Urban Creator Trudy Kazangu: “To be able to say, ‘There, I did it,’ is truly fantastic.”

March 18, 2019

min read

Trudy Kazangu is passionate about photography because she believes images speak louder than words. She has been part of the Chase team for a few years now, and with her interest in fashion and urban music, we can count on her for seasonal fashion updates and festival reports. 2019 is the year she wants to excel at everything.

The Chase Urban Creators are digital creatives who produce videos, photos, articles, and social media content on topics such as urban music, lifestyle, the creative community, and society. They are a diverse group of young people seeking a platform to share their passions and develop their skills.

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Hey Trudy Kazangu, what do you do at Chase?

I mainly write articles about fashion. These are often seasonal, such as articles about winter coats or summer colors. I’m also interested in various social issues, as long as I can learn something from them. That’s why I wrote an article for Chase about identity crises among Congolese youth. I also work as a photographer at various events. Right now, I’m studying journalism at Erasmus University College in Brussels, and I’m combining my second and third years. So it’s still a bit of a challenge to juggle everything.

Where did you study photography?

I don't really like to call myself a “photographer,” because I never studied photography at an accredited institution. I recently bought a new camera and I really enjoy using it. I've also started doing analog photography, which has a different feel to it and is really fun to work with. I don't develop the photos myself; I leave that to a professional.

How long have you been an urban creator at Chase?

Maybe I've been at Chase for four or five years already? I ended up here through word of mouth. A friend of mine was already writing for Chase, and she thought Chase would be a good fit for me. That's why I filled out an application and volunteered.

What are your main interests?

For Chase, I write about fashion, and within that theme I’ve also written a number of list articles. But the thing is: I’d rather not be labeled as a “fashion writer,” so I wanted to write about something more profound. I wanted to delve into a more serious topic that also resonates with my personality. So in the end, I wrote the article about African girls with tattoos: I have tattoos myself and I’ve noticed how difficult it can be to be accepted this way, for example within my own family. I want to write from that human perspective and emotional experience. That’s also why I wrote the article about the identity crisis among Congolese youth: I started from a personal angle again, and then I interviewed several people to explore the topic further.

What was the most exciting project you've worked on for Chase?

The most exciting thing I did for Chase was going to WECANDANCE 2017 on my own. Taking photos at the festival was very stressful, but also very cool and eye-opening. At the time, I didn’t have much professional photography experience, and I was really nervous about introducing myself to everyone. You have to take enough photos—and above all, enough good ones. Everyone looks at you and wonders whether you’re a real photographer or just someone pretending to be one. You’re alone, and you know people are counting on you: I felt a lot of pressure. But WECANDANCE was an amazing place and experience, and I got to photograph many wonderful people. Being able to say, “There, I did it,” is truly fantastic.

Do you also work on other projects besides assignments for Chase?

I recently responded to an open call from the Photo Museum in Antwerp. Their project, Black History Month Antwerp, aims to connect young Afro-Belgians with art in which they can see themselves and find inspiration. They invited young, talented Black people to reflect on what freedom means and how that can be creatively expressed through photography. Some of my photos were selected and are currently on display at FOMU for Black History Month under the theme “What does freedom mean to you as an Afro-Belgian?”

What skills would you like to develop?

I’d really like to write more, but I’m actually very insecure about my writing. So I prefer doing something I’m more confident in, which is making videos. What I’d really like to do in the future is make documentaries, because I’m quite good with visuals. At least, I think so, because I hear that often. I want to do everything myself: from creating the footage to editing it. I like working on social and cultural topics, but I’m also interested in fashion and lifestyle, although I prefer focusing on the social side of beauty

For example, I’d like to make a documentary about beauty standards among street children in Congo. So taking photos with just a little text is perfect for me. Chase’s main focus is on publishing content about music and lifestyle, but there’s also room for more in-depth topics, which allows me to publish my articles on tattoos and Congolese youth. All the photos I’ve taken for Chase are on my Instagram feed, and I always get very positive feedback. I think that because people see I work for Chase, they take me a bit more seriously.

Do you also use other social media platforms to share your work?

I’m only active on Instagram. Snapchat isn’t for me, I don’t understand Twitter, and I’ve never used Tumblr. I do use Pinterest sometimes, mainly to look for photos that match my style. I use Instagram to post photos I take myself. Right now, photography is really just a hobby, and I wouldn’t describe my Instagram as “branding.” If I were working full-time, I would definitely use Instagram as a platform to showcase my work.

What would you like to do in 2019?

I'm planning to travel in June and spend a month in Costa Rica. I'd really like to do something there for Chase, because there's a very vibrant urban scene there. In the coming days and weeks, I might also travel a bit this spring and do something related to fashion this season. 2019 is the year I want to do it all, especially focus more on music. I’m a bit insecure about myself, so I thought: “Trudy, if you don’t do something with it now, nothing will ever happen.” Making and producing music is therefore at the top of my list for 2019: my style is very acoustic, featuring my guitar, synthesizer, and my own vocals.

And I also want to get my driver's license this year. That's really important when you're young and want to take on creative projects, because relying on other people is a hassle. I don't necessarily need my own car, but if I have to work on the coast or in the Ardennes, I can just go.

Do you have any advice for other creators—whether they’re just starting out or are already established—who might be facing the same challenges as you?

I have a tip about social media: there’s an overload of content, and you’re influenced by so many things. There’s a lot of competition—so many people are already working on the same things, and maybe they’re even better at it. But keep in mind that you only see the very best. You quickly start thinking: what’s the point of me continuing what I’m doing? I think it’s very dangerous to compare yourself to other people. It’s very nice to receive positive feedback, and it helps build your self-confidence. So if you’re a creative person, don’t do your work for other people—only for yourself!

Interview by Joke D'Hooghe.

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