Cameroonian photographer Mario Epanya has spent much of his free time shooting a fictional magazine. Epanya went all out in his campaign to make “Vogue Africa” a reality.
Vogue is currently published in 18 countries and one region, but Africa has never been selected to play home to the mag.
In order to get publisher Conde Nast to see the potential in the magazine – that would pay homage to African women – Epanya created fake covers, with beautiful models and styling.
But all his hard work did not pay off. Conde Nast has turned down his bid for the magazine.
He posted on his Facebook page::
“DEAR ALL. The Wait is over. Condé Nast said NO to an African license of VOGUE. So this is the last cover. Enjoy, but it’s a beginning of something,”
With all of the hard work Epanya put into creating his pitch for the magazine, I see no reason as to deny Africa the opportunity to front page and center. Of course, if you open a Vogue magazine it is evident that unless you are an established entertainer of some sort, the chances of seeing blacks in the magazine are slim to none.
And the world keep trying tell the Artist that racism don't exist, well Im telling you, Im not convinced. AT ALL!
First off, I can't think of any reasons as to why this is not a good idea! His concept for the magazine would not only begin to put Africa on a map but change the images of blacks worldwide. The images he created were far from typical and he explored the dynamics and variety of beauty that blacks all over the world share but is rarely seen in mainstream media.
But you know what, I can smell your fear Conde. I am sure you know that people would only want more of this beauty and you wouldn't be able to handle it. Or maybe its because you don't have access or the ability to create powerful issues such as Epenya pitched or the demand for more images of Africans would increase which goes against Vogue moral standing. However, I am sure Epenya time is coming because Black is Beautiful!
