ABOUT ÁJÍFA

ABOUT US

ÁJÍFA is an independent non-profit platform comprising of a Gallery, Journal, Cinema and Spotlight corner, dedicated to
advancing diverse creativity.

ÁJÍFA means silver in the Ígálá language of Nigeria, West Africa.

With a focus on arts, entertainment and education, ÁJÍFA was created for us and by us to equip and empower a new generation of diverse talent. On this platform you will find creative works of varying mediums that are collaborative, unique and fun.

It is our vision to be a leading force driving the shift in diversity and inclusion across arts, entertainment and publishing, which we aim to do by showcasing, inspiring, educating and supporting creatives from our global network.

ÁJÍFA is uniquely positioned within the creative industries, maintaining a multicultural team, a multinational presence and an international reach. We are headquartered in the United Kingdom, with our core team based in both London and Leeds.

ÁJÍFA is an independent non-profit platform comprising of a Gallery, Journal, Cinema and Spotlight corner, dedicated to advancing diverse creativity.

ÁJÍFA means silver in the Ígálá language of Nigeria, West Africa.

With a focus on arts, entertainment and education, ÁJÍFA was created for us and by us to equip and empower a new generation of diverse talent. On this platform you will find creative works of varying mediums that are collaborative, unique and fun.

It is our vision to be a leading force driving the shift in diversity and inclusion across arts, entertainment and publishing, which we aim to do by showcasing, inspiring, educating and supporting creatives from our global network.

ÁJÍFA is uniquely positioned within the creative industries, maintaining a multicultural team, a multinational presence and an international reach. We are headquartered in the United Kingdom, with our core team based in both London and Leeds.

OUR TEAM

Mary Ojidu

Founder & CEO

Ipsa Dhariwal

Creative Director

Bonita Darkoh

Brand Director

Lola Coker

Cinema Curator

Kelly Kirkland

Junior Editor

Carole Maillard

Illustrator

Yuki Haze

Creative-at-large

OUR PLATFORM

Gallery

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The ÁJÍFA Gallery is an exhibition corner that centres People of Colour, with a focus on documentary photography, editorials and fine art. We welcome photographers, illustrators, painters, sculptors, printmakers, multi-disciplinary artists, designers, stylists and more to this corner.
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Spotlight

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The ÁJÍFA Spotlight is an educational corner where you can find in-depth and engaging interviews with established industry professionals. We focus on unpacking their unique journeys, creative processes and experiences. If you are a creative who is looking for honest, first-hand accounts of lived experiences, from individuals who have found success within the industries that you are also aspiring to progress in, this is the corner for you.
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Journal

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The ÁJÍFA Journal is a collection of written works, comprising of poetry, fiction, opinion, personal and think pieces by People of Colour. This space focuses on amplifying voices and providing sharp and topical pieces from writers within our global community.
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Cinema

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The ÁJÍFA Cinema provides a curated selection of short films that feature and have been directed, filmed and produced by People of Colour. In this corner we focus on premiering and showcasing high-quality documentary, drama and animated short films from innovative and diverse teams.
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OUR CONTENT

ÁJÍFA has been developed from a need for more mindful and meaningful digital consumption. The mass influx of posts, algorithms and ‘suggested content’ can have us trapped in endless scrolling sessions, which is proving to have a more negative impact on the mental health of individuals within our community. As a platform with a large audience, we are choosing to be intentional about the content that we produce and release onto the internet and social media.

We have chosen to offer our community a well curated, mindful and inspiring selection of content, which is refreshed on a bimonthly basis. You can sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about new opportunities and to keep up with our content.

OUR CONTENT

ÁJÍFA has been developed from a need for more mindful and meaningful digital consumption. The mass influx of posts, algorithms and ‘suggested content’ can have us trapped in endless scrolling sessions, which is proving to have a more negative impact on the mental health of individuals within our community. As a platform with a large audience, we are choosing to be intentional about the content that we produce and release onto the internet and social media.

We have chosen to offer our community a well curated, mindful and inspiring selection of content, which is refreshed on a bimonthly basis. You can sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know about new opportunities and to keep up with our content.

OUR HISTORY

ÁJÍFA was established in 2020, however our team history is firmly rooted in that of Sukeban Magazine (2016-2020). Originally created as a university project, Erika and Yuki created a safe space to share the work of People of Colour creatives, who are often excluded and overlooked within the fashion industry.

Joining Sukeban in 2017, Mary assisted Erika and Yuki in continuing their pioneering work to increase the visibility of People of Colour creatives within the fashion industry. Mary was appointed as Managing Editor in 2019 and led the team in the development of a range of new content. Sukeban then reached a natural denouement during the height of the global pandemic in 2020. Lockdown, combined with a slower pace of life, gave the team a chance to consider the best direction for themselves as individuals and as a team.

Thus, it was Sukeban’s ending and ÁJÍFA’s inception. Some of the team may be familiar to the Sukeban audience and some may not. Regardless of this, you can rest assured that ÁJÍFA has been built with the same ethos that propelled Sukeban to the fore. ÁJÍFA is home to a new team, a new structure and a new range of content but our commitment remains the same, to champion and exhibit the work of People of Colour creatives.

OUR HISTORY

ÁJÍFA was established in 2020, however our team history is firmly rooted in that of Sukeban Magazine (2016-2020). Originally created as a university project, Erika and Yuki created a safe space to share the work of People of Colour creatives, who are often excluded and overlooked within the fashion industry.

Joining Sukeban in 2017, Mary assisted Erika and Yuki in continuing their pioneering work to increase the visibility of People of Colour creatives within the fashion industry. Mary was appointed as Managing Editor in 2019 and led the team in the development of a range of new content. Sukeban then reached a natural denouement during the height of the global pandemic in 2020. Lockdown, combined with a slower pace of life, gave the team a chance to consider the best direction for themselves as individuals and as a team.

Thus, it was Sukeban’s ending and ÁJÍFA’s inception. Some of the team may be familiar to the Sukeban audience and some may not. Regardless of this, you can rest assured that ÁJÍFA has been built with the same ethos that propelled Sukeban to the fore. ÁJÍFA is home to a new team, a new structure and a new range of content but our commitment remains the same, to champion and exhibit the work of People of Colour creatives.

As Seen In

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Site developed by Appico UK

© AJIFA Limited 2022-2024

© AJIFA Limited 2022-2024

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