These new-age African photographers are making use of all modern tools available to them to put African talent out there. Their works are unique and tell an African story in a modern way.
Let’s take a look at some of the photographers taking the world by surprise with their photographic skills.
Kibuuka Mukisa Oscar
Kibuuka Mukisa Oscar ( Instagram @kibuukaphotography) is a Ugandan born citizen of the world, an unconventional self-taught photographer and artist living and working in Kampala, Uganda.
His work has a native influence from the youth and hiphop culture, people, social motivational causes and diverse forms of expression. Coming from a well expressive drawing family, Kibuuka Mukisa’s heart belongs to the community and social work.
He chooses to use photography as a tool to spread the message and share joy but also to develop a profession, artistic-expression and self-discovery. He evolved the motto “give a smile to the world” which he wishes to portray and share through his work.
Girma Birta
Ethiopian photographer Girma Birta (Instagram @gboxcreative) was self-taught. His photographs are very expressionistic, bordering on avant-garde – they almost look like paintings, the backdrops hidden with vibrant colour.
The street scenes that he captured of Addis Ababa in Moving Images II of a mother and daughter were particularly striking, fusing fine art with modern photography techniques. When the blockage to Eritrea was lifted in June 2018, Birta was one of the first photographers to travel there to photograph the people.
His Asmara series documents this visit in a poignant and unique way. Birta’s use of digital media shows just how important it is for young African artists to have a clear voice in this changing society.
Kadara Enyeasi
Kadara Enyeasi is a young Nigerian artist who studied architecture before turning his talents to creating images that span fashion, art. He was born in Lagos and has became well-known for his striking black and white portraits from his Human Encounters series in 2014.
He originally studied architecture, before turning his talents to photography. His self-portraits are an intimate way of perceiving himself and interpreting the environment that he lives in. Recently Enyeasi’s work has progressed into social documentary, with a particular interest in the way people on the streets gesture and interact with one another.
He feels that particularly in Lagos people put on more of a show, rather than being their natural selves. Enyeasi often takes fashion commissions from brands in Ghana and Nigeria, juxtaposing colours and textures, and experimenting with silhouette.
Nadine Ijewere
Nadine Ijewere’s photography work focuses on diversity and the identity of the soul. She is heavily inspired by her Nigerian/Jamaican heritage trying to create a new standard of beauty. Whether she is shooting analogue or digital, the photos are beautifully composed and thought out.
It is important for a photographer to know the difference between analogue and digital, both in terms of technique but also choosing what is appropriate for the picture. Digital is very eco-friendly and more versatile for publications like the ones that Ijewere has done for magazines like Vogue and i-D.
Her photographs taken in Lagos, using local models in particular captures wonderful energy of the people of Nigeria and much of her commercial work has been used in mainstream campaigns.
