A Mecca of African Culture

From cover to cover—every story we produce and page we print is aimed at preserving African culture, uplifting her creators, and sharing her untold truths with readers around the globe.

 

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Replacing sweeping, stale narratives…

For far too long, a one-dimensional story—defined by only poverty-stricken villages and tourist safaris—has dominated the narrative surrounding Africa. While African artists influenced the world for centuries over—their fashions emulated on European runways, their art pillaged by colonialists, their original melodies and beats set as the background to English lyrics on American albums—the world knew little of the setting that shaped so much of its own everyday experiences. At best, Africa’s creations have inspired. At worst, they have been seized without citing.

 

…with the rare truth.

Fifty Four exists to shout from the rooftops what those within the African diaspora have known for so long: ours is a continent brimming with excellence and artistry. Behind everything we produce and print is a single, unwavering declaration: Now you see us. We cannot right wrongs or erase hurtful history—but we can represent ourselves without apology…and nothing has ever felt better.

HERE’S TO AFRICA, AS TOLD BY AFRICANS.

 

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Our Mission

At Fifty Four…

…our mission is to preserve and showcase Africa’s culture and lifestyle, connecting people to their past, present, and future. As a leading observer of the cultural and creative scene, we highlight the excellence and exuberance across Africa.

 

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Core Values

Diversity

A commitment to diversity and representation is deeply ingrained in our framework. Our regional editors at large, rotating country covers, and dedicated regional sections within each issue exemplify our commitment to representing every corner of this vastly diverse continent.

Authenticity

Ours is a publication centred on authentic representation of African culture. Through both a team that’s deeply familiar with this continent—and content that accurately reflects the artistry, affairs, and issues within her borders—we aim to share a true Africa with the world.

Inclusion

We work to bring the lives and realities of all Africans to the forefront—across lines of gender identity, cultural background, religious beliefs, status, and ability. We are deeply dedicated to inclusion at every opportunity, within every issue.

 

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Why Fifty Four?

54 countries. Infinite stories. One collective pulse.

Within Africa’s borders are 54 distinct countries—each with its own rich history and culture. This publication is devoted to sharing creations and creators from all 54 of these countries—as we take readers like you all around our continent, from the Cape to the Pyramids, from Morocco to Mozambique.

WE ARE AS DIVERSE AS THE DAY IS LONG, CONNECTED DESPITE BORDERS WE DID NOT DRAW. FIFTY FOUR CELEBRATES AFRICA’S BEAUTIFULLY DISTINCT REGIONS, WHILE HONOURING HER INHERENT ONENESS.

This goes deeper than eye-catching imagery and glossy pages. It is a declaration.

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY—A LONG OVERDUE UNEARTHING OF SORTS—AS WE SHARE THE TRUTH AND BEAUTY OF THE PLACE WE CALL HOME AND THE VISIONARIES HER SOIL HAS RAISED.