2010 African Digital Artists to Watch For

The growth of ICT industry in Africa can be directly linked to the massive amount of creativity that is coming out of Africa. In anticipation of what lies ahead in 2010 we wanted to present to you a lists of African Digital Artists to watch for. These artists represent a huge variety of styles and creative approaches as well as a trend of producing great artwork. We are keen to see what they come up with and value their contribution to modern approaches to African Art.

Disturbance – South Africa

Disturbance is a graphic design studio based in Durban, South Africa and one of the continent’s leading design practices. disturbance’s work has been recognised both locally (Loeries awards) and internationally (D&AD, ADC, One Show, Comm Arts, Society of Illustrators). Over the last decade disturbance has variously won awards for their clients, published a ‘zine, released a music CD, designed and operated a restaurant, a gallery and a design store and launched (and collapsed) the much hyped design brand, “Home Industries”.”

Jim Chuchu – Kenya

Apart from being a photographer, Jim Chuchu is a digital artist extraordinaire. His portfolio includes an impressive series of digital photography, animation, audio visual production and even inventions. Chuchu was featured in Afrigadget for his innovative creation of his own lighting equipment built with simple materials and components.

What is remarkable about Chuchu is his ability to produce exceptional pieces of digital art, whether it be animations, music videos, photography exhibitions or design concepts. A member of Just A Band, Chuchu also combines his prowess over digital art on to music.

Younes Badi – Morocco

Younes Badi is a young graphic designer from Rabat. He is studying graphic design at a local design university and his portfolio is full of promise.

One Horse Town – South Africa

One Horse Town is a Cape Town based Illustration Collective comprising of Justin Poulter and Simon Berndt. This South African studio produces creative illustration with a retro look and feel. Their incredible illustration inspire other African illustrators and they consistenly come out with great projects. Can’t wait to see what they have in 2010.

Karen McDade – South Africa

Karen specializes in designing online and print media. She has a passion for photo manipulation and loves experimenting with new techniques. Much of her artwork is influenced by her ‘surreal and fantasy-esque’ style.

Younes Ze – Algeria

2009 was definetly a good year for Younes Ze his portoflio really came to prominence in many design blogs this past year. Younes continues to blow our minds with colorful and expressive photomanipulations. A cutting edge artist he is the one to watch for the latest design trends.

Sindiso Nyoni – Zimbabwe

Sindiso Nyoni is an award winning Zimbabwean designer/ illustrator who combines traditional and digital media to create his own subversive style called Guerill(art). His influences include social activism, indie films and graphic novels- “all combine to create a uniquely African street style with an international, cosmopolitan feel”.

Niyi Okeowo – Nigeria

Niyi Okeowo hails from Lagos Nigeria. One thing can be said about him, he loves to experiment trying various digital techniques. We are definetly looking forward to seeing which direction Niyi takes his work.

Ahmed Othman – Egypt

Ahmed Othman is a young graphic designer from Cairo, Egypt. His portfolio includes his projects in graphic design, photography, and Photomanipulation. He is a bright and dynamic talent, creating extremely vivid artwork.

Kenneth  Shofela Coker – Nigeria

Born in Lagos, Nigeria Kenneth Shofela Coker, is a multi-talented digital artist. As a recent graduate from Memphis College of Art,  this Magna Cum Laude graduate has an impressive portfolio ranging from 3d character modeling, illustration and animation. This young artists hopes to burst into the animation and gaming industry and his work speaks for itself. His recent projects can be seen on his website. This digital artist is packing a lot of talent.