TAYO Fatunla: Alex Tefera and Samuel Ojo – Breakthrough Cartoonists in the UK

Alex Tefera: Ethiopian Excellence in Editorial Cartoons

Ethiopian cartoonist and animator Alex Tefera, also known as Alemayehu Tefera, has been making waves in the UK’s cartooning scene. Currently based in London, Tefera’s political cartoons shine a light on the political and social issues in Ethiopia, often sparking heated debates. His bold approach has earned him admiration as well as criticism, with online harassment and even death threats pushing him into exile.

Tefera, who signs his works as Alexucartoon, is a proud member of Cartooning for Peace. Despite challenges, his works have found a home at esteemed venues like the Cartoon Museum in London. Meeting Alex during the Steve Bell Monarchy Tapestry exhibition and later at an Ethiopian restaurant in Kings Cross revealed not only his immense talent but also his commitment to using art as a voice for change.

Samuel Ojo: Nigerian Creativity on the Global Stage

Samuel Ojo, a Nigerian cartoonist based in the UK, has been making inroads internationally with his thought-provoking works. From participating in the Let it Snow Cartoon Exhibition in Southeast London to contributing immigration-themed pieces to the Cartoon Museum, Ojo’s artistry resonates on a global scale.

His cartoon Come Care for Ours, Forget Yours, critiquing UK policies on foreign care workers, exemplifies his knack for addressing pressing societal issues. A graduate of the University of Benin, Ojo has showcased his works in Nigeria, the US, and the UK, including at Chatham House’s Humour as Black Experience exhibition. His portfolio includes publications in Business Day Newspaper, Somaliland Chronicle, Document Women, and more. Ojo is affiliated with Africartoons and the Cartoon Movement.

TAYO Fatunla: Celebrating the African Diaspora

TAYO Fatunla, an award-winning British-Nigerian comic artist, editorial cartoonist, and illustrator, continues to champion African heritage through his works. A graduate of the Kubert School in New Jersey, he is best known for his OUR ROOTS series, which celebrates Black history and notable figures. His art has been featured globally, from UNESCO forums to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art.

TAYO’s illustrations, including a Fela Kuti piece featured in Burna Boy’s Afrobeat hit Ye, connect deeply with cultural narratives. He has also created a Black History walk map for Camberwell, South East London, further showcasing his dedication to preserving African stories.

For more insights into the works of these incredible cartoonists, follow TAYO on Instagram.