Black Muslim Women Refuse to be Defined by Struggle

by Olivia Green | WeINSPIRE Reporter

HERCULES, Ca. —The multi-talented musical duo, Aint Afraid, is made up of twin sisters Straingth and WiZdumb who, through their uniquely positive lyrics and infectious energy, strive to “spread love and teach love” to all who listen. The self-proclaimed “Double Dose of Dopeness” is radically dedicated to living their lives as authentically them, and they learned to be this way from another amazing woman, their mother. This attitude and refusal to be defined by what may make them different is profound considering society tends to romanticize our struggles. These young artists are more than inspirations to other Black, Muslim women, their radiance is powerful --it embodies what it means to live in one’s truth; therefore, we all can learn from Straingth, WiZdumb, and their fearless movement.

The Twinsz, as they like to be called, have always had an appreciation for all forms of the arts and, for as long as they can remember, they were encouraged by their mother to be creatively expressive. From the songs she sang to them as children, to her current role as their biggest supporter, Straignth and WiZdumb have an incredible sense of reverence and gratitude to her as their musical inspiration. It is through her and the Muslim faith that they have been able to exemplify the antithesis of the typically negative narratives that control our media.

“I’m proud of my Mom and who she is and who she taught us to be,” said Straingth. “We tell people that when they love us, they love her because we are all of who she is.” 

“There is a surplus of negative content and media out there that anyone can grab even if they don’t want to. It’s just too heavy out there and so it’s beautiful to see people like us and others that we know making an effort to create positive content” said WiZdumb. “One of the things we love to do is encourage people to love themselves and I hope that through our work, people are going to learn to love themselves more.”

This attitude is what has led them to quickly grow their social media following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok which are both full of fan comments that affirm the Aint Afraid mission of spreading love. Their biggest single yet, “LBP”, the acronym for Little Bo Peep, preaches this self-love in addition to being a protest to how society tries to define people by who they aren’t, rather than who they are. 

Like Straingth said, “I can be challenged but will I be phased? No!”

“A lot of people look at us and see Black Muslim girls and assume that we must have it hard but our mother taught us that your situation doesn’t define you. Who you make you is the person you are, so why should I wear that?” said Wizdumb about their struggle. “If I wear that then I’ll become that and I’m trying to be something greater, so I’m going to live in that greater energy.”

“LBP is like our theme song,” said Straingth. “[LBP] is just like, listen, I’m me. You can’t force me to be in your box. I’m going to shine the light that I was given, I’m going to live in my purpose, I’m going to share that purpose and I’m going to encourage others who are living in theirs.”

Separately from their music, the Twinsz have also become known for their innovative fashion sense and creativity surrounding their outward appearances. Just like they developed their passion for music at a young age, they both remember, “styling [their] hijabs like hair”, or hand stitching colorful accents onto the clothes that they already had. “It comes from our love of the arts,” said Straingth. “We love to be extra and people in our community know that the Twinsz are extra! We don’t let societal norms influence our style and from the Muslim girl perspective, we know we have a lot of people looking at us so we need to show them that we can dress!”

As their platform continues to grow, WiZdumb and Straingth have continued to stay steadfast in their goal of spreading positivity and challenging the narratives and stereotypes that surround people that share the Black, Muslim, and woman identities. 

“There are countless videos of people singing our words, rapping our words, and telling us how much it has uplifted and empowered them, or about how our music got them through something and those videos of people using our songs to help them through is when I realize, wow we’re really doing something,” said WiZdumb. “That narrative has controlled mindsets, so there a lot of people who do look like us, Black, Muslim girls, that think they can’t do stuff because of who they are and so a lot of older women have come to us to say “keep going because I wish I never stopped. It’s beautiful to hear that but I hope that they know their time is never done and they can always hop right back into it.” 

The positive response that they have received since the very beginnings of their careers has warranted extensive media attention, including a feature in Vogue Arabia where they are noted as part of the new generation of Black, female, Muslim emcees.

Aint Afraid is not stopping anytime soon! Their newest single, Bonnie and Bonnie, is another colorful anthem that preaches the value and importance of positive friendships as it gives listeners a glimpse into what’s to come with Aint Afraid’s debut album set to be released, this month.

“This album is really about knowing your importance and telling people ‘you are loved, you are important,” said Straingth. “The album is like our hug to the world.” 

More than anything, the Twinsz are humbled and grateful for all those who have subscribed to the Aint Afraid movement. Even though they are the faces, they acknowledge all of their supporters as Aint Afraid and strive to be a beacon of light and encouragement to those who resonate with the message. What began as two talented sisters, rapping in their car, has turned into the beautiful manifestation of remaining in your light, even when others may attempt to define you with darkness. 

To learn more about Aint Afraid’s journey click here to watch one of their latest TikToks!