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Meet the 19 African creatives who made it into Manju Journal's #CreativeClassof2019

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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

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#CreativeClassof2019 . Manju is proud to present our best image-makers of the decade. Congratulations to Stephen Tayo (@stephen.tayo) who has been selected as one of our 16 best African image-makers of the decade. After graduating with philosophy from the University, young documentary Nigerian photographer Stephen Tayo’s spontaneous shots captures everyday fashion on streets of Lagos. Tayo has shot fashion & rock music project for New York Times (@nytimes), Festival Style for Dazed magazine (@dazed), Street style for Vogue (@voguemagazine), Another Magazine, i-D, Sleek Magazine and many more. He was recently selected for ‘The New Black Vanguard’ photography by Antwaun Sargent (@sirsargent) and Aperture Foundation (@aperturefnd) #StephenTayo #photography #bestof2019 #fashion #africanphotography #manjujournal #printmagazine #yearofreturn

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3. Moses Quiquine

4. Durimel

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Next on our #CreativeClassof2019 emerging artist and best photography of the decade is photography duo Jalan & Jibril Durimel (@durimel). Born to parents from Guadeloupe, Jalan& Jibril draw on a geographically diverse upbringing to create a new wave of fashion photography. Their interest in photography and cinema is rooted in passion for shedding light on life’s unseen, romantic and graceful moments and in the desire to use their skill to tell the stories of all cultures of the diaspora. In 2017, they shot Kenzo’s (@kenzo) Spring/Summer’17 #SS17 campaign which featured stars including Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross), Jesse Williams (@ijessewilliams) and Singer Kelsey Lu (@iamkelseylu). In 2019, they were selected as one of the emerging artists for FOAM TALENT 2019 (@foam_amsterdam)/ (@foam_magazine) held with RedHookLabs. Their works have seen visuals impact with some artists including (@sampha) & (@mereba). We believe these duo have shared more lights on black narratives and impact. Congratulations guys ! #durimel #bestof2019 #manjujournal #foamtalent #printmagazine #fashion #photography #talent

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5.Anne Barlinckhoff

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Congratulations to #AnneBarlinckhoff @annebarlinckhoff selected as one of our emerging artists for #ManjuJournal’s #CreativeClassof2019. Anne is a Dutch photographer and artist who lives and works between Europe and Africa. Her body of work harmonizes serenity, strength and love. Barlinckhoff’s visual expirations prioritize the female body in which she creates intimate and intense portraits that come from a process of trust she buries with her models. From shooting and working with stars like Mr.Eazi (@mreazi), Anne was selected by GUP magazine as one of the top 100 emerging Dutch photographers and her work was featured on the cover of the 2014 edition of New Dutch Photography Talent. She has been published in Dazed & Confused (@dazed), Nowness (@nowness), Vogue Italia (@vogueitalia) and Blink Magazine amongst others and has exhibited in South Africa, Europe and Australia. Anne’s body of work caught our eyes during her trip to Ghana on her project with her albino friends Richmond and Bright. #bestof2019 #photography #printmagazine #femalephotographer #dutch #manjujournal #albino

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6. Mous Lamrabat

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Mous Lamrabat @mouslamrabat is our next emerging artist of the decade. Mous is a self-taught photographer born in Morocco. After studying interior design, he discovered art and began to use his cultural experience to his advantage by fusing Western and Moroccan aesthetics to create his unique vision of fashion photography. Inspired by his home country, his aim is to show his rich Moroccan heritage through an artistic eye. Mous has exhibited with Unseen Amsterdam @unseenplatform, LagosPhoto Festival @lagosphotofestival, AKAA @akaa_fair and Vogue Italia’s @vogueitalia PhotoVogue Festival. The self-taught photographer was included among British Journal of Photography Ones to Watch in 2019 and has also been featured in publications including Nataal Magazine @nataalmedia, The Last Magazine @thelastmagazine and his portfolio is filled with an array of outstanding prop-embedded portraits and fake fashion campaigns with the likes of Gucci, Prada and Burberry. #mouslamrabat #bestof2019 #creativeclassof2019 #manjujournal #artist #emergingartist #printmagazine #Morocco #Belgium #photography

