is constantly being reborn.

Yeah. My family put me in psychiatric hospitals many times. When they couldn’t kill me, they tried to make me seem crazy and lock me away in one of those places for the rest of my life. No one, not even people who are truly crazy, should be in places like that. But I’m an artist. Even if you locked me up, I wouldn’t stop creating. I’d just keep painting my crying angels.

All that time, art stayed with you and maybe even saved you.

It was there even before acting. As a child, I painted these books called “The American Mansions.” I was never safe, I was always being abused. So I think I was trying to create safe spaces through art.

Your art almost feels as if the grown up Paz is trying to understand and comfort the little girl she once was.

Yes, the animals in the paintings and the real ones I rescued are like my inner child, which I’m trying to protect. Over the years, it’s become a way to escape from my exploiters. I never turned to brutality or misery like they did. I turned to spirituality. Even though I was abused not only as a child but also as an adult, until just a few years ago.

You’re a well-known actress. How could all of this unfold in the public eye without being discovered? All the cameras were on you, yet no one really knew what was happening in your life.

I don’t know how it was possible. My family trafficked me and I never even saw my earnings as an actress. They stole millions.

How are you feeling today? Could you find some kind of peace in life?

I feel safe where I am now. The art is definitely helping me heal. I have high security and everything, so my email can’t be hacked. If it were, they’d know where I am, and I’d be dead by now. The press supports me because the evidence is clear, even the most conservative Spanish newspapers take my side. But I still lost the case against my family. Well, I didn’t lose, it’s just archived, and I’m trying to raise funds to start it again. I’m doing what I can to fight for my rights, especially with the legal stuff. I had a brain injury, they were drugging me, defaming me, and gaslighting me. I’ve only been safe for the last three years, ever since I took the plant medicine.

Do you believe in God?

Oh, I believe in God. I’m so grateful I didn’t give up. I’m so happy I survived all of this. There’s a guy I like. I have a great therapist. And I want to do more plant medicine because I feel it kind of reverses the aging process inside. So, you know, I’m excited about life now.

Have you ever wondered why you had to endure all of this? If there is a greater purpose behind it?

Obviously, in a perfect world, if I were to lock up these people – pretty powerful people – and I would take the money and start an orphanage.

Are there moments in your life when you feel truly happy?

More and more. I don’t think I ever knew happiness before. But now… it’s coming. I would love to have a child. They made me lose two children because they wanted to erase me and anyone who would tell my story. But I think about motherhood now, and they can’t hurt me anymore, I won’t let them. That’s something I would love. I am experiencing happiness, learning that there are good people in the world. It’s hard to trust after everything that’s happened.

When did you decide to show your paintings to the public?

They had tried to steal those paintings, so I had to rescue them. That’s the only reason I had the show. And then I have hundreds more paintings I’ve created over many years. If my blood money wasn’t enough, they were also stealing and selling my art. But as long as they aren’t burned, they still exist. They’re somewhere, so find them.

What do you hope people take away from the exhibition when they look at your paintings? Do you have a message for them?

Yeah, a lot of things. But above all; purity is something sacred and should be protected.

Running meets Fashion during Berlin Half Marathon: the adidas x ANTE Pop-Up Experience

Anna Klusmeier — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 10:37:42 +0000

It’s one of Berlin’s event highlights of the year – the Half Marathon. But even those who aren’t competing in the run have something to add to their to-do list: visiting the adidas x ANTE Pop-Up which celebrates the legendary running shoe adizero EVO SL as well as ANTE‘s latest collection.

It makes sense, then, that the adidas x ANTE Pop-Up on April 5th and 6th, 2025, will be a dynamic hub where running enthusiasts, fashion lovers, and the city’s creative community come together to experience customization and innovation. The event takes place in the heart of Berlin, set against the industrial vibe of Tor86. These program highlights await the fans:

Day 1: Shake-Out Run & Customization (April 5, 2025) The event kicks off with an energizing Shake-Out Run at 10:00 AM, open to 35 lucky runners who will receive an exclusive, customized pair of adizero EVO SLs. The run starts and ends at the event space, with a coffee station from LAP Coffee ready for runners afterward.

