The digital age has given rise to a new generation of visual storytellers; some of whom, like Faith Adu Afriyie, are now making their mark on the global stage. Known professionally as Royce, this Ghanaian-born photographer has brought his unique perspective to the world of fashion and editorial photography. Now based in Paris, he continues to define his creative voice through impressive visuals that capture the essence of his subjects.
Royce grew up in Kotei, a town near the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. He had his basic education at University Primary, continued at Kotei R/C for junior high, and completed senior high school at Agona SDA. He later graduated from Kumasi Technical University, where he studied computer science.
But the camera found him long before any professional path was clear.
In an interview with Glitz Africa, he shared, “I started photography when I received a camera as a gift from my dad because I liked taking pictures of myself. Photography came as a passion, but it was hard to get trainers to assist in learning and perfecting.”
So he did what many young artists of his generation did; he turned to Google, YouTube, and Instagram, teaching himself the language of photography and retouching one frame at a time. That self-starter discipline eventually evolved into Royce Gallery, his signature brand and studio.
While he is involved in commercial photography, his focus remains on fashion and editorial work. He uses income from commercial jobs to support his creative projects. His style is centered around strong visual composition, clear subject focus, and intentional use of color and tone. Royce aims to create images that reflect real moments and strong representation, both of people and of products.
Royce is influenced by his environment and his peers. He credits Joe Cravk , a close friend and fellow photographer, as a major influence in his development. He continues to stay connected to the growing photography scene in Kumasi, which he describes as developing steadily despite challenges around collaboration and competition.
What sets Royce’s work apart is its ability to transport. His compositions place the viewer in the room. He draws from memory, imagination, and a growing archive of moments that feel lived-in and intentional. Viewers need to feel like they were present during the moment. That, according to Royce, is the power photography has always had for him.
One of his recent projects, “JEHOWA ADANSENII – A Style With Purpose,” encapsulates these values. Shot in Paris in February 2025, the series is homage to the dignified presence of Jehovah’s Witness Publishers; both those he encountered back home in Ghana and a group he unexpectedly passed by in Paris. The styling, clean suits and coordinated tones, recalls the familiarity of his upbringing, detailed with the precision of his Parisian surroundings.
Royce sees photography as both a passion and a long-term career. He continues to explore new techniques while maintaining a clear focus on building a body of work that tells African stories with precision and care. His goal is to have his work featured on international platforms, with a focus on African identity, culture, and expression.
Speaking to Glitz Africa, he noted, “There are people out there who are willing to support you. And never stop telling better stories through your art.” For the next generation watching, his advice is as clear as his frames: keep building.
