Nigerian photojournalist Sani Mohammed Maikatanga earned top honors in the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) Africa 2022 Photo Competition, securing first place with his electrifying image titled “Fishers on Run.” The captivating photograph, taken during the famous Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, Nigeria, beat hundreds of submissions from across the continent, winning both the judges’ recognition and the popular vote.
The Winning Image: Capturing the Spirit of a Centuries-Old Tradition
Maikatanga’s award-winning entry, “Fishers on Run,” brilliantly captures the raw energy of thousands of fishermen sprinting into the Mata Fadan River at the peak of the Argungu Fishing Festival. The festival, celebrated for over 80 years, brings together people from all walks of life to witness traditional fishing practices, cultural dances, wrestling contests, and more.
In this breathtaking moment, Maikatanga documents a wave of fishermen racing into the water, each determined to claim victory by catching the biggest fish using only bare hands and traditional tools. The image is a masterclass in timing, composition, and cultural relevance.
About the Argungu Fishing Festival
The Argungu Fishing Festival is one of the most prominent cultural events in West Africa. Held annually in Kebbi State, Nigeria, it serves as a celebration of unity, tradition, and communal pride. The grand finale features thousands of local fishermen diving into the river simultaneously in a spectacular competition that symbolizes strength, endurance, and teamwork.
In 2016, UNESCO listed the festival on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its significance as a symbol of Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy.
Sani Maikatanga: A Visual Historian of Northern Nigeria
Born on August 15, 1975, in Kano State, Sani Maikatanga is widely celebrated for his ability to document traditional life, ceremonies, and rural landscapes across Northern Nigeria. He began his journalism journey in the early 2000s, working for FIM Magazine, Leadership Newspapers, and Daily Trust before establishing Sani Maikatanga Photography as an independent platform.
His work has appeared in notable international outlets such as BBC Hausa, Reuters, AP, The Guardian, and Deutsche Welle, among others. Through his lens, Maikatanga has continuously preserved and shared the beauty of African traditions that are often overlooked in global narratives.
Why “Fishers on Run” Stood Out
The GLF Africa 2022 Photo Competition received over 700 entries, yet Maikatanga’s image stood out for its dynamic movement, cultural symbolism, and technical brilliance. Judges praised the photo for capturing not just an event, but a story—the pride, urgency, and resilience of a community rooted in centuries of heritage.
The public echoed this sentiment, casting the highest number of votes for “Fishers on Run” among all entries, reinforcing the photograph’s universal appeal and emotional impact.
A Landmark Victory and Cultural Milestone
This win marks a significant achievement in Maikatanga’s career, making him the first photographer from Kano State to receive such recognition at the GLF Africa Photo Competition. His victory shines a spotlight not only on his exceptional talent but also on the cultural richness of Northern Nigeria, elevating local traditions to the global stage.
Moreover, Maikatanga’s success aligns with GLF’s mission of promoting sustainability, indigenous knowledge, and landscape awareness through powerful visual storytelling.
Conclusion
With “Fishers on Run,” Sani Mohammed Maikatanga has not only captured a fleeting moment of cultural celebration but has also immortalized a timeless tradition through his lens. His recognition at the GLF Africa 2022 Photo Competition highlights the role of photography in preserving heritage and telling African stories from an authentic perspective. This victory stands as a tribute to Nigeria’s vibrant culture and to a photographer who continues to document it with passion and precision.
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