How Fanuel Leul Is Taking Futuristic African Art Into Uncharted Territory 

By Faisale Shifawe
Published on 12/29/25

When Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education released university placement results in the summer of 2014, Fanuel Leul was assigned to Kotebe University of Education—a path that would likely have led him to become a teacher for life. But deep down, Fanuel always knew his destiny lay elsewhere. He was drawn to a world of art that was futuristic, cultural, and increasingly digital. Even then, he believed he would make a name for himself.

Breaking into the creative industry, however, was not easy. To get where he is today, Fanuel had to confront obstacles, take risks, and rely on more than a little luck.

Fanuel first discovered the power of art in the 4th grade. As a child, he used drawing as a way to escape reality, sketching whatever came to his imagination. By the time he reached 7th grade, a superhero movie would permanently shape his future.

“After I saw Spider-Man in the 7th grade, I knew I had found my calling. I’ve never stopped drawing superhero or futuristic art since then,” Fanuel said. “Later, I started creating superhero art and comic books inspired by Ethiopian and other African cultures.

” While attending Prince Mekonnen Haile Selassie High School in Dire Dawa, Fanuel befriended a classmate in the 11th grade who was also deeply interested in art. The friend, a Jehovah’s Witness, was passionate about drawing illustrations for religious booklets distributed within the community. Fanuel joined him, learning the discipline and style of illustration—skills that would later influence his futuristic and superhero artwork.

The following year, that same friend introduced Fanuel to a university student studying at the Alle School of Fine Arts and Design in Addis Ababa, a meeting that would change the course of his life.

In the summer of 2013, as Fanuel prepared to enter his senior year of high school, he faced a major decision about his future. His friend mentioned a neighborhood acquaintance who was studying art at the Alle School of Fine Arts, part of Addis Ababa University. Fanuel decided to meet him for guidance.

“After I spoke with him, I decided right away that I would major in art at the same university if my placement allowed it,” Fanuel said.

A year later, when the official placement results were released, Fanuel found himself packing for Kotebe University of Education, set to begin in September 2014. He lasted just two months before deciding to leave.

“Everything was dirty—the dorms, the showers, the library. I got sick and had to move back,” Fanuel said.

Just days before returning to his hometown of Dire Dawa, Fanuel received hopeful news from the art student he had met the year before. He encouraged Fanuel to take the entrance exam for the Alle School of Fine Arts and Design.

Fanuel took the exam. Because he was under pressure to leave, the professors were asked to expedite the results. Within 24 hours, they gave him the answer: he passed.

During his four years at the Alle School of Fine Arts, Fanuel closely observed how technology was transforming the art world. He became fascinated by how the digital age was pushing creativity to entirely new levels.

When Fanuel graduated in 2018 with a degree in Industrial Art, he was a top-ranking student—and had a job waiting for him the very next day. He joined Orange Switch as a graphic designer and worked there until 2022.

“I developed my digital art and graphic design skills at Orange Switch and its parent companies,” Fanuel said. “During my breaks, I used their supercomputers to improve—if not perfect—my abilities. That made it easier for me to fully transition into futuristic digital art.”

The year 2021 marked a turning point. As NFTs entered the mainstream, Fanuel—who had just opened his first studio, Qedamawi Studio—found himself in the right place at the right time. His Afro Max collection, which reimagined African masks through an Afrofuturistic lens, quickly attracted NFT collectors.

He sold more than 100 African mask NFTs for over $60,000 USD on the Ethereum blockchain.

That same year also brought another milestone. In October 2021, Fanuel met Ethiopian music star Rophnan in person at a mutual friend’s house. Rophnan had already seen Fanuel’s work, and their shared network had discussed potential collaborations. During that first meeting, they talked about album and single cover designs.

Fanuel went on to design artwork for one of Rophnan’s singles and two album covers.

“Rophnan is a great storyteller, and he’s very involved in the design process to make sure the visuals match the music,” Fanuel said. “It’s been an incredible experience.”

Today, working from Qedamawi Studio in Bole, Fanuel maintains a demanding schedule. His work includes creating 3D animations, consulting major government organizations such as the Ethiopian Securities Exchange, and preparing for international art exhibitions—including an upcoming show in Morocco.

“I’m excited about the upcoming exhibition in Casablanca, Morocco,” Fanuel said. “There will be more than 30 artists, and I’ll be showcasing my Afro Max collection, which will most likely be sold as NFTs.”

At this stage in his career, Fanuel is redefining how African art and culture are perceived— making them cooler, smarter, and more sophisticated. His work envisions a powerful African future and a richer generation ahead. Through his art, he offers hope and optimism.

When asked whether artificial intelligence could threaten creative work, Fanuel remains confident.

“I think AI is going to amplify creativity,” he said. “It will help us become more creative and more productive.”