We are particularly delighted to publish, in this issue, photographers showcasing studio photography talent that echoes the work of one of Africa’s greats, Malick Sidibé (1936–2016). Photographers Hassan Hajjaj, Omar Diop and Samuel Fosso have stayed true to the photographic style that made Mr Sidibé’s work legendary. The portraitures are uniquely stylish and follow signature themes that clearly identify each photographers artistic bent. The work of this trio speaks to the heart of this publication, the genesis of which was to not only celebrate contemporary African photography but to reach back and illuminate the artistry and creativity of our forefathers and those that came before us, and to never forget that we stand on the shoulders of giants.

We open up the 7th issue saluting the 2017 nominees of the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) Photographer of the Year category, and the ultimate winner, Mutua Matheka. Also In keeping with our practice of reaching back to our past while looking forward to our future, we are delighted to feature Phillda, the first black woman photographer to be sent on overseas mission assignments by the United Presbyterian Church of the United States, and in 1969 she came to Kenya and never looked back. Today, Phillda runs Paa ya Paa with her artist husband Elimo Njau, and her contribution to the fabric of Kenya’s arts community cannot be overstated.

In this issue, we salute Ghana as she celebrates her 60 years of independence from colonial rule, and for being the first country in Africa to shirk off the heavy yoke of colonialism. We take a brief look at her very rich colourful past and celebrate her future by spotlighting Ghanaian photographers showcasing their works on GH Photography’s instagram page. It would be remiss of us to not specifically mention the cooperation and enthusiasm we received from the team at GH Photography while compiling this piece.

In this particular issue, we have narrowed our sights to the wonderful African historical and cultural heritage we all share and that has so lovingly been captured in our Photographers Showcase by our Big 5; namely Jimmy Nelson, Brent Stirton, Allan Gichigi, David Ballam and Lyndsey McIntyre. The tremendous response and encouragement we have received from these photographers or in some cases, their representatives (Getty Images and teNeues Media) strengthens our commitment to the vision for this publication.

As we say goodbye to the missionary and colonial period that birthed the particular genre of African photography we witnessed at the turn of the 20th century and indeed up to current times, we say a big ‘hello!’ to the pre and post independent period that birthed our African photographers. This publication has the very great honor of featuring some of our greats in this edition, such as Malick Sidibe of Mali, Mohamed Amin of Kenya (now deceased) and Obie Oberholzer of South Africa.

When it became clear that the magazine was ready for a Pan African issue, the most logical place to start was to showcase a fashion theme. With all that Africa has to offer, its people are by far the most beautiful feature of this great continent.

Fashion is an outer expression of the inner self. Fashion is the visual identity of the wearer and informs on the cultural, inspirational, aspirational and emotional cues of the wearer. Fashion, very much like the news articles of the day, informs as to the current state of affairs of the people. Today we stand tall and proud, in all our beauty and in who we are as a people.

What makes photography so new to Africa is the practitioners of it…we now have firmly in place, Africans crafting African stories. The world is slowly being oriented to a new perspective where our truth as we know it, is being presented by us to a world that is starting to appreciate this next frontier. As with all things new, there is a burgeoning of ideas, practices and problems as well, but underlying all this is an excitement of what the future portends.

This magazine seeks to capture Africa’s new voice and share it with the world! Welcome to the inaugural issue of the African Photo Magazine!

Launch of African Photo Magazine, in collaboration with the Kenya Ministry of Devolution & Planning, at the iHub in Nairobi Kenya