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7. Wekafore

8. Nana Yaw Oduro

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Next on our best image-makers of the decade and 2019 is young Ghanaian artist and photographer Nana Yaw Oduro who goes by the name the Vintage Mason (@the.vintage.mason). Nana Yaw Oduro started his photographic journey in 2015, and since had successful collective and individual exhibitions in Ghana, China and the US. He captures unique detailed images; and describes his photographic style as bold contemporary, inspired by his feelings and his local environment. His photography truly captures bold statements of colour; boyhood, masculinity, emotions, acceptance and self-awareness. His work has been featured in publications including Vogue Italia, signant, Independent Photo, Dazed, Artsy and many more. Currently, he’s one of the few artists singed to @thursdayschildglobal ; a global platform that partner with the best I represented image makers in the world. #manjujournal #bestof2019 #photography #printmagazine #artists #masculinity #africanphotography #youngartist

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9. Daniel Obasi

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Congratulations to lagos-based young Nigerian artist, stylist and creative director Daniel Obasi (@iamdanielobasi) emerging as one of Manju’s best image makers of the decade. As a talented multifaceted visual storyteller, Daniel’s works play around with notions of gender, sexuality and identity and shows a mix of feminine and masculine elements. His work curs across several facet of the entire creative scene, working in film, fashion and music. From shooting short films, Udara & Alien in Town, Styling some major acts including Major Lazer @majorlazer , Odunsi @odunsitheengine , Falana @falanamusic and many more, we believe Daniel’s creative work has put more emphasis on African identity. One of his popular series ,’ The illegal project ‘ is about #homosexuality in Nigeria. Daniel had shots and styled for major publications inclduing Nataal, Oxosi, Vogue, Garage and brands including OrangeCultureNigeria @orangecultureng , Asai @asaitakeaway , Nike @nike etc. Recently, he was included in The New Black Vanguard by Antwaun Sargent (@sirsargent) and Aperture (@aperturefnd) that focus on the world by black photographers and artists. #DanielObasi #manjujournal #photography #fashion #bestof2019 #lagos #printmagazine #artists #stylist #africanphotography

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10. Prince Gyasi

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Young Ghanaian artist Prince Gyasi (@princejyesi) is our next image maker and photographer of the decade. Prince photographs the colors, faces and Spirit of Ghana through his vibrant, curated shoots of his hometown. He is self-describes iPhone photographer and artistic vessel; using imagery as his medium to express what he sees/feels. Some of Gyasi’s featured images are part of his BoxedKids (@boxedkids) series; a photographic project turned GoFundMe campaign created by Gyasi and his partner Kukua Eshun (@kuuksss). Apple @apple has repeatedly recognized his work as had Instagram @instagram and he’s now represented by Nil Gallery (@nilgalleryparis) in Paris which has found most of his works at art fairs across the US. One of his recent project for Apple ‘A Great Day in Accra’ gives hip life culture & the torchbearers of the sound their long overdue props featuring some hip life acts including @reggierockstone711, @okyeamekwame, @elrepgh, @1realjoeyb, etc with a mini documentary dictées by Joshua Kissi @joshuakissi. Gyasi has had exhibition with some fairs including @154artfair, @akaa_fair , @pulseartfair and featured in publications including Vogue @vogue, @bbcafrica, @okayafrica, @lofficielusa and many more. #PrinceGyasi #nilgallery #artists #manjujournal #bestof2019 #fashion #art #artexhibition

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11.Campbell Addy

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Congratulations to British-Ghanaian photographer, film maker, publisher and model agent Campbell Addy (@campbelladdy) selected as one of Manju’s best image makers of the decade. Campbell Addy’s work is a narrative in nature with a focus on casting under-represented faces. He is the brain behind the publication Nii Journal @niijournal, a biannual arts & culture publication and Nii Agency @niiagency, a modeling agency dedicated to celebrating diversity. Campbell has graced the pages of British Vogue @britishvogue, @dazed, @i_d , @teenvogue, The Wall Street Journal @wsj Financial Times @financialtimesfashion and the first black horographie to shoot Naomi Campbell @naomi in 33years for the Guradian’s @guardian Weekend Supplement. Currently, he’s signed to the agency @clmagency as one of fashion photographer’s rising star with his work exhibited internationally and was selected as a Honouree by Nowness @nowness Awards in 2019. Campbell Addy seeks to use his electrifying photography to examine racial and cultural identity. #CampbellAddy #manjujournal #bestof2019 #photography #blackphotographers #printmagazine #artists #niijournal #masculinity #fashion

