We chat to Ghanaian photographer Derrick Ofosu Boateng on the day that his artworks are being released on the covers of the highly anticipated album of iconic rapper Common.

Q
How and why did you become a photographer?
A
I definitely have my dad to thank for that. It started with me trying to put myself out there on Instagram as a model, wearing colorful vintage clothing that I was into. But soon I realised people were liking and following me more for my photography then for my modeling. My father, who was very supportive of me finding something that was catching on, gave me his brand new iPhone so I could start playing around with taking pictures. While studying business administration, photography became my way of communicating with the world around me.

Q
What message are you hoping to put out there with your work?
A
I want to show the positivity, strength and joy of Ghana; and the colours of Africa. News outlets often show Africa in a negative way, and of course that’s also part of life here. But they neglect to shine a light on the energy, power, immense creativity and pride that’s also embedded in our culture. I often release my work accompanied by a poem by Gordon Duah (kwasi.afrika), my brilliant poet friend, whose words perfectly reflect the duality of my own thoughts. For me, in life, the negative and the positive are often intertwined. My photography is a celebration of both those thoughts, the colours, the people, and the pure sense of beauty that is to be found in my everyday life here. I hope to give a sense of healing with my photography.