The Masterclass took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 28 November to 2 December 2016, supporting the most promising young visual journalists from the region in their professional development

This masterclass is the second in the World Press Photo Foundation’s series of satellite masterclasses, based on the formula of the annual Joop Swart Masterclass for the world’s most talented upcoming visual journalists. The first satellite event was the Masterclass Latin America, which took place in Mexico in December of 2015.

The participants:

Three jury members selected 12 participants from 110 submitted portfolios. The following 12 photographers—7 women and 5 men of 8 different nationalities—are:

Biko Wesa, Kenya
Brian Otieno, Kenya
Cynthia Matonhodze, Zimbabwe
Emma Nzioka, Kenya*
Esther Mbabazi, Uganda
Hilina Abebe, Ethiopia
Landry Nshimiye, Burundi
Maheder Tadese, Ethiopia
Miora Rajaonary, Madagascar
Mohamed Elsadig, Sudan
Thoko Chikondi, Malawi
Zinyange Auntony, Zimbabwe

Tafadza Ufumeli, Zimbabwe
Ray Ochieng, Kenya**

* Emma Nzioka, Kenya, was selected as a participant, but she was unable to attend last minute.

** We are sad to have learned about the sudden death of second runner-up Ray Ochieng, a talented and promising Kenyan photographer. Our condolences to his family and friends.

The masters:

The World Press Photo Foundation is also pleased to welcome the following masters:

Andrew Esiebo, Nigeria
Neo Ntsoma, South Africa
Thomas Mukoya, Kenya
Julien Jourdes, France
Jodi Bieber, South Africa

The masters were chosen to meet the learning needs and wishes of the selected participants. They shared their expertise and provided individual advice to all participants. The masterclass curriculum was structured around photo essays based on a central theme, “Community”, that participants were required to work on in preparation for the masterclass. The masterclass week also included lectures and individual instruction with all masters.

The selection committee:

Bisi Silva, independent curator, founder and director of the Centre for Contemporary Art in Lagos
Carl de Souza, AFP Chief Photographer East Africa
John Fleetwood, director of Photo and former head of the Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg.