Accra-based, global art and culture platform, Manju Journal has unveiled its inaugural lists of African creatives over the decade.

The platform which is dedicated to celebrating and highlighting young creative talents through contemporary African fashion, music, photography, and society made the announcement at the end of 2019 amidst raving reviews and mixed reactions.

In a statement shared online, the platform said the selection was based on artists or image-makers “whose body of work put emphasis on African identity and culture”

“Manju is beyond excited to finally share our #CreativeClassof2019 for photography. For our inaugural Creative Class of 2019, we are celebrating artists in and around the continent whose body of work put emphasis on African identity and culture, contemporary African fashion and photography. Stay with us, as we announce our top 16 photographers/image-makers of the decade.” it said.

The list includes several young creatives who are defining the culture through their work. Ghana’s Prince Gyesi and Nigeria’s Stephen Tayo are inaugurated into the list.

Check out the 16 African Creatives who made the cut.

Ruth Ossai Ginika

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#BestofTheDecade Congratulations to Nigerian photographer #RuthOssaiGinika @ruthossaistudio for being selected as one of #Manju’s top 19 African image-makers of the decade. Ruth Ossai grew up in Southeastern Nigeria and is now based in West Yorkshire, UK. She is known for her portrait and studio photography that empowers Nigerian communities by creating narratives with her subjects that celebrate their personal identities. Ossai, who also works in youth development in the UK and across Africa, recently collaborated with filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr on a special project for #Kenzo, and has also shown at LagosPhoto Festival (@lagosphotofestival), Unseen Amsterdam (@unseenplatform) and many more. She also collaborated with fashion designer and recent Central Saint Martins’ graduate Mowalola Ogunlesi (@mowalola) for their exhibition #MyHeartIsClean shown at RedHookLabs (@redhooklabs). Recently, she shot Rihanna (@badgalriri)’s #FENTY (@fenty) Maison collection with a sartorial, portrait style and scenic backdrops reminiscent of the photo booths we found our parents pose in front of at the functions growing up which surely compliments Rihanna's aesthetic for her first collection. Ruth has shot for many publications and brands including BOF, Nataal, Garage Magazine, InStyleMagazine , Nike and many more. #ruthossaiginika #manjujournal #photooftheday #fashion #Nigeria #femalephotographers #africanphotographers #printmagazine

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Stephen Tayo

3. Moses Quiquine

4. Durimel

5.Anne Barlinckhoff

6. Mous Lamrabat

7. Wekafore

8. Nana Yaw Oduro

9. Daniel Obasi

10. Prince Gyasi

11.Campbell Addy

12. Joshua Kissi

13. Alice Mann

14. Kyle Weeks

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