Anticipating the Rise.
In a dynamic and pulsating atmosphere teeming with creativity, a fresh wave of visionary talents is leading a revolution across art, design, technology, and beyond. Join us on an exhilarating voyage as we highlight a group of promising African creatives poised to redefine and innovate within our cultural and creative landscapes.
SIEN
Michael Essien, widely known as ‘Sien’ is a multifaceted talent from Nigeria who serves on the creative team at NativeMag, contributes to The Z3ros, steers the creative direction at The Big Birthday brand, and spearheads SienAndGods, a groundbreaking creative agency based in Lagos, Nigeria. His journey throughout the year has been nothing short of extraordinary — from his breakthrough with NativeMag to collaborations with esteemed artists like Blaqbonez, OdumoduBlvck, Victony, and others. Amidst multiple award nominations, Sien’s relentless drive remains unstoppable. Not content with his achievements, he has also penned a self-help masterpiece titled Better Than Me, showcasing his diverse skills and unyielding determination.
THEMANYPHACEDGOD
Samuel Blankson, recognized within the industry as THEMANYPHACEDGOD, stands as an esteemed Ghanaian visual artist celebrated for their unique painting style. Their work intertwines figurative art with powerful social commentary, marking a distinctive signature in the art realm. This exceptional approach has garnered global recognition, notably exemplified when their artwork graced the Grammy-winning album cover for Black Coffee in 2022. Collaborating with a plethora of celebrities including Themba, Denzel Curry, Famaye, and numerous others, THEMANYPHACEDGOD continues to make an indelible mark. As this artist’s popularity skyrockets and their distinct style captivates audiences, their trajectory makes them unquestionably one of the emerging figures to closely follow.
OMAR BA
Omar Ba is a contemporary Senegalese artist renowned for his captivating mixed-media paintings, seamlessly blending figurative and decorative elements. His artistry involves site-specific installations characterized by kaleidoscopic compositions against black backgrounds, evoking the grandeur of contemporary history painting. Ba’s poignant creations delve into themes of colonialism, violence, and hope, forming a multifaceted narrative within his work. His artistic footprint spans exhibitions across Africa, Europe, and the United States. Notably, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels hosted a survey of his works last year, while the Baltimore Museum of Art presented Ba’s inaugural institutional exhibition in the U.S. in November. Today, Ba’s artworks are treasured in esteemed collections such as the Centre National Des Arts Plastiques in Paris and the Fonds Municipal d’Art Contemporaine de la Ville de Geneva. His impactful artistic narrative and global exhibitions cement Ba’s position as a significant figure in contemporary art, captivating audiences with his powerful visual storytelling.
FIKILE SOKHULU
Fikile Sokhulu, the creative force behind the South African clothing brand Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu, has made significant strides in the fashion world. Her brand has notably participated in the 2018 and 2021 South African Fashion Week New Talent Search Competition, securing a finalist position both times. Additionally, Fikile Sokhulu’s collections were showcased among the distinguished fashion designers at the Cape Town Resort Wear 2019 collections. Demonstrating its versatility, the brand collaborated with Mr Price to launch a Fashion Collection in early 2020. The year 2021 marked another milestone as Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu was among the select group of four South African designers chosen for the esteemed Fashion Bridges project sponsored by Camera Nazionalle della Moda Italiana (Milan Fashion Week). The brand has its sights set on crafting an organic aesthetic tailored to resonate with a timeless and contemporary audience. With an aim to appeal to a diverse market, the brand is dedicated to achieving a distinctive fusion of style that transcends age boundaries.
YUSUF AINA
Yusuf Aina is an emerging contemporary artist who primarily works with acrylic and installation. Aina’s artistic practice delves into psychosocial realities, exploring themes such as alienation, trust, belonging, and their impact on the environment and the mind. Through his work, the artist constructs alternative spaces and identities, expanding the boundaries of a constantly evolving visual language. He employs patterns known as ainasm. They are cartoon-like figures, motifs, and landscapes infused with fantastical elements as vehicles for storytelling. The term ainasm derives from the artist’s last name, Àina, which refers to a child born with the umbilical cord wrapped around their neck in Yorùbá tradition. Having curated and contributed to over 15 exhibitions and workshops, including the recently concluded solo exhibition, “Eniyan – Escape Room,” Aina’s trajectory shines brightly.
As his artistry continues to captivate audiences, Yusuf Aina stands poised to command the spotlight and redefine the artistic forefront.
IMPRINT ZA
Imprint ZA stands as an African luxury fashion brand with an Afro-futuristic essence, founded by Mzukisi Mbane. Their core mission revolves around honouring glamour while narrating the tales of African ancestors through iconic prints, fabrics, and historical junctures, crafting distinctive, fashion-forward, and wearable clothing and accessories. Blending streetwear and vintage inspirations, the brand specializes in creating fashion-forward lifestyle pieces. Their guiding ethos, “Leave a mark,” serves as the driving force propelling their visionary aims.
MEHDI SEFRIOUI
Mehdi Sefrioui, a Moroccan fashion photographer established in Paris, embarked on his artistic journey through street photography, capturing meaningful portraits and landscapes during his extensive walks and travels. His path led him through business studies in Paris, a successful internship at Art Partner—a prominent artists’ agency—and a year of dedicated Photography studies at the Paris College of Art, ultimately solidifying his decision to officially delve into fashion photography. For Mehdi, fashion photography transcends the pursuit of “perfect” images; it embodies the photographer’s unique vision. Embracing this philosophy, Mehdi Sefrioui joined the creative team at the innovative magazine NOIR, assuming a pivotal role in the realm of creation.
Amine Bendriouich
Amine Bendriouich, a Moroccan fashion designer renowned for his unconventional flair, embarked on his creative journey fueled by a desire to make an impression and a limited wardrobe during his youth. This necessity birthed Bendriouich’s line, embodying his distinctive viewpoint amidst Morocco’s burgeoning creative movement. Embracing inclusivity, he crafts eclectic and liberated designs, embracing a gender-inclusive ethos. His bold and unapologetic style disrupts norms, drawing inspiration from historical unisex attire. Bendriouich’s creations, in his own words, resonate with a global audience who shares his vision of a harmonious world, transcends cultural boundaries.
AWA MEITE
Awa Meite, a Malian textile and fashion designer, specializes in crafting fashion and accessories using cotton and leather. Her creations showcase a rich knowledge of diversity in fashion, illuminating traditional cotton weaving techniques and leather craftsmanship through a modern lens. Her brand advocates for a shift in the underrepresentation of African designers, emphasizing the unique blend of materials, patterns, and local expertise while empowering communities. The brand stands as a beacon of sustainability and eco-consciousness, utilizing materials like indigo, bogolan, and organic cotton. Committed to quality and haute couture design, the brand champions local transformation and production in Mali, proudly representing African craftsmanship on the global stage.
