Zayn YUSUF ALI

Profession: Creative

Country of Origin: Nigeria

Biggest achievement: My biggest accomplishment so far is building myself into a multi-talented creative. From mastering photography to diving into UI/UX design, I’ve turned my passions into tangible skills that set me apart. I’ve also managed to adapt to life in a new country, stay focused on my goals, and consistently push myself toward growth despite the odds. That ability to keep evolving? That’s my real win.

Favorite quote: “Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.” – Bruce Lee

Best talent: My creativity is my best quality—whether it’s through photography, design, or problem-solving, I know how to take an idea and turn it into something meaningful.

My Outstanding Story

Yusuf Zayn Ali is a Nigerian-born creative with a passion for design, photography, and storytelling. Growing up in Bukuru, Nigeria, Zayn discovered an early love for creativity, blending cultural heritage with a sharp eye for detail. However, life took a challenging turn after the passing of Zayn’s mother, Kangyang Ruth Jatau, an event that deeply reshaped their outlook on life. Instead of giving in to despair, Zayn channeled their grief into growth, using it as fuel to pursue a purposeful career built on resilience and adaptability.

Over the years, Zayn has honed a unique skill set that spans photography, marketing, and UI/UX design. Their work reflects a commitment to excellence, creativity, and positive impact, whether capturing moments through a lens or crafting user-centered digital experiences. Zayn’s artistic journey is one of persistence, evolution, and a desire to leave a meaningful mark.

Personal Insights

Zayn’s story is one of transformation. From managing housekeeping teams in Nigeria to earning recognition as a photographer and UI/UX designer, their journey highlights the ability to adapt and thrive. Zayn often reflects on the influence of their cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the rich history and resilience of their community to create work that is both functional and impactful. Personal loss has only strengthened Zayn’s resolve to approach life with empathy, always striving to create designs and stories that connect with people on a deeper level.

Recognition and Awards

Zayn’s contributions have been consistently recognized:

• Employee of the Month (Rockland Motel, 2016) for exceptional performance.

• Excellence in Customer Satisfaction (Rockland Motel, 2017) for achieving high satisfaction ratings.

• Best Team Player (Tims Gems & Jewelry, 2018) for outstanding collaboration.

• Outstanding Content Creator (Tims Gems & Jewelry, 2019) for engaging and creative content.

Impact and Outreach

Through their work, Zayn has created lasting value for various communities. As a volunteer photographer for Shiny Gloves Club NGO, Zayn used their talent to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups, helping tell stories that matter. Their journey into UI/UX design reflects a desire to solve real-world problems, such as improving accessibility and creating designs that enhance everyday life. Zayn’s commitment to using design as a tool for social good ensures their work resonates far beyond personal achievement, inspiring others in both their diaspora and broader society.

My piece of advice for emerging diaspora members and creatives...

To all the emerging diaspora members and creatives looking up to me, my advice is simple: Never underestimate the power of your story. No matter where you come from or the challenges you face, your voice and your perspective are unique and invaluable. Embrace your roots and let them fuel your creativity. Use your experiences, whether painful or triumphant, as the foundation for your work—because the world needs to hear and see it. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries, experiment, and evolve. The journey will not be easy, but persistence is key. There will be setbacks and moments of doubt, but each challenge is an opportunity for growth. Stay true to your vision, collaborate with others who inspire you, and always remember that your art is a reflection of who you are and where you come from. The future is yours to shape—so create boldly, live authentically, and let your work be the bridge that connects your culture to the world.

How can you describe your artistic or creative discipline?

I’m a multidisciplinary creative with a background in photography, design, and content creation. I first discovered my artistic side growing up in Nigeria, where I started experimenting with photography—capturing events, portraits, and everyday moments. Over time, my love for storytelling evolved, and I transitioned into UI/UX design to explore how creativity could solve real-world problems. Taking online courses and working on projects, I’ve developed a strong passion for crafting user-centered designs while staying rooted in my artistic foundation.

So how does culture influence your work?

My Nigerian heritage is a big part of who I am and deeply influences my work. Growing up surrounded by vibrant colors, diverse traditions, and rich storytelling, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in details and the power of community. This perspective shapes my creative process, whether it’s in photography—where I aim to capture authenticity—or in design, where I focus on creating experiences that are inclusive and meaningful. My culture has taught me resilience and resourcefulness, which drive me to create work that connects people and leaves a lasting impact. I was surrounded by creativity in all forms—whether through traditional art, music, or oral histories—and that instilled in me a love for visual storytelling. Personally, my journey through loss and resilience continues to shape my perspective. I channel these experiences into my work, aiming to create designs and photography that connect on an emotional level and reflect both cultural depth and personal growth.

Any encountered challenge that influenced your journey?

One of the most profound challenges I’ve faced was losing my mom in a fire. It happened back in 2015, and it’s something I still carry with me. I watched helplessly as she screamed my name, trapped in the flames, unable to do anything to save her. That moment shattered me, and the pain of that loss has stayed with me all these years.

But despite the grief and the darkness that followed, I found a way to keep moving forward. I channeled my pain into my work—whether it was through photography or design—focusing on building something meaningful in her memory. It hasn’t been easy, and I still have moments where the weight of it all feels unbearable, but I’ve learned that resilience doesn’t mean forgetting the past, it means using it as a driving force to keep going. My mom’s belief in me continues to guide me, and her memory has pushed me to pursue my dreams even when it feels like the world is standing still.

What about engagements with your community...?

I engage with my community and contribute to cultural preservation by using my work as a platform to share stories and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. Through my photography, I capture moments that reflect the richness of my Nigerian heritage, preserving cultural practices, traditions, and everyday life. In design, I focus on creating user-centered experiences that are inclusive and accessible, ensuring that technology serves diverse communities. I also make it a point to collaborate with organizations and initiatives that promote cultural awareness and social impact, helping to preserve traditions while pushing for a future where technology can enhance and elevate cultural expressions. My work is about building connections—whether through visual storytelling or creating digital spaces that reflect the values and diversity of my community.

Any aspiration or goals, as a diaspora member?

As a member of the diaspora, my goal is to collaborate with others who share a passion for preserving and showcasing our cultural heritage, while also pushing boundaries and reimagining how African culture is represented globally. Having recently moved to Europe, I see this as an opportunity to rebrand my photography and elevate it to new heights. I want to use my art to showcase the vibrancy, complexity, and beauty of African culture—highlighting its rich traditions, contemporary influences, and untold stories.

Through my work, I aim to bridge the gap between Africa and the global stage, adding a unique spin to the narrative by incorporating fresh perspectives and modern influences. I’m inspired to mix traditional African aesthetics with contemporary elements, creating visual stories that resonate with both the diaspora and broader audiences.

Looking forward, I see my creative journey evolving into a more collaborative and impactful space. I want to team up with fellow creatives from the African diaspora and beyond, exchanging ideas and pushing for innovation in the arts. My work will continue to evolve as I explore new ways to use photography and design as tools for cultural empowerment and storytelling. Ultimately, I want to inspire others from my community to embrace their own creative potential and celebrate our shared heritage in a way that’s both bold and authentic.