Fede Kortez: African Surf Culture Through Bold Imagery

February 26, 2025

7 Min

736

South African-based photographer and visual artist Fede Kortez is known for his unique approach to capturing the vibrancy of African culture, often blending visual storytelling with rich cultural narratives. Last year, Kortez took a creative leap into the surf culture of West Africa, directing a documentary on surfers at Busua Beach, Ghana—a spot that attracts surfers from all corners of the globe.

While immersed in the documentary project, Kortez had an idea brewing for a fashion-focused shoot that would deviate from the typical surfing image. He took a brief break from the documentary schedule to bring his vision to life—a vision he had been contemplating for over a year. “I wanted to take some boys with their boards and style them up with vibrant hairstyles and cool accessories, with the beach in the background,” Kortez explains.

The models in this striking image are young Ghanaians Kofi Dallas and Bruce Adabie, both surfers and creatives who embody the energy and spirit of the beach. Joining them was Afro Ele, a renowned hair artist from Benin with whom Kortez had collaborated on previous projects. Known for her talent in crafting intricate and bold hairstyles, Afro Ele’s magic transformed the surfers’ look, adding to the extravagant and stylish vibe Kortez had envisioned for the shoot.

“I wanted hairstyles that would complement the extravagant surf vibe I had in mind,” Kortez says. “She came and did magic on the boys’ hair.”

Born in Italy but deeply connected to South Africa, Kortez credits the country as the place where he truly found his creative footing. “I have spent many more years of my life there than in my country of origin. It’s where I became the person I am today, and where I acquired my creative skills,” he shares.

Through this photograph, Kortez not only celebrates the surf culture but also challenges a common stereotype—that African men do not surf or swim. With his lens, he captured a side of African youth culture that is often overlooked and brought it to the forefront in an authentic, yet glamorous way. “The documentary, and this photograph, were my chance to kill the stereotype that African men don’t surf or swim. I captured exactly what I had envisaged,” Kortez says.

In this image, the exuberant hairstyles, colorful accessories, and the dynamic energy of the young surfers stand as a testament to Kortez’s ability to merge the world of fashion, surf culture, and African identity in a visually captivating manner. It is a powerful reminder that African men, far from being defined by stereotypes, are creators of their own unique spaces in global culture, whether in art, music, or surfing.

Kortez’s body of work continues to break boundaries, creating a new narrative for African youth and exploring their cultural expressions in a global context. This shoot at Busua Beach encapsulates not only a moment of aesthetic brilliance but also a deeper reflection on identity, breaking barriers, and rewriting the image of African masculinity in the world of sports and fashion.