Today we’d like to introduce you to Arafat Abdul-razak

Hi Arafat, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Football was my first love, but my parents, like many others, stressed the importance of education. During my final year at university, I unexpectedly found myself choosing photography as my project focus – a decision that would shape my future in ways I couldn’t imagine.

After graduation, I balanced my time between helping a friend shoot events and playing football. Realizing that a traditional office job would force me to abandon my passion for football, I made the bold choice to pursue photography full-time. This decision allowed me to maintain both aspects of my life, and thankfully, my parents stood firmly behind my choice.

My career breakthrough arrived when I captured a powerful shot of Sarkodie at the VGMA awards. Concert photography was still an emerging field at the time, which helped my work gain significant attention. Despite occasional self-doubt, I continued pushing boundaries. Taking a calculated risk, I photographed Cardi B during her Ghana performance. When she shared one of my photos across her social media platforms, my career soared to new heights.

That viral moment confirmed I had chosen the right path. Since then, I’ve built an impressive client list including the United Nations, Coke Zero, Tullow Oil, and the Australian Embassy. My portfolio now features remarkable moments with global artists like Sarkodie, Cardi B, Rick Ross, Erika Badu, Stormzy, Usher, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Tems, and Major Lazer.

With several awards and nominations now under my belt, I’ve established myself in the photography world. My journey has taught me an invaluable lesson: sometimes the path of uncertainty leads to the most remarkable destinations.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Like many creative professionals, my photography journey has faced its share of hurdles. The industry presents unique challenges: widespread image piracy threatens artistic ownership, while the pressure to specialize conflicts with the need to maintain diverse income streams. Limited funding opportunities and the substantial investment required for professional equipment create additional barriers to growth. Even gaining access to certain venues and events can prove challenging, while navigating complex business contracts demands skills far beyond the camera.

Despite these obstacles, my passion for photography continues to burn bright. Each challenge has become a catalyst for innovation, pushing me to develop creative solutions and explore new approaches. This resilience hasn’t just helped me survive in the industry – it’s shaped me into a more resourceful and determined photographer.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

While my photography journey has taken me through many different styles, event photography – particularly concert photography – is where I truly found my calling. Over the years, my work in this field has earned recognition, placing me among the industry’s most respected concert photographers.

My connection to music runs deep, making concert photography the perfect blend of artistic expression and personal passion. There’s nothing quite like being in the pit, camera in hand, capturing those electric moments when artists connect with their audience. It’s in these high-energy environments where I feel most in my element.

One particularly meaningful moment came when my lecturer, someone whose opinion I deeply valued, praised my work. Their recognition of my dedication and skill was both surprising and deeply encouraging.

What makes my approach unique is a combination of three key elements. First, I constantly challenge myself to find fresh angles and perspectives that others might miss. Second, I believe in thorough preparation, researching artists and studying their previous performances to anticipate powerful moments. Finally, I’ve learned that patience is crucial – sometimes waiting that extra beat leads to capturing the perfect shot.

Each opportunity to document these musical moments pushes me to expand my creative boundaries, and I’m grateful for every chance to contribute to the art of concert photography.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?

Joy comes naturally to me – you’ll rarely catch me without a smile, regardless of what life throws my way. It’s simply who I am, and I’ve found happiness in several corners of my life that never fail to brighten my day.

My family’s success and wellbeing tops this list. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching your loved ones thrive; their happiness ripples through our household and lights up my world. Football holds an equally special place in my heart – whether I’m on the field or cheering from the sidelines, the sport provides an escape where time seems to stand still and nothing else matters.

The simple pleasure of spending time with friends, sharing laughs, and engaging in meandering conversations brings a different kind of joy to my life. These moments, though seemingly ordinary, create lasting memories that I cherish deeply.

Then there’s photography, particularly concert photography, which combines my love for creativity with pure excitement. There’s an indescribable magic that happens when I’m behind the camera at a concert. It’s more than just taking pictures – it’s about being completely present, capturing raw emotions, and experiencing every beat, every movement, and every moment of pure artistry through my lens. In these moments, I truly feel most alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abdularafat.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_abdularafat?igsh=NHk1aWt5dGNzZTZw
• Twitter: https://x.com/_abdularafat?s=21