7 artists you must see at LagosPhoto Festival

As social media usage grows on the continent, Gareth Pon, voted Africa's best Instagrammer at the African Blogger Awards 2015, shows the world his Africa, including this image taken in Braamfontein, Johanesburg, South Africa.

He shoots his favorite places in his home town of Johannesburg and beyond, jumping from cityscapes to portraits.

Pon often uses his large following to champion other creatives, for in example in this shot, taken on the set of UK pop artist Ozonna's music video.

As quirky and modern as his work is, Pon isn't scared of posting a traditional sunset or two. This one was taken at Mabalingwe Game Reserve, Rooiberg, South Africa.

In Jeppestown, Maboneng Princict, South Africa, Pon catches anonymous artist Above as he finishes painting his biggest wall to date.

Pon captures a piece of art by Keri Muller called "Africa Re-Invented" in Maboneng, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Pon has friends in artistic places, including Nelson Makamo who he describes as; "One of the most humble and amazing South African artists I've ever met. He has a heart of a gold and a deep insight into life, and with that comes many inspiring moments and great conversations."

Visiting Obesa Nursey in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, Pon snaps his friend Zuko among the cacti.

In Soweto, Gauteng, Pon spots some excited children, posting this image with the caption; "Stoked. Kids in #Soweto are stoked. Like really stoked."

Explore Africa with the continent's top Instagrammer

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For a long time, Africa has been in front of the lens, but very rarely behind it.

As young Africans establish their creative voices, a crop of festivals and biennales are springing up across the continent looking to share resident’s stories, from their own perspectives.

One of the longest running has hit Nigeria’s most populous city once again – LagosPhoto festival.

Returning for its sixth year, 2016 looks set to be its most defining, with large-scale outdoor installations taking place around Lagos’ congested roads.

Hip hop photographer, Jonathan Mannion will roll into town armed with his back catalogue of iconic images stretching back two decades. Mannion has shot over 300 album covers for the likes of Jay Z, Lil Wayne and Drake. He’s expected to hold workshops and talks on his experiences at the festival.

Documentary photographer Colin Delfosse's images of Congolese wrestlers in the capital Kinshasa.

As the first and so far, the only international festival of photography in the country, 30 photographers across 17 countries will descend onto Lagos.

Participating artists include Nigerian Fati Abubakar capturing life in the shadow of Boko Haram, Ishola Akpo from the Republic of Benin looking at marriage rites and rituals and Muchiri Njenga delivering Kenyan sci-fi in the form of afro-futurism.

The Queen of Spades -- Andile Biyana (2014) by Harness Hamese —

Whether it's Kenya's jet setting grannies or Johannesburg's street style battles - Africans have long found their voice in knowing how to dress sharp - as Brighton Photo Biennial's latest exhibition explores.

Calligraphist, London, by Sara Shamsavari —

The Dandy Lion Project looks at African and diasporans who dress provocatively as dandies.

The Smarteez , Joburg style battles series (2012) by Daniele Tamagni —

"When I first started curating the exhibition I was really anti including any artists who are not of African descent. So I really wanted to look at dressing up not as a response to racism and discrimination but as a source of pride," says curator Shantrelle Lewis.

Lebogang from the Smarteez, Joburg style Battles series, by Daniele Tamagni —

The exhibition will showcase around 150 images taken by more than 30 photographers over the past 10 years.

Give thank to thoughtful hands -- Bafana Mthembu and Andile Biyana of Khumbula (2013) by Harness Hamese —

Amongst them is budding South African photographer Harness Hamese.

When a Black woman prays -- Andile Biyanaand the Outkasts (2014) by Harness Hamese —

He started photographing South Africa's street styles after meeting with a group of dandy enthusiasts named Khumbula (a Nguni word that means "remember").

Khumbula Family Portrait by Harness Hamese —

The nostalgic group, like to dress up in vintage, to represent a time in South African history where their parents dressed up as an expression of independence during apartheid.

For every strong woman, there are strong men -- Khumbula (2014) by Harness Hamese —

"We started Khumbula because we felt African stories are not told the way they should be told, the interpreters of our stories tell them the way their audience would like to receive them," say the group.

Andile Biyana and Lourens Gebhardt -- In Sync (2014) by Harness Hamese —

"It sort of communicates the mindset that even in oppression we can still dress up and look good and be determined as a people to represent ourselves in an appropriate level," says Hamese.

The Outkasts - Sunday (2013) by Harness Hamese —

"I don't want people to look at my photographs as part of the Dandy Lion project and only look at the clothes but the stories that come with the clothes," says Hamese.

Andile Biyana and Lourens Gebhardt -- In Sync (2014) by Harness Hamese —

It's about storytelling insists Hamese, "It's not only about the clothes because I don't photograph clothes I photograph people."

Africa's DIY style cultures on show at Brighton exhibit

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There are international photographers exhibiting as well, including Spain’s Pep Bonnet shooting Botswana’s eyebrow raising black punk scene and Brazilian photographer Bruno Morais striking photos of the colorful garments worn by African women. Colin Defosse’s surreal images (pictured above) of Congolese wrestlers charming their public prove arresting.

See the emerging African photographers to keep a close eye on, from our gallery above.

LagosPhoto 2016 runs until 21 November across Lagos, Nigeria