Katoucha Niane’s unexpected death cut me to the quick. An obituary.

A few days ago, Katoucha Niane’s lifeless body was found in the Seine. The Grande Dame of the African models’ scene lived in a houseboat on the banks of this river.

I have never met a woman who embodied a noblesse akin to hers: Katoucha Niane was the first African top model in Europe and paved the way for many of us. Her death is an immense loss.

For Katoucha Niane:

I met you in Paris, the city of fashion. Unlike most people in the modelling profession, you didn’t promote competition but encouraged cooperation. Your house was open to us and, with your incredible charisma, you showed the world how much beauty and nobleness the African continent breeds.

Your death moves me greatly. Only last year, at the presentation of your battlesome book “In my Flesh”, you said: “I am now 47 years of age, I still have half my life ahead of me”. Since I heard of your book, in which you wrote about your genital mutilation, I have longed to see you again. The thought of fighting with you against this cruel “tradition” gave me a new lease of energy. Now it is too late.

I can not describe how sad I am, how stunned I followed the head lines in the media. With your picture before my eyes, I mourn your beautiful soul, your love of life and your unbridled temperament. You will stay in my heart as a shining example. We will win this battle! For you and for all the little girls who are threatened by this cruel torture! Love, Waris.