World Waves was founded by Chicago-based artists Upside Down Smilie (Shereene Manimala) and iLLEST (Sanu John), a married creative duo whose individual practices span music, visual art, DJing, fashion, and creative community building. Through World Waves, they create spaces for artists and community members to connect, collaborate, and share their work while celebrating the many cultures, sounds, and perspectives that make Chicago what it is.

World Waves brings together music, art, fashion, events, and artist-centered community experiences with a focus on collaboration, care, and showing up for artists in a meaningful way.