Shedding Dred and Finding Flow
These photographs capture more than an artist at work. They document someone in motion.
Future Creative Leader Naiya sat down with Lighthouse’s Bobby Brown for a frank and honest conversation ahead of a photoshoot Naiya had arranged with local young photographer Giles Cook. Bobby and Naiya discussed Naiya's journey towards becoming a confident, self-assured young man - what it took to get there, and what it takes to stay there.
Together, they reflected on Naiya's transition from his nickname Dred to his birth name Naiya, during a period of renewal and personal growth.
“It was the biggest hurdle and obstacle in my way at that time, because internally I was fighting with myself. I knew I didn't fit these shoes anymore, didn't fit these clothes; they were too small for me. So I had to grow.”
They also touched on Naiya’s involvement in music, his love for storytelling and his recent ventures into fitness and community building through the Always Flow movement.
“I think I've always known, deep down, that I'm going to be in that space, to teach, or speak to a group of people. I just know it. My mum's always said I'm good with young people; people have always said I'm good with people. So I said, do you know what, I need to stop running from what's potentially calling me.”
From an idea, a community-run club was born.
“We’ve had walks, hikes, partnerships. We've collaborated with some restaurants, Boxshop, Hooked, Pommy's Pizza, Brighton Music Cup. I also run a Brighton Marathon and Hackney Half. A lot has happened in this space, but it's flowing”
Their conversation highlighted Naiya's ambitions to engage in more film and acting, emphasising his underlying desire to inspire and connect with others.
“It's not a return; it's a finding of self. It's that fear of being seen that keeps you hiding. And I feel that's why things are going the way they're going now, because I'm allowing myself to be truly seen. I'm learning to reveal.”
For nearly a decade, Bobby has witnessed Naiya’s journey unfold.
What began through music has become something much broader - a practice of storytelling, self-discovery and community.
“I found out, after I'd made Always Flow, doing some research, that my name Naiya actually means "to flow"; it means water and renewal in Sanskrit, and in Hawaiian it means "around." Similar themes throughout all cultures; the first thing on the list was flow.”
Today, that transformation reaches far beyond the studio. Through filmmaking, movement, community running, public storytelling and creative leadership, Naiya is exploring what it means to create a life that is lived with intention, and to invite others into that process.
These photographs capture more than an artist at work. They document someone in motion. Someone choosing faith instead of fear, presence over performance and community over isolation.
As Naiya puts it, “this isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about finding who has always been there.”
Check our behind-the-scenes photos by our Lighthouse Young Creative (LYC) alum Leyla Abulhawa @artbyleyla._
ABOUT NAIYA AND ALWAYS FLOW
Naiya
Naiya is a local storyteller, community leader and is a Lighthouse Future Creative Leader. As an artist he pushes the boundaries of Music and Storytelling. His debut project “LSS” (Long Story Short) marked a defining chapter in his career, offering listeners a deep dive into his world. Naiya is deeply inspired by his lived experience, he aims to inspire and inform through his own personal growth, discipline and self-belief.
ABOUT FUTURE CREATIVE LEADERS
Future Creative Leaders (FCL) is a 12-month paid programme offering young creatives from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to work closely with Lighthouse's leadership team to explore various aspects of creative leadership.
FCL redefines youth engagement by sharing power and resources directly with young people. This 12-month programme goes beyond access or participation. It places real influence, leadership, creative agency and decision-making power in the hands of those traditionally underrepresented in the creative industries.
Over the year, participants will co-curate programmes, select participants for mini-residencies, and recruit their successors, all while exploring alternative governance structures, accountability, and power-sharing.
FUNDERS
We're grateful to: Innovate UK, Chalk Cliff Trust, Sussex Community Foundation, and Enjoolata Foundation