Crafting Success: Michael Aboya’s Story of Perseverance
This morning, January 20, 2025, as I scrolled through my feed on X, I saw Michael Aboya’s exhibition,
and one thought kept echoing in my mind, I was witnessing the journey of a man who has not only honed his skills but has also exemplified resilience in his pursuit of art.
Interestingly when I did a quick search on him, this came up; " 24-year-old school dropout wins $25,000 for taking the best photo of 2019
A Ghanaian self-taught photographer, Michael Aboya, has won the Best Photo of the Year 2019 award at the Agora Awards held in Barcelona, Spain.
Aboya’s striking image of boys enjoying music dubbed “Songs of Freedom” topped all with a grand prize of $25,000." - Jetmedia
Michael Aboya has gone on to garner significant recognition in the photography field:
• 2019: Won the Agora Awards’ Best Photo of the Year for “Songs of Freedom,” earning a $25,000 prize.
• 2020: Received the Best Portrait Photography award from Agora Images in Barcelona, Spain.
• 2021: Named Photographer of the Year in Ghana, receiving the People’s Choice Award.
• 2023: Participated in Xposure 2023 in Sharjah, UAE.
In addition to these accolades, Aboya serves as an ambassador for Adobe Lightroom and Agora Awards. His work has been prominently featured on platforms such as CNN, BBC, Forbes, and Adobe.
Reflecting on his achievements prompts me to consider how one can create something from nothing. In a country where successful economic pursuits often seem unattainable, Aboya’s journey stands as a testament to perseverance. He has consistently put forth his best work and has ascended to remarkable heights of success.
To young individuals reading this: first, seek exposure; understand how far your skills can take you, and take informed steps toward your goals. Complaining will not yield results; if you do not envision a path to success for yourself, you will never take that crucial first step.
As Naval Ravikant wisely states, “Go do something great, and your network will emerge.”
I hope Michael Aboya’s story inspires you to embark on your worthwhile journey.
Let me know what you think and have a great week!
