‘He turned heads’: Ghana’s most stylish guys – in pictures
Kyle Weeks has spent years on the streets of Accra, photographing the young creatives who represent the west African spirit of enthusiasm and hope
Main image: ‘One figure stood out’ … Prince, Accra, Ghana, 2016. Photograph: Kyle Weeks, courtesy of Galerie Gomis: David Hill GalleryWed 15 Nov 2023 02.00 EST Last modified on Thu 16 Nov 2023 16.53 EST
Spo and Holali, Accra, Ghana, 2021
Kyle Weeks’s 2023 photobook Good News catalogues six years of photographs made during frequent visits to Ghana’s capital, Accra. He aims to capture the inherent goodness, enthusiasm and hope that permeates west Africa. Of this image he says: ‘These close friends arrived together for this portrait session. Spo, an aspiring model, and Holali, an upcoming stylist, showcased their impeccable taste and camaraderie through perfectly coordinated outfits.’ Meeting at the Volta: Kyle Weeks is at David Hill Gallery, London, until 25 November. All photographs: Kyle Weeks, courtesy of Galerie Gomis: David Hill Gallery Share on Facebook Share on TwitterJude #2, Accra, Ghana, 2022
‘As the project progressed, I sometimes found moments where my intervention was necessary to elevate what I sought to convey, and this image illustrates the approach. Recognising the significance of staging certain scenes, I aimed to craft visuals that would embody specific narratives, adding depth and intention to the work’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterEmmanuel, Accra, Ghana, 2022
‘Emmanuel is a prominent figure in the Ghanaian creative scene who is celebrated as both an actor and model. After seeing a film that showcased his talent, I felt compelled to reach out and request to take his portrait. We spent a couple of hours exploring various locations, creating images and sharing stories. This experience beautifully illustrates one of the gifts of portrait photography – the inherent power of the medium is to unite and forge meaningful connections between individuals’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterJude, Accra, Ghana, 2020
‘Jude and I first crossed paths in 2017 at the vibrant Chale Wote street art festival. Over the next five years, we continued to collaborate, creating photographs that illustrate the evolution of this project. Jude soon emerged as one of the people that I photographed the most frequently. One late afternoon, while on the balcony of my accommodation, the soft white curtain blew in front of Jude and formed a striking silhouette, embodying an unusual blend of both strength and softness’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterPrince, Accra, Ghana, 2016
‘At Tip Toe Lane, nestled near Circle in the vibrant heart of Accra, a bustling street market comes alive with vendors peddling an array of wares from garments to electronics. Amid the lively sounds of vendors vying for attention, and traffic inching forward, one figure stood out. This was Prince, adorned in sharply coordinated attire, selling gold chains. Despite my initial nerves, I approached him to request a portrait, to which he eagerly agreed. This chance encounter sparked a series of photographs of Prince, marking the beginning of an evolving relationship’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterFlower Boy, Accra, Ghana, 2018
‘Sunday motor shows in Jamestown offer a burst of fast-paced entertainment for locals, who gather to witness adrenaline-fuelled stunts against the backdrop of golden evening light. I attended these shows on numerous occasions, and my focus gradually shifted from the spectacle of stunts to the captivating energy of the crowds. In the exhilarating atmosphere, this young man’s composed outfit struck me as a tranquil moment amid lively surroundings’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterShatta Beach, Accra, Ghana, 2018
‘Nestled within the historical charm of Jamestown, the city’s oldest quarter, Shatta Beach emerges as a sanctuary for the local youth, an oasis of liberal expression in the heart of a conservative, religious community. The vibrant atmosphere is infused with bass-heavy music, a fusion of both local and international sounds, resonating through the air from morning until late. The unmistakable scent of marijuana weaves through the breeze, adding to the unique ambience’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterUntitled, Accra, Ghana, 2018
‘As I strolled past, the late afternoon sun piercing through the dusty windows of an idle bus caught my eye. Inside, a teenage boy leaned against the rows of vacant seats, seemingly lost in his thoughts. In this unplanned encounter, he agreed to be photographed. The brief portrait process was interrupted by the bus owner, which left our exchange of names hanging in the air. It was a fleeting moment of connection amid the unexpected’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterEmmanuel, Accra, Ghana, 2020
‘At the end of my day, a leisurely stroll along Labadi Beach often beckoned, and it provided an ideal setting to capture swimmers bathed in the enchanting evening light. Given Ghana’s proximity to the equator, the sun lingers low in the sky for extended hours, painting everyone in a rich, golden hue. During one such stroll, Emmanuel, wrapped in a vivid yellow towel, allowed me to create his portrait in this magical light’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterKevin, Accra, Ghana, 2020
‘As the guys went for a spontaneous swim while still wearing their blue denims, a serendipitous moment unfolded on the beach. Kevin, a new acquaintance, sat by the shore, unknowingly striking a captivating pose. The gracefulness of his hand and foot placement drew me in, offering a beautifully delicate moment within the casual beach atmosphere’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterJoshua, Accra, Ghana, 2021
‘The steps of the National Theatre provide a gathering place for the skateboarding community in Accra. Joshua, a prominent figure in the local skate scene, caught my attention, and aligned with my passion for the sport. Despite the sweltering heat, we spent hours riding and eventually found respite on the warmly lit stairs of the theatre. It was there, after our shared sweat and determination, that we collaborated to create this portrait’ Share on Facebook Share on TwitterShadraq, Accra, Ghana, 2020
‘My first encounter with Shadraq was in 2019 during a casting for an ID magazine editorial shoot with Ibrahim Kamara and Amy Drammeh. On the morning of the actual shoot, which was a few years later, Shadraq arrived in a captivating burnt orange suit that made a bold statement. As we wandered through the early morning streets of Osu, heads turned during the busy commute. The vibrant hue of his clothing commanded attention and set the tone for a memorable shoot’ Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
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