‘‘We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.”

Ihave noticed that two things happen when you live through an era of rapid change, as we are now. Firstly, there is an inevitable surge of artistic creativity, and second, the misfits, the contrarians, the underdogs and the anti-heroes come into their own. The African creative industry, a broad church that includes fashion designers, writers, graphic artists, and tech gurus, is a powerhouse that has finally come into her own.

Pinning down its precise impact on Africa’s economy is difficult, but its growing influence on jobs and growth is evident. The continent currently boasts the planet’s youngest and fastest-growing population, who primarily fuel the creative sector. By 2035, subSaharan Africa is expected to have more working-age people than the rest of the world combined.

Today, there is no shortage of African creatives seizing the global stage, including our own visual artist Njideka Akinyuli Crosby who set a new auction record with the sale of her painting Bush Babies for nearly $3.4million at Sotheby’s New York.

Yes, there are serious challenges still. But persistence and talent have helped these creatives overcome and push through. It is for this reason we are in this edition celebrating five African artists in honour of Africa month. Through their diverse mediums and techniques, they have decided to tell our stories and use their voices to shine a light on our motherland.

Our continent Africa remains a vital world region, with over a billion vibrant and innovative people, unparalleled eco-diversity, and some of the fastestgrowing economies on earth. Home to more than 1.2 billion people spread over 54 countries who speak more than 2,000 languages. It is truly a remarkable place to call home despite all the odds.

This month, let us collectively reflect on our past, celebrate how far we’ve come, and envision a prosperous future full of growth and opportunities.