Cameroonian artist Shiri Achu shares her journey with Oral Ofori
Shiri Achu is a multiple award-winning Cameroonian visual artist and painter that has captivated international audiences with her vibrant paintings celebrating African culture. Achu’s art is gripping and engaging across the globe, from Cameroon to the United States, Czech Republic, Australia, Wales, Britain, Singapore, Germany, Kenya, Ghana etc.
Her works (originals and signed limited prints) have been and are continually sought after all over the world. She has representatives in Cameroon, Czech Republic, U.S., and in Australia. She recently received The International Prize Artist of the Year 2025 award as well as an Outstanding young Cameroonian Award 2025.
Last month, she was honoured with the United Council for Youth Empowerment’s (UCYE) 21st Century Most Contemporary Artist Award, and appointed as the UCYE African Cultural Ambassador to the United States, both recognizing her dedication to promoting African culture through her art.
In an interview with Oral Ofori of TheAfricanDream.net, Achu shared her journey from her roots in Africa to her international exhibitions; emphasizing her purpose, dedication to showcasing African heritage, career milestones, and the profound motivations behind her creative endeavours.
Born in Cameroon, Achu attributes her artistic and personal development to her supportive upbringing. “I was born in Cameroon to amazing parents who were forward-thinking, believed in me and invested in me,” she said to Ofori, expressing gratitude for the opportunities she received in Cameroon and later in England. Moving to London at a very young age, Achu embraced her creative passions, playing the piano, painting, and dreams of becoming an architect.
“Having lived in London from the age of 9 years old, I was a creative soul. I played the piano, I painted, and I wanted to be an Architect,” she recalled. She pursued and achieved her architectural ambitions but felt compelled to nurture her artistic side as well. “I became an Architect, but after years of studying Architecture, I also needed to be An Artist and attaining both has been extremely hard work but also extremely rewarding,” she explained.
Achu’s dynamic personality shines through in her active lifestyle, “I am a fun-loving and active woman who just cannot keep still,” she said to Ofori, noting that she once juggled “at least 4-5 key things to do in every given day.” As she matured, she learnt to balance her demanding schedule, stating, “This is still the case but as I get older I am learning to reduce my daily tasks.”
Her authenticity, rooted in her dual identity, remains central to her identity; “I always aim to be ‘authentic. Which means that I never forget that my roots are Cameroonian, and I don’t forget my UK upbringing,” she emphasized, reflecting her commitment to honouring both her heritage and her adopted home.
From a carnival painting to global exhibitions
Achu’s artistic career began with a pivotal moment just before she embarked on her architectural studies at university. Responding to an artist call for a carnival-themed artwork, she drew inspiration from her annual visits to London’s Notting Hill Carnival, where she photographed vibrant costumes and dancers. Her submission sold, marking a significant milestone.
“Some weeks later I was very excited when I received a letter stating that it was sold and to whom. I still have the letter,” she said to Ofori, adding, “I kept it because it keeps me motivated and reminds me to use the skills God gives me and not to bury it.”
This first sale reinforced her belief in her talents. “From that day I realized that the gifts God has given to me will make way for me and in fact it is important for us all to remember that the gifts God has placed in each and every one of us will make a way for us,” she reflected.
Even as a teenager, Achu unknowingly prepared for her artistic future. “Prior to that day of my first art sale, when I was around 13/14 years old, I had spent a lot of time practicing my signature. I did not understand why it was so important for me to have a good signature, but I knew I wanted to make it a great one!” she recounted.
After completing seven years of architectural training, Achu held her first major art exhibition, but attendees found her original works too expensive and large. Responding to demand, she began producing art prints five years later, and the idea worked like magic.
“After understanding my market and having been asked by a few people for Art Prints of my paintings, I started making and selling prints of my artworks and have signed and sold approximately 2,500 prints to date,” she said to Ofori. Her annual In Print Art Exhibitions, held in cities worldwide, have become a cornerstone of her career.
Divine inspiration
Achu’s art is deeply rooted in what she describes as divine “downloads” that guide her creative decisions. “I thank God for the downloads which I like to follow,” she said, explaining how these inspirations led to her first solo exhibition, the production of art prints, her global In Print Art Exhibitions, and her latest ventures, including Pan-African fabric designs. Her purpose has always been to inspire a global appreciation for African culture.
“When I travel to Australia, or to Toronto, or to wherever I go to next with my artwork, when the people from that land tell me they would love to visit Africa after seeing my work, they would love to see Africa for themselves, that is what makes my heart sings” she shared with Ofori, capturing the profound joy she feels when her art sparks curiosity about Africa. She admitted, “I simply cannot explain that feeling.”
Last month, she made the official launch of the ‘first pan-African fabric’ at the Cameroonian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The fabric showcased symbols derived from African nations representing the North, East, South, West, and Central Africa; specifically from countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Central African Republic, Kenya, and Morocco; embodying the whole of Africa.
Despite leaving Cameroon at a young age, Achu’s connection to Africa remains a powerful force. This bond drives her to create art that celebrates African heritage, making her work a bridge between the continent and its diaspora.
“People often ask me about my fondness for Africa, especially having left Cameroon when I was so young, I cannot explain it, I just do, it’s another question I’ve never been able to answer sufficiently, but perhaps this is an answer In itself,” she reflected.
For more details on Shiri Achu’s exhibitions and artworks, visit her official website, email, Facebook or Instagram.
Written by Abeeb Lekan Sodiq
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He’s as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
