Sometimes a shoot feels like more than a shoot. In a recent commission, Lewis Khan spent 10 days photographing French rapper Lala &ce in Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast.

Though Lala grew up in Lyon, this is where her family originates and many still reside. The brief was to produce a series of publicity shots to accompany her summer release that were polished but with a realness that reflects the artist’s connection to this place.

With Lala’s crew in tow – many who had grown up in the city but moved to France as teens – great food and music and everyone staying together in a big house, it felt like one long party. Lewis was introduced to Lala’s cousins and grandmother. The schedule allowed for downtime and the freedom that this lent to the project gave rise to spontaneous, candid moments. Something essential about Lala &ce’s identity and roots is distilled into these soulful shots.