Photo Art Direction / Photography / Styling
Thrive Market
Kiano Moju, a celebrated chef, author of cookbook AfriCali, and founder of the Jikoni Recipe Archive, is on a mission to document and preserve traditional African recipes for future generations. Thrive Market featured Kiano on our blog because her commitment to food equity and cultural preservation aligns deeply with our values. Thrive Market aims to foster a more inclusive food space where history, heritage, and sustainability intersect by spotlighting diverse voices and traditions.
One of the standout dishes in Kiano's archive is Jollof Rice, a beloved West African staple with deep cultural significance. Her recipe takes the cherished dish and turns it into a risotto, "a twist on a classic African dish that spans the diaspora, and when served alongside perfectly seared whole prawns seasoned with Nigerian suya spice blend, creates a meal that's a perfect blend of both Moju's Californian and African backgrounds."
Blog article linked here
I wanted the photography to feel warm and vibrant, just like Jollof Rice itself—rich red-orange hues from slow-cooked tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Stylized shots of the process highlight the care that goes into each plate, while hands preparing and serving the dish reinforce the communal spirit that makes this dish a symbol of celebration across West Africa.