AGORA - The best pictures of 2020

More than 35,000 images taken by photographers from across 135 countries were submitted when free-to-use mobile app announced the launch of its Best Photo of 2020 contest. Now 50 finalists have been chosen, all in with a chance of winning the life-changing prize of US$ 25,000. Among the finalists are three from West Africa. Here are the amazing images with each photographer explaining the inspiration behind their work.

‘A UNITED STRUGGLE'

by @photogerard (Ghana)

‘A UNITED STRUGGLE’

“This photo depicts warrior-looking young men united in chorus of affirming the belief in themselves as a group. This photo has become increasingly meaningful to me for many reasons. Due to the global pandemic and the implementation of social distancing, it occurred to me that such gathering of people will be a rare sight for a while. Coupled with the #BlackLivesMatter movement and mass demonstrations all over the world that have been a major part of 2020, I found this photo symbolic and meaningful to the fight for racial equality and unity. The photo conveys unity, strength, and determination. Furthermore, it now also illustrates the furore of the #EndSars demonstrations in Nigeria. If I win, I would invest in my photography to travel and meet new people, landscapes, and stories of as many places as I can.” @photogerard

‘COLOR CAN AFFECT PEOPLE’S EMOTIONS'

by @agyeman_duah_ (Ghana)

‘COLOR CAN AFFECT PEOPLE’S EMOTIONS’

“I took this photo with the objective to portray how colours affect people’s emotions. Yellow breeds happiness. Blue has a calming effect. With the US$25,000 prize, I would finally upgrade my camera gear to suit the quality and quantity of content I have in mind to create.” @agyeman_duah_

‘BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL'

by @princeude_ (Nigeria)

‘BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL’

“The increased activity in racism and racial profiling has pushed the narrative that being black is more of a curse than a blessing. This picture is a reminder that being black is beautiful. The picture was taken with a budget setup with the absence of any speed light equipment or studio setup. If I win, I would put the money towards furthering my education, in doing a master’s degree.” @princeude_