MAKILA NSIKA
Jewellery Designer. Maker.
I created M.kala from a desire to create meaningful jewellery that celebrates the land of my childhood and the people who keep its story. My journey is grounded in the belief that true beauty comes from unexpected places, and that the materials we use should reflect our commitment to sustainability, heritage, and innovation.
M.kala jewellery is about tactile and timeless pieces born from materials that resonates with our modern myths and dreams of positive change.
My designs are inspired by the natural textures, the organic qualities of these materials as well as their natural and cultural context.
Working with local artisans, I work to encourage and support this community, so that the rich cultural heritage of the Republic of Congo continues to thrive in the modern world.
By wearing M.Kala jewellery, you help maintaining crafters in their practice in the Republic of Congo despite the difficult conditions.
Biography
Makila Nsika has always been deeply connected to the rich artistic and cultural traditions of the Republic of Congo, her homeland. She pursued her academic journey at Sorbonne University, where she earned a Master’s degree in French Literature with a specialisation in African narratives, graduating with distinction. Her academic exploration of African storytelling fostered a broader interest in the intersections between literature, material culture, and craftsmanship, particularly in the ways traditional practices evolve within contemporary contexts.
This growing curiosity guided her towards jewellery design, leading her to undertake part-time studies in fine jewellery at City Lit where she developed technical expertise in metalwork. In 2020, she founded M.Kala, a brand dedicated to reinterpreting Congolese craftsmanship through contemporary design methodologies. Her inaugural collection gained industry recognition when selected for SHINE2021 of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, and the Crafts Council, where she further developed her approach to craft and entrepreneurship through their Craft Business program.
Seeking to expand her critical engagement with material innovation and conceptual design, she pursued an MA in Design at Central Saint Martins, obtained with distinction. Her final body of work, which explored the intersection of heritage, material innovation, and contemporary luxury aesthetics, was recognized with the Maison/O award 2024 supported by the LVMH group as well as the C.S.M. Graduate Award.
Through M.Kala, Makila Nsika’s research-driven practice continues to explore the convergence of traditional and modern techniques, as well as contemporary aesthetics, contributing to the broader discourse on craft preservation, material experimentation, and design innovation.