British–Sierra Leonean Star Ejatu Shaw Shines On Glo-Sponsored African Voices Show

According to Ireporter Online, London-based photographer and visual artist Ejatu Shaw is set to feature this weekend on CNN International’s “African Voices” magazine programme, which is sponsored by Globacom, in a special spotlight on emerging creative talents of African descent.

Shaw, a British–Sierra Leonean creative born in 1996, holds a Master’s degree in Photography Arts from the University of Westminster, United Kingdom, which she completed in 2020. Her journey into photography reportedly began in 2013 during a family trip to Sierra Leone, an experience that sparked her lifelong passion for visual storytelling.

Drawing inspiration from iconic African studio photographers of the 1960s and 1970s, including Malick Sidibé of Mali, Sory Sanlé of Burkina Faso, and Omar Yahia Barram of Sudan, Shaw’s works explore identity, culture, and heritage. Her imagery is said to blend elements of her African roots with her Islamic faith, creating deeply personal visual narratives that reflect memory, belonging, and self-discovery.

Over time, she has expanded her practice through self-portraiture and conceptual photography, using her work to reconnect with and reinterpret her ancestry. Her growing influence in the creative industry earned her recognition as a New Wave Creative by the British Fashion Council in 2025.

In the same year, Shaw’s portfolio extended to high-profile assignments, including photographing global sprint legend Usain Bolt for Puma, actress Cynthia Erivo for The Guardian, Sunday Times, and Vogue, as well as Hollywood star Angela Bassett for EBONY. She also contributed to the visual direction of singer Craig David’s album cover, further cementing her reputation in contemporary visual arts.