There is no denying the absolute beauty of the continent of Africa. We had the pleasure of visiting Zimbabwe when we were younger, and the breathtaking scenery of that country still lingers vividly in my memory. The vast landscapes, vibrant markets, and warm people left an indelible mark on our hearts. There are several more African countries we hope to explore in the future, but until that day comes, we are grateful that the beauty of Africa continues to reach us in other ways. One such moment arrived through WAKA WAKA: Observations on Contemporary African Life, Culture & Landscapes, a debut photobook from Nigerian storyteller and photographer Ernest Danjuma Enebi, a work that captures the soul and rhythm of the continent with extraordinary depth and authenticity.
Recently, an event celebrating the WAKA WAKA book launch was held at AWET New York, a BIPOC multibrand store known for championing diverse voices and artistry. The evening transformed the book’s imagery into a living experience, merging visual storytelling with art, conversation, and community. A curated photo installation allowed guests to step directly into Enebi’s world, while a heartfelt Q&A with the artist, hosted by Milton Spied and accompanied by remarks from Masai Ujiri, invited deeper reflection on the creative journey behind the project.
The celebration continued with music from a live DJ, craft cocktails by Ten To One Rum, and a special first-edition book signing. More than just a launch, the night was a tribute to African perspective, movement, and memory, a reminder of the power of art to bridge continents and connect stories.
WAKA WAKA is a breathtaking two-decade visual chronicle of contemporary Africa, featuring 300 photographs that traverse time, geography, and emotion. Enebi, whose career spans over twenty years of documenting life across the continent, captures everything from sweeping savannas and coastal fortresses to the hum of urban skylines and the intimacy of village rituals. His lens journeys through Botswana, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, and beyond, revealing the complexity and vibrancy of Africa as it evolves while honoring its deep-rooted traditions.
More than a collection of images, WAKA WAKA offers an authentic insider’s view of Africa’s ongoing cultural renaissance. Each photograph is paired with reflective commentary that adds depth and meaning, inviting readers to look beyond aesthetics and into the stories that shape the continent’s identity. Through Enebi’s eyes, we see Africa not as a distant idea, but as a living, breathing force, dynamic, creative, and ever-evolving. WAKA WAKA: Observations on Contemporary African Life, Culture & Landscapes stands as both an artistic masterpiece and a cultural archive, a must-have for lovers of photography, storytelling, and the enduring beauty of Africa.
