Gameli Hamelo is a journalist, writer, researcher, archivist and strategic communications professional dedicated to chronicling art, culture, design and architecture across Africa and its diaspora.

With over a decade of experience, he has established himself as a critical voice in documenting landmark cultural shifts, from the historic return of looted Asante artefacts in Ghana to Yinka Shonibare’s first major retrospective in Africa in Madagascar, and the tenth anniversary of Art X Lagos in Nigeria to 1-54 Marrakech 2026 in Morocco and the travelling exhibition ‘Dig Where You Stand’ at colonial era governors residence turned art and design space, Palais de Lome in Togo. 

His editorial portfolio spans the world’s most influential publications, including Aperture, ARTnews, The Art Newspaper, OkayAfrica, Interior Design, Frieze, Wallpaper*, Observer, and Art Basel Stories.

Known for blending investigative rigour with creative storytelling that highlights behind-the-scenes details, he has interviewed, profiled or reported on the luminaries shaping the contemporary African landscape, including Shonibare, Touria El Glaoui, Marie-Cécile Zinsou, Hassanein Hiridjee, Kwame Mintah, Meriem Berrada, Ibrahim Mahama, Amoako Boafo, Amina Agueznay, Margaux Huille, Tokini Peterside, Helene Love-Allotey, El Anatsui, Marwan Zakhem, François-Xavier Gbré, Sylvia Arthur, Sonia Lawson, Essé Dabla-Attikpo, and Zanele Muholi.

His expertise in cultural heritage and strategic communications makes him a sought-after commentator, appearing on VICE News, GhOneTV, and Mx24 TV.

He has worked with global brands and agencies, including Adidas, Byredo and Third Bridge Creative, and was recently a Metadata Technician at the Willis E. Bell Photographic Archive, helping archive and digitise over 40,000 images detailing Ghana’s post-independence history (1958–1978). He assisted in curating and producing two exhibitions in late 2025 that showcased work from the archive. 

Text by Thelma Anowaa