From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the pop-up opens to the public. Visitors can take part in a sneaker customization session with J.W. Studios, take a look at ANTE’s latest collection, and explore the space, which is designed as an interactive installation. Guests can bring their own adizero EVO SLs to customize them with pink, blue, or orange highlights guided by a local dyeing expert . The pop-up remains open until 8:00 PM, so everyone has the chance to immerse themselves in the experience.

Day 2: A Celebration of Creativity (April 6, 2025) Those who missed customization on the first day can still take part from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM while taking a look at ANTE’s collection. Later in the day, the space transforms into a high-energy Day Gathering, with a live DJ set and snacks. Guests can connect, explore last-minute customization opportunities, and engage with the party both in person and online.

Curious for more? We met with the founders of ANTE, Berlin-based creatives Julian Weigl, Christian Zellin, and Marcus Butler, before the event – to discuss their love for running, their vision of a community and their personal highlights of the weekend.

Running is said to impact not only the body but also the soul. What role does running or sports in general play in your life beyond physical training?

Julian: Sports have always played a huge role in my life. I grew up playing football, but when I could no longer do team sports due to work, I switched to running. What I love about it is its simplicity – you just need a pair of shoes, and you can do it anywhere, anytime, with anyone. It’s an outlet for my thoughts, a way to process things. The mental aspect is also a big advantage. Pushing through tough sessions builds resilience.

Marcus: I also played a lot of team sports growing up and always thought of running as a solo activity. But starting a running club two years ago changed my perspective. It happened naturally – we gathered friends, met every Saturday at 11 am, went for a relaxed run, and then hung out. The focus wasn’t just on running; it was about bringing people together.

Julian: Also Running is inclusive. It doesn’t matter where you come from, your gender, sexuality, or whether you’re a beginner or a pro. It’s technically an individual sport, but as Marcus said, it feels more like a team sport.

Running has evolved beyond just a sport, it’s also a lifestyle. What do you think defines the modern running culture?

Chris: I think running isn’t a lifestyle in itself but contributes to a certain way of living. None of us are professional athletes – running is just a part of our overall lifestyle. It makes you feel good, keeps you healthy, and connects you with people.

Marcus: I used to think you had to finish a run, shower, change, and then go out. But with our running club, people started chatting, and hanging out. It was less about the run itself and more about the community it created.

Julian: I also like that fashion now embraces running. There was a gorp core hype, and now the same is happening with running. We want to make this sport cooler, moving away from the stereotype of runners in bright, flashy gear who only talk about their paces and times. You can be an artist, musician, or creative and still be a runner. Our goal with Ante is to give running the same cultural appeal as football or basketball.

What, in your opinion, defines today’s running aesthetic, and how does it influence your brand?

Marcus: People want to look good during and after a run. Wearing bright neon gear doesn’t always align with how you’d dress normally for a coffee shop. The goal is to merge performance and style so that your outfit works in both settings.

Chris: It’s about putting effort into what you wear – no more just grabbing random shorts and a T-shirt. People now embrace sportswear as part of their style. Our designs focus on a sleek, timeless aesthetic that integrates into daily life.

Julian: While we currently see a lot of the running aesthetic coming from a technical point of view, we try to change perspectives and draw inspiration by uncommon materials, shapes and forms. Therefore, we create timeless and functional high-quality garments, a uniform for on and off the track. We are blending the two worlds together in which we are living in: fashion and sports.

And where would you position Ante between fashion and sportswear?

Marcus: Right in the middle. Initially, we leaned towards performance, but then we realised something was missing. We introduced elements from our everyday lives, making it feel more authentic.

Where does the name Ante come from?

Julian: We wanted a name with no associations. Chris suggested Ante, and after looking it up, we found out it derives from the Latin language, meaning “to go forward” or “pioneer,” which perfectly aligns with our vision.

Chris: The sound, the way it looks when written, and its ambiguity were all important. It lets us shape our own meaning.

Which of your designs represents your brand philosophy the best?

Chris: We’d all probably pick different pieces, but one standout is the Half-Zip Longsleeve, a nylon sports fabric piece with thumb holes I’m wearing right now. It’s a performance item, yet most people wear it casually or even to the office.

Julian: We invest heavily in sourcing and developing fabrics, like our ribbed fabric from Italy. For example, our Half-Zip Longsleeve: On the surface it’s tailored for every occasion but if you take a closer look, it’s a performance fabric with technical components but it doesn’t scream sportswear.

