Zakia Chowdhury took this shot of Jama Elmi outside a cafe on Portobello Road, west London. “He goes around in this neighbourhood and he talks to everyone. You often see him down here,” said Zakia. Jama is a support worker for Penrose, looking after people with mental health issues. He arrived in London from Somalia with his family when he was eight years old 40 years ago. He said he only started wearing colour five years ago, describing the clothes he used to wear as “doom and gloom”. “I’ve done this to put a smile on people’s faces, I haven’t done it for fame and recognition,” he said, adding that he has more than 100 suits. He says now his clients request the colour he wears every day. 2023 MYLONDON exhibition (First Place Judges’ Choice, Second Place People’s Choice, Alex Davies Best Portrait Award), 2024 MYLONDON calendar cover image.
Greetings card 130 mm x 180 mm, folded (5.1" x 7.1"). No message. Includes envelope.