When did you first pick up a camera? What did you take photos of?

I first picked up a camera when I started traveling. When I returned to France and shared my experiences, my friends often didn’t believe me. I wanted a way to show them the reality of what I was living, and the camera became my proof of the real world I was experiencing. It started as a way to document my travels, but over time, it grew into a deeper passion for capturing the world around me and sharing stories through my lens.

What is your work deeply inspired by now?

My work has always been deeply inspired by the idea of community, but now I am focusing more on African identity, culture, and its symbolism. During an internship in Canada, a Haitian friend, Clifford Chérenfant, said something to me that profoundly resonated with me: “Nybé, you’re lucky. You have the ability to trace back your ancestors and history through your surname. I don’t have that chance because my last name, Chérenfant, was given to my ancestors by a slave master.”

That conversation made me realize how important it is to reconnect Afro-descendants to Africa through the shared history that binds us. But beyond that, my work also aims to help Africans themselves reconnect with their own identity and heritage. Many aspects of African culture have been overlooked or undervalued due to historical and external influences. Through my photography, I seek to highlight, celebrate, and reclaim these cultural elements, encouraging Africans to take pride in their rich and diverse heritage. In Africa, a surname defines one’s ethnicity, and this connection to identity is something I want to explore and highlight through my work.

Does your childhood or where you grew up have a strong influence on the images you like to share?

Yes, absolutely. My childhood and where I grew up have had a huge influence on the images I like to share. I was born and raised in France, in a new town near Disneyland Paris, where both of my parents worked. Growing up in that world of animation and entertainment definitely stimulated my creativity.

At the same time, it was an environment with very few African communities, and I experienced racism firsthand. That reality shaped my perspective and strengthened my desire to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about African cultures through my work. Photography became a way for me to reclaim narratives and showcase the beauty, diversity, and depth of African identities.

What has been the biggest lesson for you as a photographer? Especially with the images you create, which are so rich in culture?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a photographer is the power of storytelling and the responsibility that comes with representing cultures. My work goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about preserving history, reclaiming narratives, and creating a bridge between past and present.

I’ve realized that every image I create carries weight; it shapes perceptions and contributes to a collective memory. Especially when documenting African identity and cultures, I’ve learned the importance of research, respect, and authenticity. It’s not just about capturing moments but understanding their depth and significance. Photography has taught me patience, empathy, and the value of listening to the stories behind the images.

Photography is also a powerful tool for unity and social cohesion. It fosters a sense of togetherness, bringing people closer through shared narratives and cultural appreciation. Beyond reconnecting Afro-descendants with their African identity, it also plays a crucial role in helping Africans reconnect with and value their own heritage. By visually reclaiming and celebrating our cultural wealth, photography helps redefine who we are and strengthens our collective sense of belonging.