Ghanaian singer and model, Deborah Vanessa looks absolutely gorgeous in this enticing editorial, “Away,” lensed by rising Nigerian photographer, Paul Ukonu.
Shot on the streets of Accra, Ghana, the singer poses it up inside a 1974 Mercedes-Benz 240D, styled by Ijeoma Mang into colourful kimonos, loosely waved hair and a pair of gladiator sandals. And, despite the light, airy beauty of the shots, a darker concept behind the shoot was at work, with the story behind it reading;
“Lost in thought and the entire world, the sun cast upon her face, shadows dance around her eyes and sleep is far from her [because] she knows no peace.
But how could she? Beaten by a horrendous lover, day and night, bruises all over her body, she hides them with beautiful smocks. But today is the day she makes up her mind: She must go from him, she must run away.”
Of the serious concept, the photographer, Mr Ukonu told SPICE;
“I am inspired by what I see. I had a friend from Calabar in a near similar situation.”
And, of the day’s proceedings and working with Ms Vanessa, the talent revealed;
“It was a very sunny day, so we had to hide under a tree to do our shoot on the streets of Ghana. All the changing had to go on there.
Deborah’s a very nice and patient person and she understands what the photographer wants, and just gets it done.”
The shoot appears on the photographer’s website, here along with other cool shots you should see. In the meantime, check out “Away” here below and then tell us what you think in the comments box below or on Twitter via @SPICETVAFRICA;
Image source: Paulukonu.com
