Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant rhythms of West African culture, where the warmth of its people is as rich as the heritage that surrounds you. In this edition of Sublime in Pictures, we explore the evocative work of Ghanaian photographer Daniel Nana Kwame Sekyi Attah.
It’s been nearly a decade ago that we published an article featuring sustainable fashion brand Phil&Lui and new faces from the world’s first ethical fashion and philanthropic based modeling agency @NOVELMODELS. Today, they are back to share an emotionally moving and sentimental photo story featuring Bulley, a Ghana based novelmodel, published exclusively with Sublime Magazine. More stories like this are in their forte, dedicated to pioneering the next era of talent driven by authentic, ethical, sustainable, purposeful, and impactful (AESPI) initiatives, working in alignment with their UNDESA recognised AESPI Creators Initiative.
Let Thy Colour Speak
“Imagine yourself surrounded by rich West African culture and the warmth of its people. A new era of Ghanaian visual artists, like photographer Daniel Nana Kwame Sekyi Attah, are inspiring the world and rewriting more authentic African narratives, creating relatable, thought-provoking, highly impactful images above and beyond the creative process.” [Source: @ghanamustgooo] In the words of Bulley, “My father, a man of quiet strength and profound wisdom, passed away years ago, leaving behind a legacy of love and tradition. Among the few possessions he left me was this Kente cloth which I grew up watching him wear on occasion.
The Kente piece in and of itself depicts Ghanaian royalty, cultural heritage and leadership—a symbol of all the values he held. For me, the photo shoot was not merely about capturing an image; it was about honoring my past, present and future. Each fold of this fabric carries my father’s legacy and a narrative—a story, yes of struggle, but also of triumph. These photos share with you a connection to my roots, as if my father’s spirit was guiding me through each moment. Standing before the photographer and his camera, I am draped in the same Kente that once adorned my father and am reminded of the interwoven threads between father and son.
The fabric, vibrant with colors, ambitious with patterns, and an embodiment of perseverance, is the gift. My father inspired the dreams and aspirations I had while growing up. He shaped me to my goals. Wearing such pieces was a blend of what he wanted for me, what I am, and what I am becoming. So, I cannot say in this moment I’m doing what we both dreamt about, but I guess, together with my fellow brothers, sisters and mothers around the globe, we still striving to the ultimate goal ‘freedom.’” Dedicated to my father, Bulley Daniel Korku (B.K.)
Each photo is depicting different stages of how Bulley manages to cope with the loss of his father. The captions are written for anyone who has experienced loss (particularly that of a parent / a father) no matter what culture or background, so that we can all somehow relate to these words and visual expressions.
Title: kloma me Anto
(written in local Ghanaian dialect “Sekpele”)
Remember me father. Many years have gone by now. Still no sign of you Daddy,
wandering up and down no place to call home. Daddy, wherever you remember me, in
everything you do know that I love you.
Title: Lost Forever
This the hardest thing for me, to believe that you gone forever. I tried to find, I tried to
talk to you. I tried all. I could yet no sign of you. I’m really the only one left. But here, I’m
I wearing your beautiful kente that I watched you wore while I was young. This so hard. I
guess I’m here to replace you. Like I always say, I’m everything you are and everything
you yet to be. Now, the only way I connect with you is through music. Your favorite
music that I grew up listening to on repeat…
*the yellow and orange jugs pictured are used for liquid storage (i.e., water, oils)
Title: Only one left
Now I’m the only one left in the family. I’m growing up with… whole lot of responsibility.
Responsibilities to finish what you started, to start something new. J’chasing the dream
‘total liberation’ of the family. Dream we had, how come I’m the only one here to strive
for it?
Title: Lean on me
We all need someone to lean on. How could I lean on you while you are not here? But
still hear that voice lean on me. Yet no sign of you, but you gave me a lot to lean on. I
just wonder… if you were to be here.
Title: Still no sign of you
I tried looking for you, I carried all weight, you supposed to help me out, had never
been easy, yet I’m grateful that you didn’t leave me empty. You still left a lot behind
for me, to support me. You left.
Title: mɔkpɔkpɔ le
(written in local Ghanaian dialect “Ewe” the second most widely spoken local
language in Ghana.)
‘Win a no win situation by adjusting the rules‘ …still on the life journey, doing my best. I
can. Accepting challenges, learning, unlearning and relearning. Striving for that one
goal… total liberation. ‘Hope still Dey Chale’
Title: Royalty heritage
I lost you, but you left me with a royalty… which is passed from generation to
generation. A kingdom.
CREDITS
Photographer: Attah Sekyi Daniel @ghanamustgooo
2nd Photographer: @papaninighstudio
Assist: Kugblenu Alfred @newguy.02
Model: Bulley @bulleymelanin w/Agency Novelmodels
Model: Aborkugya Patience @nelly.mhe
Hair stylist: @hairbyhyacintha
Jewelry: @sunevcouture
Wardrobe: @makoki_fashion
PR: Adrénus Craton @akathehouse
