The student creating African emojis to change the story of Africa from poverty to beauty

By Aisha Salaudeen, CNN

Updated 1437 GMT (2237 HKT) December 18, 2019

Student O'Plerou Grebet taught himself how to create emojis after getting fed up of seeing just poverty images of Africa. He wanted to depict the beauty in the everyday lives of African people.
Photos: Ivorian digital artist, O'Plerou Denis Grebet, has created more than 300 African emojis
Student O'Plerou Grebet taught himself how to create emojis after getting fed up of seeing just poverty images of Africa. He wanted to depict the beauty in the everyday lives of African people.
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Long-long is a protective hairstyle for girls and women with natural curly hair.
Photos: Ivorian digital artist, O'Plerou Denis Grebet, has created more than 300 African emojis
Long-long is a protective hairstyle for girls and women with natural curly hair.
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'Garba' is street food sold in Ivory Coast. It is made with cassava semolina, tuna fish and eaten with pepper and onions.
Photos: Ivorian digital artist, O'Plerou Denis Grebet, has created more than 300 African emojis
'Garba' is street food sold in Ivory Coast. It is made with cassava semolina, tuna fish and eaten with pepper and onions.
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Toclo, a street tailor, usually a man with a sewing machine, who repairs damaged clothing in the streets.
Photos: Ivorian digital artist, O'Plerou Denis Grebet, has created more than 300 African emojis
Toclo, a street tailor, usually a man with a sewing machine, who repairs damaged clothing in the streets.
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'Tu as vu non,' a popular facial gesture in Ivory Coast meaning 'I told you so.'
Photos: Ivorian digital artist, O'Plerou Denis Grebet, has created more than 300 African emojis
'Tu as vu non,' a popular facial gesture in Ivory Coast meaning 'I told you so.'
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Cabine, a local spot where people pay to make phone calls