How does social media help build a community that fosters creative exchange and understanding? And how does this community influence your designs?

Marcus: We never set out to “build a community.” Our running club started organically, but soon, more and more people asked if they could join. Now, we do monthly runs, and our events have grown massively. For our last adidas pop-up, over 200 people signed up. It’s a natural evolution.

Chris: The brand is a platform for things we love – events, parties, various projects in general. It’s all about creating shared experiences.

What do you want to offer your community through the adidas x Ante Pop-Up that you are hosting during the Berlin half marathon weekend and what are you personally looking forward to most at the event?

Marcus: The Friends & Family dinner we’re hosting. Like Chris said, it’s not just about running – it’s about everything we enjoy with friends, brought together through shared experiences with the brand.

Chris: For me it’s our pop-up on Saturday at Tor86. The last one was packed with new faces, and great conversations. It’s more than just a store; it’s a space to connect.

At the center of attention, alongside your new collection, will be a legendary running shoe – the Adizero EVO SL. What makes this shoe a perfect match for Ante?

Marcus: The shoe itself bridges running and lifestyle. I actually shot the upcoming campaign for it in Cape Town. It’s designed to be worn while running but also in everyday life, which aligns perfectly with our philosophy.

Besides good design, what does it take for a product to become an icon?

Marcus: It has to look good – simple as that. When adidas first showed us the Adizero EVO SL at their HQ, we were immediately drawn to it.

Chris: An icon is defined by the moments and associations built around it. The Adizero always broke records. Even when a non-professional runner wears it, they get a taste of that legacy.

Do you think that creating and being creative always come from a place of love, joy, and passion?

Julian: Being creative feels natural and is like an engine to me which keeps me moving forward. I’m lucky that I found like-minded individuals like Marcus and Chris, to further transform my passion into “work”, even though I don’t really like to call it that. If joy, love and friendship is the origin, work doesn’t feel like work, it happens naturally.

Marcus: For me, creativity comes from the people around me. Being surrounded by interesting, inspiring individuals fuels my ideas.

Chris: I agree. When you blend different perspectives and styles, you create something new. Creativity thrives on exchange, just like sports enrich life. Both make life more fulfilling.

IN CONVERSATION WITH FATIMA NJAI & JEROME SYDENHAM

Anna Klusmeier — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:52:35 +0000

DJ and producer Jerome Sydenham is one of the most compelling figures in the world of electronic music. With a career spanning house, techno, and everything in between, Sydenham has not only shaped club culture worldwide but has also made history – most notably through the founding of his label, Ibadan Records, which has continuously pushed boundaries.
Last summer, Jerome honored us by performing at the opening party of Antje Peters´ Arbeitsräume at Schlachter151. Now, we had the privilege of speaking with him again to learn more about his musical journey and artistic background. Also, Berlin-based Producer, Songwriter, and Artist Fatima Njai, who worked together with Jerome Sydenham, shares her thoughts.

Vivien Schleich: What are you currently working on and what is particularly important to you in life at the moment?

Fatima (F): I am working on a Fatima Njai album. This picture entails music production, songwriting, and art, to be specific (with great collaborations). In addition, cultural event production falls into my creative repertoire and I work on several cultural projects that are related to art, fashion, and music.

Jerome Sydenham (JS): I am always working on music. The flavors range from afro vibes to the complete house spectrum and deep techno. I am also very focused on my afromatic art, fashion, and music project that will be based in Berlin, Paris, and Tokyo. These projects are my current priority at the moment and I will use Berlin as my base of operations.

What key moments have shaped your life and your music?

F: Many moments in life shaped me. One key moment is my friend Julie Snoek, who motivated me at 18 to pursue singing and organized a spot as a singer for me in a cover band. That set the milestone to enter my personal and professional journey into the music business. Later, at 24, my friend Phillip Majer introduced me to electronic music production. I went on to complete my studies in Fine Arts at Christina Kubisch with a diploma in Sound Art and Mixed Media. Collaborative works and my love for street music gave me invaluable lessons in my personal and spiritual evolution. All of this led to a major key moment (where things became full circle) when I started to work with Jerome Sydenham. He became my biggest teacher and mentor in music production, business, and art. Keeping it real, the story continues.

