BANGUI, Central African Republic—In a country plagued by instability and violence, one young man has defied the odds to pursue his passion for make-up artistry.
Djibril Gueye Marvin, known as Djibou, overcame ridicule and limited resources to become a sought-after make-up artist in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic.
Growing up in a country ravaged by civil war since 2013, Djibou found solace and inspiration in YouTube tutorials. “There is no make-up school in Bangui, without YouTube tutorials I would not be where I am now,” he said.
These online videos opened up a world of possibilities for him and allowed him to develop his skills as a make-up artist.
Today, Djibou’s talent is highly sought after at a small beauty salon in Bangui.
He has also gained popularity on TikTok with over 36,000 followers.
Despite the challenges he faces on a daily basis, such as frequent electricity cuts that disrupt his work, Djibou remains determined and resourceful.
He adapts to the circumstances by moving his clients towards natural light when necessary.
However, being a make-up artist in the Central African Republic comes with its own set of obstacles.
Djibou charges a minimum fee of 10,000 CFA francs (15 euros), which is beyond the reach of many people in a country where the minimum wage is only 44 euros per month.
Acquiring quality products is another struggle for him.
He often has to import them from France or Nigeria because good products are essential for his work.
Djibou’s journey hasn’t been easy.
Growing up amidst brutal civil war and facing prejudice from society made it even more challenging for him to pursue his dream.
Traditional beliefs labeled make-up artistry as “a girl’s job,” but Djibou persevered despite these stereotypes.
He hid his make-up at his friends’ houses and continued to buy more products, determined to prove himself.
Now, Djibou brushes off criticism and prejudice.
He knows that some people are simply jealous of his success.
Through his TikTok channel, he shares his work, inspiration, and stories about his daily life.
Djibou’s artistic skills are showcased in photos where he poses with greenish-blue powder and gold glitter smeared on his face.
Looking towards the future, Djibou dreams of attending a make-up school abroad but lacks the means to do so.
In the modest room he shares with one of his sisters, amidst cosmetics scattered on his night table, religious symbols like a statue of the Virgin Mary, a Bible, and a rosary serve as reminders of his faith and determination.
Djibril Gueye Marvin’s story is an inspiring example of resilience and passion in the face of adversity.
Despite the challenges posed by living in one of the world’s least developed countries, he has managed to carve out a successful career for himself as a make-up artist.
His journey serves as a reminder that talent knows no boundaries and that dreams can be achieved with determination and resourcefulness.
