What is African Futurism

What is African futurism? A Bold New Lens for African Identity

Growing up, a quick search for Africa on the internet often presented images of slavery, poverty, and women portrayed as victims, most of them framed with a colonial or outsider’s perspective. Thankfully, this narrative is changing rapidly. One major driver of this shift is the creative and empowering movement known as African futurism.

This movement reimagines Africa’s narrative by focusing not on its painful past but on a hopeful future—one shaped by science, innovation, and technology. African futurism consciously subverts outdated stereotypes and redefines African women as strong, independent, and technologically savvy. It allows Africans to reclaim their stories, reconnect with cultural roots, and affirm their identities in a globalized world.

As a visual storytelling tool, photography has played a pivotal role in showcasing the multi-dimensionality of this vision. Before diving deeper into its role, let’s first unpack what African futurism truly means.

What Is African Futurism?

African futurism is a term coined by acclaimed author Nnedi Okorafor in 2019. It describes a subgenre of science fiction focused on future-oriented African narratives, written by people of African descent and rooted primarily in Africa. Unlike Afrofuturism—which often has a broader Diasporan lens—African futurism prioritizes Africa itself as its cultural and imaginative anchor.

This movement aims to celebrate African culture by blending futuristic elements with a sense of cultural pride. It seeks to present Africa in a new light, one that counters the negative stereotypes perpetuated by centuries of colonial narratives.

For example, Iwájú, the 2024 animation by Kugali Media (a Pan-African entertainment company), explores themes of technology, innovation, and tradition in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The animated series brilliantly merges African traditions with a vision of technological advancement. Similarly, literary works by Nnedi Okorafor, Namwali Serpell, and Wole Talabi continue to push the boundaries of what African futurism means in literature.

Photography and African futurism: A Visual Revolution

While literature and animation have taken center stage, photography has been an equally powerful—albeit less discussed—tool for advancing African futurism.

Photography stands out because of its ability to tell complex stories through single, striking images that can be easily shared and consumed. Digital techniques and creative manipulation have enabled photographers to merge traditional African elements—such as hairstyles, fabrics, and artifacts—with futuristic aesthetics like metallic textures, LED lighting, and cosmic backdrops.

Through these images, Africans are able to celebrate their skin tones, hair textures, crafts, and cultural expressions unapologetically. It creates a counter-narrative that challenges colonial stereotypes while promoting a sense of pride and identity.

Bringing African futurism to Life in Photography

Imagine this:

• A model styled in bold Yoruba attire, with gele (headwrap) fashioned into avant-garde shapes, standing in a futuristic cityscape.

• A woman adorned with Maasai beads, posed against a digitally manipulated cosmic background, symbolizing Africa’s place in space exploration.

• A child holding a handcrafted wooden toy that’s digitally transformed into a robot, connecting tradition and innovation.

These are just some of the ways photography captures the essence of African futurism. By combining African heritage with futuristic elements, photographers contribute to challenging societal norms and painting a vibrant future for Africans globally.

Why African Futurism Matters

African futurism matters because it empowers Africans to envision a future where they’re not just participants but leaders in global innovation. It celebrates Africa’s potential for progress without discarding its rich history and traditions. For women in particular, African futurism disrupts patriarchal norms by portraying them as confident, capable, and at the forefront of technological and cultural change.

Beauty in Color: Redefining African futurism

At Beauty in Color, we’re proud to stand at the forefront of the African futurism movement. Through our photography, we redefine Africa by adding futuristic elements to our visuals, creating a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Each of our images tells a story of empowerment, pride, and progress. Whether it’s a client styled in vibrant African fabrics with metallic undertones or a birthday shoot infused with celestial motifs, we’re constantly challenging outdated perceptions and crafting new narratives for African identity.

Ready to celebrate your story in 4K? Let us show you how we combine art, culture, and technology to capture not just your beauty but your vision for the future.