Accra, Straight-Up!

In 1977 on the Kings Road, Terry Jones commissioned Steve Johnston to photograph London punks against a wall and called it a Straight-Up. The format quickly became an i-D staple and a bible of global personal style. To celebrate i-D’s relaunch, we took to the streets of five cultural capitals – including Accra, where photographer Nana Kwadwo Agyei Addo honed in on the passers-by who caught his eye.

Get to know them below and also check out the rest of our Worldwi-De Straight-Ups in London, New York, Paris and Tokyo.

Prince Brefo, 26

What do you love about Accra? The freedom and my friends. I love being around my people. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? Alive, living and flourishing. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Lionel Messi. The secret to happiness is… Being yourself at all times.

Baaba J, 24
What do you love about Accra? I love the sun, having my family around and the food. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? Touring the world with my music. Filling arenas and stadiums. What does change mean to you? Change means discomfort. Rebellion and revolution. Uncertainty but faith at the same time.

Jeffery Nii Quaye, 22

What do you do? Student and hustler. What do you love about Accra? I love the people, the culture and the nightlife. What does change mean to you? Moving from one point in life to another and not looking back. What song do you have on repeat right now? “Zormizor (Asabone)” by DopeNation.

Tetteh, 20
Where do you want to be in five years’ time? To be one of Ghana’s biggest dancers. What song do you have on repeat right now? “Fly Girl” by Beeztrap KOTM. The secret to happiness is… Loving those who love you!

Timeless, 27
What do you love about Accra? I love the food and the fact that the community accepts me for who I am. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? King Charles. The secret to happiness is… Not thinking too much and going with the flow.

Daniel ‘Sensen’ Sarkey, 29

What do you love about Accra? I love the love in the community. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Nobody – I like myself like that. What song do you have on repeat right now? “Makoma” by King Paluta.

Komey, 23
What do you love about Accra? I love my family and making food for them. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Ice Spice. What does change mean to you? Change is a constant so don’t get left behind.

Rita, 23
What do you love about Accra? We are united as a community and everyone loves each other. What song do you have on repeat right now? “Boso” by Bisa Kdei. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? To own my own shop and employ others.

Tortor, 32

What do you do? Driver. What song do you have on repeat right now? “Kilos Milos” by Black Sherif. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? To be alive and happy every day. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? President Nana Akufo-Addo. The secret to happiness is… Finding purpose.

Richard Tetteh, 35

What do you do? Pastor. What song do you have on repeat right now? “Aseda” by King Paluta. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? To grow my church and ministry. The secret to happiness is… Finding God.