The photograph shows a person sitting on the stairway in front of a faded yellow building, wearing a mask with an elongated oval shape, adorned with what appears to be cowrie shells and raffia materials at the top. With hands clasped together between their lap, they are dressed in a layer of colourful clothes—a jacket with a vibrant checkered design, a black shirt with white details underneath, and a bright blue trouser with circular patterns and white sneakers.

This photograph was taken in Tambacounda, Senegal. It was not easy taking it because Africans are still afraid of being photographed. But I made sure to chat with my model before asking him to pose, making sure that he is okay. I love the photograph because of the presence of the model and the value of African youth.