Root of the Matter: African Beauty Affirmed

African hair and skin has been stereotyped as less than for many years. Daniella Nanziri and Teshi Wambui say no more.

By African Leadership Academy

Curated by Towela "Kams" Tembo

Daniella's paintings not only pay homage to the beauty of African features but they act as reminders to her younger self who struggled with body image issues while acting as a source of empowerment for young women of the same age today.

Weaved in Gold (2021) by Daniella Ddamba NanziriAfrican Leadership Academy

Weaved in Gold

This painting acts as a letter to the artist's younger self by acknowledging a journey to self-love while affirming the beauty in features previously loathed.

Afrobeut (2021) by Daniella Ddamba NanziriAfrican Leadership Academy

Afrobeaut

From their gravity-defying nature to the way they take up space in any room they are found in, Daniella's Afrobeut painting is an ode to afros.

Galaxia (2021) by Daniella Ddamba NanziriAfrican Leadership Academy

Galaxia

Stepping out of her usual visual style, Daniella makes use of negative space and 'space' itself through a the presentation of a portrait in a galaxy.

Through her photography, Teshi bonds with her friends and allows herself to immerse into their journeys to self-acceptance while slowly carving out her own.

My Crown Will Not Fall, Teshi Wambui Muraguri, 2021, From the collection of: African Leadership Academy
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Know Your Majesty, Teshi Wambui Muraguri, 2021, From the collection of: African Leadership Academy
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Know Your Majesty, Teshi Wambui Muraguri, 2021, From the collection of: African Leadership Academy
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Peace on Screen, Teshi Wambui Muraguri, 2021, From the collection of: African Leadership Academy
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Credits: Story

Art by Daniella Nanziri and Teshi Wambui Muraguri


Curated by Towela "Kams" Tembo

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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