JS: My early childhood in Nigeria was critical in my development regarding appreciation of music. My professional background at East West Records and Atlantic Records in New York City gave birth to my DJ and production career which led to the formation of Ibadan Records and other imprints. The journey continues…

Which artists or genres originally inspired you to make music? Have these influences changed over time?

F: I am a lover of all genres. I love music.

JS: Primarily Fela Kuti and the Akpala music scene. I was blessed to be involved with the foundation years of house and techno music, also naturally hip hop and reggae Music. I do believe that I have a good understanding of most genres of music.

You’ve been in the music scene for quite a long time. What has changed in particular during this time?

F: The cultural impact and identity of music. The consumption of music. Music was better when artists did not have to obey any imagery and were reflective of the issues of the world.

JS: Music always evolves. I guess the improvement of the home studio is the most significant difference and of course the use of AI in music production.

How do you feel about the current popularity of techno and house? And how do you see the future of these genres?

F: The future is bright as always. I see more real instruments coming back, songs and innovative sounds. I love the fact how accessible all music became to people. I am wondering about the future of streaming and if it actually has value in the long run. I see a lot of classics come back, a lot of new fusions of old and new. I believe the only way to keep music sustainable is to carry all the greatness of music from the past into the future and share it with the world until it is forgotten.

JS: As I said before, there is always movement in these genres and there is a lot more of it. I think you really have to dig to find the good stuff. Same thing applies to DJing. I find there are less dynamic DJs existing in the market. This always changes so I remain optimistic.

Who has been your favorite people to work with in your career and why?

F: Jerome Sydenham from all people, 100%, because he is the most talented, genius producer in my opinion. He is also a great teacher, mentor, and at the same time, he is extremely creative in several fields of arts and production of music. I call him a “Walking Library”. Also, he has a great understanding of the ideas I have and always gives more fruit for thought or the one idea that will take the music to the next level. His hunger for music is just infectious. He is the producer who put sense into my ideas and helped me to shape it into real music. His openness to music of all kinds and almost childlike approach to combine sounds and new ideas is in itself always inspiring to me. Without Jerome Sydenham, the world would not hear and know about Fatima Njai, as he is the one who flipped the script in my career and is the biggest Fatima Njai supporter.

JS: Merlin Bobb and Sylvia Rhone on a corporate level, Fatima Njai, Joe Clausell, Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer, and Ron Trent on a production level, to name a few. Robert Owens, Carl Craig, The Martinez Brothers, Seth Troxler, Function…and I could go on and on and on. So many great people.

When you look back on your career: are there any decisions you would make differently today?

F: No. The music always shows me the way.

JS: Nope, not really, except maybe for better lawyers and accountants.

IN CONVERSATION WITH IAN WRIGHT

Anna Klusmeier — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:12:56 +0000

It’s a breathtaking scenario that adidas has set up in front of the Bundestag in Berlin – a specially constructed stadium for public viewing, a building with an exhibition on the history of the European Championship, a recreated corner pub, and much more. All for Euro Cup 2024. The best part? It’s open to everyone, without entry fee. In the midst of it: Ian Wright. The British football star has come to the German capital specifically to visit the adidas stadium.

Ian Wright, he’s a legend. Growing up in South London as the son of Jamaican parents, football was for him – like for so many others – a game, a passion, and a chance for a new life all at once. But it took time. Until he was 22 years old, Ian Wright, who had a criminal record and two young children to support, had to make his way through gritty Sunday League appearances, as he puts it, before being signed by Crystal Palace and later transferring to Arsenal. A breakthrough he himself says he never expected. And the turning point in his destiny.

Nowadays, after years of a career in football, Ian Wright’s impact goes beyond goal-scoring. He remains a beloved figure, admired for his talent, resilience, and contributions to the sport and community alike. Wright transitioned into television, becoming a respected football pundit and commentator. His charismatic presence and insightful analysis have made him a household name in football broadcasting. Who else but him should we ask for his opinion on the European Championship?

Ann-Kathrin Riedl: Apart from winning – what brought and still brings you the greatest joy as football player?

Ian Wright: That’s a good question. It probably comes back down to being with your teammates. That’s what you miss most when you stop playing: the camaraderie, the togetherness. In the moments when you win, but especially when you loose. Sometimes people think that football players don’t have normal lives. That they don’t have sorrows or problems like anybody else. But of course that’s not true. The only difference is that you always have people around you to share them with.

