The Story Behind the Covers • Kenga Magazine Debut Issue

In The Debut Issue, we explore how Africa's Gen Zs are rethinking identity and reimagining the expression of masculinity.

Our four photo covers were shot by four photographers in four different countries, involving a total of 15 creatives looking to tell a story, through pictures, on what it means to be 'softly masculine'—a different take on masculinity that Afro Gen Zs are increasingly gravitating towards.

Most of our covers were designed in neutral colours to direct more focus to the story each cover is telling through the distinct poses, intense gazes, and decorative costumes.

The Debut Issue is available for free reading until Apr 8, 2022, after which it'll be paywalled.

This is the story of the covers.

Photo Cover 1 🇰🇪

This cover, which features Mark Ninga, was photographed by Grishon Njoroge in Nairobi, Kenya.

He explains:

I was inspired by the understanding that masculinity isn't one size fits all. There's beauty and strength in whatever version of you that you choose to identify with.

Photo Cover 2 🇬🇭

Our second photo cover, which features Gideon Botch, was photographed by Andrew Djan-Sampson in Accra, Ghana.

He explains:

The veil is often associated with female brides, but on our male muse, it’s open to all sorts of interpretation. Being a man does not have to be one stiff thing. It can be many things, and I believe Afro Gen Zs are living and showing us this truth, which is what this particular issue is really about.

Photo Cover 3 🇪🇸

This cover, featuring William Muyayalo, was photographed by Paola Idrontino in Barcelona, Spain.

They explain:

This to me shines light on confidence and trust. Masculinity looks different on everyone and we need to accept and embrace that. It’s these small differences that make us unique and make our interactions truly beautiful.

Headline Photo Cover 🇳🇬

This cover, featuring Enioluwa Adeoluwa, was shot by Adedamola Odetara in Lagos, Nigeria.

About this cover, Vincent Desmond, our editor-in-chief wrote:

When profiling or interviewing a star, there are certain moments when it clicks. When you simultaneously see them in the full glory of their stardom and the imperfect vulnerability of their humanity. For this issue, we explore how he became Nigeria’s IT Gen-Z star, the change of masculinity and what he wants the future to look like for him and others like him.

Read the full magazine here on Issuu.