‘Street Photography Africa’ is a Colorful and Energetic Survey Across the Continent

From the markets of Dakar and Lagos to the sidewalks of Abidjan and the Beherawi neighborhood of Addis Abab, a bold new book by Nadine Barth and Azu Nwagbogu travels from country to country to present a vast portrait of life on the continent. Street Photography Africa compiles hundreds of images from 33 photographers who each turn their lens to public spaces, documenting cultural moments with musicians and dancers alongside more everyday fashions and routines. While vast in scope, location, and style, the nearly 300-page survey is connected by the central premise that “the street becomes a stage.”

Street Photography Africa is out this month from Thames & Hudson. Find your copy on Bookshop.

two young people stand in front of a gray garage door surrounded by lime green walls — Tsion Haileselassie, Two in One, Beherawi, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2021). Photo © Tsion Haileselassie

a woman in a black headscarf carries patterned cushions on her head and one under her arm — Sarah Waiswa, Untitled, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (2024). Photo © Sarah Waiswa

a black and white photo of a person in white rimmed sunglasses and a mesh tank top carrying a skateboard on their shoulders — Jude Lartey, Daniel, Accra, Ghana (2024). Photo © Jude Lartey

a man with numerous hats on his head crosses the street in front of cars — Kothegrapher, We Dey Road Dey Come, Wuse Abuja, Nigeria (2024). Photo © Kothegrapher

a portrait of two teen girls in matching dresses. one shields her eyes — Delali Ayivi, Looking Beyond, from the series Racines de l’Imaginaire, Lome, Togo (2021). Photo © Delali Ayivi

a portrait of a man in a button up shirt behind livestock — Nuits Balnéaires, Music Artist Famas for Poplin Project, Treichville, Côte d’Ivoire (2023). Photo © Nuits Balnéaires

a portrait of two hands crossed on a lap while wearing gold rings, including one spanning several fingers of a bus — Alexandre Gandaho, Yellow Blue Car Rapide, Dakar, Senegal (2023). Photo © Alexandre Gandaho

a shirtless man poses while sitting on a wooden stool surrounded by folded and hanging garments — Stephen Tayo, Michael, Lagos, Nigeria (2018). Photo © Stephen Tay

a black and white photo of a couple dressed up and perched sideways on a bicycle — Unavailable Photographer, Before the World Changes Us, Lagos, Nigeria (2025). Photo © Unavailable Photographer

a portrait of a woman in a white dress under colorful canopies — Naëtt Mbaye, from the series Marché 100 Francs, Dakar, Senegal (2024). Photo © Naëtt Mbaye

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