Nicolly Martins & Afrontameg: sisterhood, purpose, and representation in fashion

'CELEBRITY' EDITION COVER - GLOBAL ISSUE

In the new Celebrity edition of Hooks Magazine, the power of representation takes center stage in a striking cover featuring Nicolly Martins and Afrontameg. The production is part of a project created by photographer @demmacedo, whose mission is to transform fashion and art into spaces of inclusion. Under the motto “Everyone is in fashion and art is in everyone,” the initiative celebrates democratic beauty and diversity as essential pillars of creation.

Journalist and content creator Nicolly Martins has become one of the most authentic voices of the new digital generation. With videos filled with humor, reflections on identity, and posts that celebrate natural hair and Black pride, she has built a loyal audience — and carved out a vital space in contemporary media.

“I realized the impact of my voice when I started receiving messages from people saying they felt seen and understood through my videos,” says Nicolly. “At first, I just wanted to have fun and share my thoughts, but when I understood that my experiences could create identification and open important discussions, I realized that my content could become a real movement for transformation.”

Between laughter and deep reflections, Nicolly masters the art of balancing authenticity and responsibility.

“The internet is a powerful but also very sensitive space. So, I always focus on being genuine — because that’s what truly connects people. Humor is the way I found to open serious conversations in an accessible way.”

With a journey defined by courage and representation, Nicolly uses her platforms as a tool to challenge and dismantle racist stereotypes. “Influencers have a very important role in this process. It’s about showing that being who we are is already a political act. The simple act of existing, taking a stand, and inspiring other Black people is already part of the fight.”

The presence of Nicolly and AFRONTAMEG on the cover of Hooks Magazine goes beyond aesthetics: it is a manifesto about belonging. “Being on the cover of an international fashion magazine is more than a personal achievement. It’s about representing Black women and showing that beauty and style reside in us too,” she explains. “Being part of the ‘DESconstrução’ project reaffirms that fashion can be a space for resistance, expression, and freedom.”

And alongside her sister, the meaning multiplies. “We support and push each other all the time. We grew up together, we dream together, and seeing all of this come to life is a double achievement. Our bond is strength — and it’s beautiful to show that sisterhood is also representation.”

1. You’ve built a loyal audience with your authentic and fun videos. At what point did you realize that your voice on the internet could turn into a true movement of impact?

“I think I realized the impact of my voice when I started receiving messages from people saying they felt seen and welcomed by my videos. At first, I just wanted to have fun and share what I thought, but when I understood that my experiences could create identification and open important discussions, I realized that the content could become a real movement for transformation.”

2. Your videos move between humor, social debates, and reflections on identity. How do you balance authenticity and responsibility when creating content that entertains but also provokes reflection?

“I always try to remember that the internet is a powerful space, but also very sensitive. So when I create, I first think about being true — because that’s what connects. At the same time, I carry the responsibility of using my space to provoke reflection without losing lightness. Humor is the way I found to open serious dialogues in an accessible manner.”

3. At different times, you have used your networks to deconstruct racist stereotypes. In your view, what is the role of a digital influencer in combating deeply rooted prejudices?

“I believe that an influencer plays a very important role in deconstructing prejudices. We are there, every day, occupying spaces and showing that other narratives exist. It’s about showing that being who we are is already a political act, and that simply existing, taking a stand, and inspiring other Black people is part of the fight.”

4. Fashion and beauty have been paths of expression for many Black women. What does it mean for you to be on the cover of an international fashion magazine and take part in a project like “DESconstrução”?

“Being on the cover of an international fashion magazine represents much more than a personal achievement for me. It’s about representing Black women and showing that beauty and style are in us too. Being part of ‘DESconstrução’ reaffirms that fashion can be a space for resistance, expression, and freedom.”

5. The ‘DESconstrução’ project conveys the idea that everyone is in fashion and art is in everyone. How do you see fashion as a tool for inclusion and breaking norms?

“For me, fashion is a way of telling stories. When we dress, we communicate who we are, where we come from, and what we believe in. Seeing fashion as a tool for inclusion is understanding that everyone has the right to express themselves and be seen. True art is found in diversity — in the different ways of existing and showing ourselves to the world.”

6. Being alongside your sister AFRONTAMEG on this very special cover certainly brings even greater meaning. How does your relationship influence your trajectory, and how do you strengthen each other in the world of media and fashion?

“Being alongside my sister on this cover is incredibly symbolic. We support, inspire, and push each other all the time. We grew up together, we dream together, and seeing all of this materialize is a double achievement. Our union is strength — and it’s beautiful to show that sisterhood is also representativeness.”

7. If you could leave a message for young content creators who, like you, want to occupy prominent spaces in the media, what would be the most important advice?

“The advice I would give is: don’t wait for anyone’s permission to occupy your space. Stay true to your essence, even when they try to mold you. Social media values what is real, so trust your voice. If it’s genuine, it will reach someone — and that’s how movements begin.”