By Samantha Bache

Firefly Oshenisis (@fireflyoshenisis) is a creative force blending music, skating, fashion, and flow. Known for her vibrant Instagram presence, she shares reels of hoop dancing, street skating, and bold psychedelic style. She also produces her own music and brings a spiritual, expressive vibe to everything she does. Whether she’s on a board or behind a beat, Firefly moves with intention and inspires others to do the same.

What first got you into skating, and do you remember your first board?

I got into skateboarding the moment I turned on Tony Hawk Pro Skater on my PlayStation. It really opened up a whole new world to me. I wasn’t allowed to skateboard. I’m a first generation Nigerian American. My parents are conservative so girls can’t do a lot of things like skate or date. I saved up money and bought my first skateboard secretly. I had to skate in secret. It was always a rebellion, it was illegal! It will always hold a place in my heart because of this.

How would you describe your style?

I think my style is like Afro futurism psychedelic 70s, punk, paradise

What trick took you the longest to land, and what was that battle like?

Definitely Kickflips. It’s like the one trick you have to learn to officially not be a poser in the skate world. And it’s so annoying. And it took me my entire life! I guess treating skateboarding like an actual sport instead of a fun hobby is how I finally learned them.

How do you handle fear or hesitation when trying something new or gnarly?

My rule is, pray to God. Don’t think about it, just send it; commit and hope for the best!

You bring serious style to the board—how do fashion and skating influence each other for you?

Eh, to be honest it’s all the same. Everything I do. I just express myself up fully and authentically. I don’t even think that much about it. I just want to be honest, and I don’t like people telling me what to do or how to dress.

What’s your favorite setup right now—board, wheels, shoes, the full kit?

Liebeskateboards deck, slime ball wheels, vans forever and always (currently custom firefly vans), taildevil spark plate and spark rails. I like these Slappytrucks, i don’t care what anyone says cause their hollow trucks and their beautiful. Colors are important to me and I haven’t seen prettier trucks.

Any advice for skaters trying to find their own flow and aesthetic?

I don’t know, I feel like trying to find an aesthetic is weird to be honest. Just do whatever you like, don’t think about it too much, stop caring what anyone else thinks. Just vibe. Vibe on your board. Have fun.

Your music feels like a sonic extension of your visuals. How do you see your music and skating feeding off each other?

Everything is the same: the skating, the music, the art, the rugs, the fashion; it’s all Firefly Oshenisis. I’m on a mission here on earth to express something. I want to make clothing, music, music, videos, skate tv shows, movies, art, everything. Just watch and listen and take in the vibes. It speaks for itself. I don’t think words encompass it.

Can you tell us about the process behind one of your tracks—how it starts and how it ends up ready to share?

Typically I channel from something higher. Everything serves a purpose. Free flow and gibberish or random sounds turn into a very catchy tune. I put a lot of meaning into my music, maybe I take it too seriously sometimes but I really want to express something real and authentic. I don’t just want to be famous. I don’t want just want views. I want to make people feel something for real.

What does “retro-futurism” mean to you, and how does it show up in your art and skate style?

This word encompasses my entire existence. For one aesthetically it’s a late 60s early 70s vibe of how they thought the future would look; and that’s how my world looks. But personally it means bringing indigenous cultures and presence into our now AI tech future world. I want to always keep the past present if that makes sense.

You share content that’s raw and authentic. How do you stay grounded and true to yourself online?

To be honest I just don’t take social media that seriously believe it or not. I just do what I love and put some words and music on top of it. I’m not making skits or planning things out. Everything is pretty natural. I work with whatever I have and make art out of it. I don’t see myself as a content creator. I’m an artist; meaning, I treat the things I make as visual art. I think this pisses the skate community off cause it’s so male centered with how skate parts or skate clips should look and honestly I’m just not too into that OG aesthetic. I think it’s cool but it doesn’t represent me personally. It never has and probably never will. I’m a skateboard artist. Art is always going to be important to me. I’m not trying to conform to any groups.

How has your experience been as a woman/nontraditional skater in the scene? What’s changing, and what still needs to?

People are super mean on the internet. It’s whatever. People are bullies, racist etc. I mean it’s whatever. In actual life people are mostly chill. I’ve had some bad skatepark experiences but ultimately everyone leaves me alone because I’m valid. When I say that I mean I just skate and do my thing. I commit and go hard and send it and anyone around me sees that. They can only respect it. You don’t have to like me, but I love skateboarding that’s undeniable.

Who inspires you in the skate world—past or present? Anyone we should be watching?

Sky Brown is probably my biggest inspiration other than Tony Hawk. She’s the coolest girl in the world, no question. I’ve watched her skate at venice and she’s truly amazing. I could only imagine how amazing it must be to have parents that support your skateboarding and actively help you become the greatest you can be. I hope to be as amazing as her one day.

What’s a dream project or collab you’d love to bring to life—whether it’s fashion, film, or something else?

Currently I’m working on a tv show. It’s like Euphoria meets Lords of Dogtown. and it’s a gritty yet humor-infused drama mystery that explores the intense lives of a group of young, rebellious friends in Venice Beach, California. United by their love for art, skateboarding, and music, they navigate the chaotic world around them, facing the harsh realities of adulthood while grappling with deep emotional and psychological struggles.

What’s the wildest or most beautiful place you’ve ever skated? Or dream spot?

Flower shop in San Francisco definitely. And I actually shredded it too. Very proud of myself for that because it’s an OG diy spot.

If you had to describe your skate vibe in three words—what would they be?

Skate Tropical Crime

What message do you want your art, skating, and energy to send to the next generation coming up?

You can do anything. Follow joy. Don’t conform. Don’t submit. Try your best because you can really do anything. Ignore the haters, they hate on even the best of them. Just do your best and have fun

Interview with Firefly Oshenisis

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