Street Photography Africa offers a vibrant portrait of contemporary street photography across the African continent, bringing together the work of more than thirty photographers whose images reflect the energy, diversity and constant transformation of urban life.

Street photography in Africa has a rich and complex history, shaped by distinct cultures, cities and visual traditions. In this book, the street becomes much more than a backdrop. It is a place where identity is expressed, communities take shape and everyday encounters become stories. Architecture, movement and spontaneous gestures appear alongside portraits of young people, fashion, music, dance and scenes drawn from the rhythm of life in rapidly changing cities.

The photographers featured in the book approach the street in very different ways. Some work within the traditions of observational photography, while others move freely between documentary practice, fashion and contemporary visual culture. The boundaries between private portraiture, public encounters and editorial photography are often deliberately blurred.

Artist and filmmaker Salaheddine El Bouaaichi photographs young people in urban spaces while also creating imagery for the rap scene. Delali Ayivi has brought her distinctive visual language to publications including Vogue and Dazed, while Siaka Soppo Traoré works with hip hop performers and breakdancers, placing them within markets and other public spaces.

Edited by curators Nadine Barth and Azu Nwagbogu, with contributions by Tosin Adeosun, Street Photography Africa is organized into thematic chapters that explore the many directions street photography is taking across the continent today. The book also looks beyond individual photographers to the fairs, festivals and creative communities that have helped build and sustain this growing photographic scene.

The photographers featured in the book are Salako Adedolapo, Emmanuelle Andrianjafy, Lisa Marie Asubonteng, Tantolohun Ayanda, Delali Ayivi, Nuits Balnéaires, Salaheddine El Bouaaichi, Alexandre Gandaho, Tsion Haileselassie, Shawn Newson Hounkpatin, Yoriyas Yassine Alaoui Ismaili, Abdul Hamid Kanu, Kothegrapher (Paul Abbah), Youcef Krache, Jude Lartey, Naëtt Mbaye, Sabelo Mlangeni, Kristin Lee Moolman, Daniel Obasi, Adeolu Osibodu, Brian Otieno, Unavailable Photographer, Caleb Kwarteng Prah, Hamza Rochdi, Yassine Sellame, Dave Southwood, Trevor Stuurman, Kenya Tay, Stephen Tayo, Guy Tillim, Siaka S. Traoré, Sarah Waiswa and Kyle Weeks.

With 256 pages and 230 images, including 195 in color, the volume provides a broad overview of a generation of photographers who are redefining how African cities, communities and youth cultures are represented.

Street Photography Africa will be published by Thames & Hudson on October 27, 2026.

About the Authors

Nadine Barth is a curator and writer. In 2006, she founded barthouse, an agency dedicated to international cultural projects. She has edited more than one hundred publications on photography, art, architecture and fashion, and has curated exhibitions internationally.

Azu Nwagbogu is a curator and the founder and director of the African Artists’ Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting contemporary art in Africa. He is also the founder of Art Base Africa, a digital platform focused on contemporary African art and visual culture.