Ghanaian photographer Prince Gyasi, the first and youngest Black African photographer for the Pirelli Calendar project, has captured iconic African personalities in the world of arts and culture in his “Timeless”-themed 2024 edition.

The Pirelli Calendar, known and trade-marked as “The Cal”, is an annual trade calendar which has been published by the UK subsidiary of the Italian tyre manufacturing company Pirelli since 1964.

Among those featured are Asante monarch Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, former Ghanaian foorball star Marcel Desailly and Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo.

Also, Black celebrities like Angela Bassett expressed thrill at participating in this iconic project, emphasising the significance of Black excellence.

The diverse cast, including Amanda Gorman and Idris Elba, symbolises a bold step for Pirelli, showcasing excellence on a broad scale.

The calendar, featuring individuals who inspired Gyasi, resonates as a testament to artistic and cultural representation.

“It was like more of a natural instinct of me just going back to my childhood memories, and picking up, like, you know, chapters that I experienced looking at these people on TV, listening to them. And also, like, you know, having that inspiration, drawing that inspiration from their work,” Gyasi explained what informed his shortlist for the project.

A thrilled Bassett said: “I just knew it was Pirelli, it was iconic,” adding: “And to find out that [Gyasi] is the first and youngest Black African photographer for this work is just thrilling, thrilling for his generation, so, I’m looking forward to seeing many other great things by him. But also, you know, everyone who was involved, that idea of Black excellence, you know, which is honestly the thing that our mothers and forefathers or mothers have impressed upon us from a young age, that as being Black and Brown in this world, you have, you have to lead with excellence.”

Also featuring in the calendar are supermodel Naomi Campbell, actor Idris Elba, singer Tiwa Savage and singer Teyana Taylor.