Manju Journal’s debut book “VOICES”

Manju Journal’s debut book “VOICES” allows Ghana’s artists to define their own art and history

Since 2015, the digital platform Manju Journal has been a fervent advocate for celebrating Ghana’s creativity. Spearheaded by Ghanaian creatives Richmond Orlando Mensah and Kusi Kubi, the platform’s visionary leadership ensures that the diverse and abundant art forms emerging from Africa are firmly in the spotlight.

Richmond Orlando Mensah, the founder and artistic director of Manju Journal, has been on a mission to celebrate and showcase creativity in Ghana and beyond. Through his latest project, “Voices,” a book that captures the perspectives of Ghanaian artists, Richmond aims to provide an authentic and personal account of the country’s art scene. With 80 insightful interviews, “Voices” delves into the rich heritage and contemporary expressions of Ghanaian art, bridging the past and the present.

Having nurtured a deep passion for various forms of creativity, including arts, photography, fashion, and music, Richmond established Manju Journal to create a platform for African voices to tell their own stories. With a background in linguistics and French, he brings a unique blend of expertise and fervor to his work, highlighting the cultural richness of the African continent.

In contrast to many books on African art, “Voices” stands out by putting the artists themselves at the forefront. Richmond and his team interviewed each artist personally, capturing their first-person accounts and eliminating any outsider gaze. By doing so, the book paints a vivid and authentic picture of Ghana’s longstanding creative heritage, showcasing talents across various mediums, from digital art to sculpture, fabric design, and ceramics.

Richmond’s collaboration with the book’s publisher, Twentyfour Thirysix, paved the conceptual route for “Voices.” Choosing to focus specifically on artists allowed the book to delve deeper into the wealth of Ghana’s art history while providing a glimpse into the country’s contemporary arts scene. “Voices” celebrates Ghana as a hub of creativity, with its artists driving the narrative and making art from Africa an integral part of the mainstream.

In an era where external forces often shape cultural documentation, Richmond’s work with “Voices” empowers artists to define themselves and their art on their terms. The book explores Ghana’s history, exhibitions, conversations, and collective ideas, fostering togetherness and unity within the artistic community.

Richmond Orlando Mensah’s dedication to spotlighting Ghana’s vibrant art scene through “Voices” demonstrates a commitment to preserving and promoting African creativity. By providing a platform for artists to share their own stories and perspectives, “Voices” captures the essence of Ghana’s art legacy and paves the way for a more inclusive and genuine representation of African art on the global stage.