Is the connection between teammates one that lasts forever, even after you’ve stopped playing?

Yes! The connection you build up while going through so many ups and downs, lasts for a lifetime. With some players I’ve been together every day over seven or eight years. It’s difficult when you stop being an active player and have to spend your days on your own again. Quite a challenge!

Speaking about going through a lot – what is the best way to deal with defeats?

When I was younger, I was a terrible loser. I would cry on the football field and I wouldn’t speak to anybody for days. But luckily I got a coach who teached me that losing is just part of the game. When you are asked about football, you wouldn’t tell at first: „Oh, I remember when I lost the Final. Oh, I remember I didn’t score a goal!“. Instead, you think of the great things you did. But what gives you joy with the great things is what you learn from losing.

You lose way more often than you win. Not many people can win the World Cup, The Premier League, The Champions League. It’s only gonna be one team that can do it. And the other teams have to loose. The earlier you can accept that as a player, the happier you will be.

Ideally, losing makes you stronger with each defeat.

Absolutely! What I often explain to young people, is that you have to embrace losing. Ask yourself: „What could I have done more, so that I don’t have to have this feeling again?“. This is not only about football. It is also about playing the big game – life. Learn from every defeat! You must not simply be angry, then nothing will change.

How would you describe your biggest passion right now? It’s known that you advocate for women’s football.

Football is a gift and it’s for everybody. I’m in a position now where I’m able to advocate for it. This is now my passion. I want to speak up about things that are not yet working well and I want to improve them. It’s also important to me because my granddaughter plays football and wants to become a professional.

And what do you wish for her?

I wish for her to stay free from injuries. She shows great potential, and I hope she can make the most of it. When she was a little child, she used to sleep with the ball in her hands. Now she’s 10 and when you start playing so young, many things can happen on the way to becoming a professional footballer, whether you are a boy or a girl. So all I want for her is to be able to continue to enjoy playing without injuries.

In Europe, social climate is tense right now. Many people no longer feel connected to each other. What positive impact can football and the European Championship in particular have at this moment?

Football brings people together. It is about the unity, the togetherness. When you walk around Berlin right now, you can see all nations – Scottish fans, Hungarian fans, Albanian fans and so many more. And look at this place, the Home of adidas Football – what a brilliant idea to make it accessible for everyone. To provide a space to people to celebrate for free.

The fans are so important, they are the only thing pure that’s left in a game that is so much about money. More money for the payers, more money for coaches, more money for everyone. But when it comes to the fans, it’s often about „take, take, take“. Give them something back! Without them, it is not the same. Look at the atmosphere here at the stadium. Look at the Dutch fans dancing in the streets – that’s what it is about.

How do you feel about the atmosphere of this European Championship in general?

It’s been amazing so far! If the teams were able to play to the level of what the fans give, this would be even better. Because the fans are fantastic!

REMAINING FEARLESS: NUMÉRO BERLIN IN CONVERSATION WITH RIHANNA

Anna Klusmeier — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 07:45:10 +0000

Last thursday, Puma celebrated its largest brand campaign launch ever, releasing the new FENTY x PUMA creeper phatty earth tone sneaker by Rihanna. Between hot DJ sets by DJ Skylatylaa, Talia A. Darling and Kim Turnbull and guest highlights such as from Ayra Starr, Bianca Saunders, Sitch and Bree Runway, we spoke to Riri about protecting authenticity, nurturing passion and …CREEPING, the concept behind the shoe campaign, creative directed by the music and style icon herself and shot by Philippa Price.

Taking over the wide space of the Tobacco Dock in East London, Puma transformed the location into an underground garden experience, the perfect set for the shoe’s natural earth tones, playing with the art of camouflage. The original Creeper launched back in September of 2015, a platformed version of PUMA’s iconic Suede sneaker. The silhouette and innovative take on a lifestyle sneaker highly influenced the sneaker culture and sparked PUMA’s brand impact and relevance over the past decade. The Creeper Phatty, Rihanna’s newest interpretation of the shoe, is bigger, bolder and badder than ever with an oversized design and stacked gum sole and comes in three color ways: taupe, green fog and warm white.

Watch our video below to see Riri’s thoughts on how to stay real and what makes her personally start creeping.