On Grief, Art, and Finding Light Again with Michael Aboya

Today’s guest is Michael Aboya, a self-taught Ghanaian photographer whose work doesn’t just capture images - it captures truth. With a lens attuned to emotion and a soul deeply invested in storytelling, Michael has emerged as one of Africa’s most celebrated visual artists. His photographs, rich with tenderness, dignity, and quiet power, have reframed how the world sees Black life, beauty, and being.

Following the loss of his father in 2016, Michael made a bold decision: to pursue photography with everything he had, understanding that life’s fragility demanded authenticity. What has followed is a body of work that is as intimate as it is iconic. From his internationally acclaimed “Songs of Freedom” to his evocative portraits of everyday Ghanaians, Michael creates imagery that feels like memory and prayer all at once.

He was the first Ghanaian artist featured on Adobe Lightroom’s splash screen, but more than accolades, it is his depth of presence, his reverence for his subjects, and his quiet devotion to truth that make him unforgettable.

Today, we sit with a man who doesn’t just take photos. He listens with his camera - and shows us who we are.

Buy The Limited Edition - Journey to the 8: https://www.issieditions.fr/en/products/michael-aboya-journey-to-the-8

Visit Michael Aboya's Website: https://aboya8.com/

Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboya.8/