While grateful for the kindness, Duwaji has spoken openly about the discomfort of having her identity reduced, noting that early coverage often overlooked her years of independent creative work.

As interest grew, Duwaji and Mamdani made intentional choices about privacy, sharing only a small selection of images from their courthouse wedding and emphasizing intimacy over spectacle. She has acknowledged the pressure that comes with sudden attention, especially for creatives, and has chosen to stay grounded by focusing on her peers rather than audience size.

Approaching her new public association with nuance, Duwaji is clear that she is not a politician. Still, she sees value in using visibility to support working artists while remaining committed to her own practice. Her focus remains steady: protecting her creative voice, setting boundaries, and letting her work—not public labels—define her.