Africa's is the world's second largest continent, covering 20% of the Earth's landmass. It's home to 54 countries and roughly 1.6 billion people. It is no easy feat to distil the country's rich and varied street photography into a single publication. Yet, this new publication does just that. Rather than viewing this as a potential problem, however, authors Azu Nwagbogu and Nadine Barth see an opportunity. In the introduction, they describe Street Photography Africa as inviting audiences "on a journey across a continent of contrasts, through countries that could scarcely be more diverse: from Morocco and Senegal to Côte d'Ivoire, across Ghana and Nigeria, Ethiopia and Uganda, down to the Southernmost tip in South Africa. "
The book features 33 photographers, each of whom shape how we see and understand urban existence in Africa. Caleb Kwarteng Prah, for example, takes Ghana's "tro tros" - buses that function as shared taxis, used by 70% of the populatio - as his inspiration. The artist photographs people outside the vehicle's doors, turning moments everyday working-class life into vibrant portraits. A particular highlight from the publication is the work of Sarah Waiswa, who revels in the joy of vibrant clothing, bright patterns and colours, and the interplay of textures. As the book describes, the artist: "captures a woman balancing a tub of colourful household utensils on her head as she marches through the shot, followed by another carrying a bundle of eye-catching cushions. Even a washing line is draped in cheerfully coloured smocks, with a woman seated behind also brightly clad. " The beauty in the mundane comes into clear focus, reminding audiences why we must pay attention to our surroundings.
