Reginald Kofi Boateng had spent his morning scouting the perfect location and gathering props. “The day was steeped with intention,” says Boateng, who comes from Koforidua, in eastern Ghana and now lives in Dansoman, in the capital, Accra.
“Dansoman is a sprawling estate and a place of contrasts,” he says. “Stories are waiting to be uncovered in its bustling streets and quiet corners. This setting became the perfect backdrop to explore themes of identity, heritage and individuality.”
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The model is Joshua Adjei, then 23. Boateng, who styled Adjei, says, “The afro comb, or ‘pick’, is a powerful emblem of African pride and heritage. Its roots trace back to ancient African civilisations, where it represented grooming, self-expression and beauty. Here the comb becomes a crown: a symbol of empowerment, a nod to ancestral traditions and a celebration of the natural beauty of afro-textured hair.”
In the editing process, he used Picsart and Lightroom, and says “the surreal tones of green sky and purple ground were designed to evoke a dreamlike quality. The image is a call to honour our roots while boldly stepping into the future.”