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12. Joshua Kissi

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#Bestof2019 : Our next image-maker of the decade is Joshua Kissi. Joshua Kissi (@joshuakissi) is a Ghanaian-New York based photographer, entrepreneur and creative director. His body of work primarily focus on topics of identity therefore he’s also known for starting the fashion-forward men’s blog Street Etiquette (@streetetiquette) in 2008 with high school friend Travis Gumbs (@travisgumbs). Kissi and Karen Okonkwo (@karenokonkwo) launched TONL (@tonl), a stock-photography company that offers original image that features people of colour and different sexual orientations doing everyday things. Companies such as @google, @facebook etc have signed up for their subscription service, deploying TONL’s images in their marketing, editorial cotnent and internal presentations. Kissi photo series ‘REFRAMED’ had its US debut exhibition in 2019 with OkaySpace @okayspace/ @okayafrica in Brooklyn, NewYork and in Lagos with LagosPhotoFestival @lagosphotofestival. He’s been featured as Inc Maf ‘30 under 30’ for his work with TONL and most recently selected as Fast Company’s @fastcompany 100 Most Creative People. #JoshuaKissi #manjujournal #photography #africanphotography #artist #tonl #blackphotographers #blackart

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13. Alice Mann

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Congratulations to Alice Mann (@alicemannnn) emerging as one of our best image makers of the decade. Alice Mann is a South African photographic artist based in London who’s intimate portraiture essays explore notions of picture making as an act of collaboration. She aims to create images that empower her subjects and creates projects over extended periods, allowing for engaged and nuanced representations. Her work has been published in international publications including the Guardian (@guardian), The New Yorker @newyorkermag and the British Journal of Photography. It has also been exhibited at Red Hook Labs in New York, at Unseen Amsterdam and AddisFoto festival @addisfotofest . Her series ‘Drummies’ was selected as a winner of the 2018 Lensculture @lensculture emerging photographer prize and the PHMuseum Women’s @phmuseum ‘New Generation’ prize for an emerging photographer. She was also awarded the 2018 Taylor Wessing portraiture prize, the first time in the exhibition’s history that a series has ever been selected for first prize. #AliceMann #taylorwessingportraitprize #portraits #photography #manjujournal #fashion #womenphotographers #SouthAfrica #africanphotography #artists

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14. Kyle Weeks

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Congratulations to Namibian artist and photographer Kyle Weeks (@_kyleweeks_) for emerging as one of our best image-maker’s of the decade. Kyle’s body of work crosses genres and portray masculinity and the African body. He captures a new narrative of hope and creativity for African youth. From his wide- acclaimed photo series ‘ Palm Wine Collectors’ , a series he made in 2015 in the Kunene region of Namibia documenting the long-established tradition of tapping the sap of the Makalani palm to make wine. Kyle weeks has worked with quite a number of publications inclduing @dazed, @i_d , @vogueitalia, @m_magazine , Nataal and many more and shoots across #Ghana, #SouthAfrica, #London. In 2019, he was one of the emerging artists for RedHookLabs @redhooklabs annual Labs New Artist III photo exhibition, Vogue Italia’s #photovoguefestival curated by @alessiaglaviano & Chiara Bardelli Nonino @chiaranonino and Unseen Amsterdam @unseenplatform annual exhibition. Kyle always documents what interests and surrounds him as a complex, multilayered reality, thus demystifying any reductive stereotype. #Kyleweeks #manjujournal #vogue #labsnewartists #redhooklabs #Namibia #printmagazine #stereotypes #africanphotography #artists

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