Roots and Blueprints: The tribes inside the cave

People often wonder why I always carry Startup Kano on my head — like that beloved grandmother in the village whose prayers and presence you constantly yearn for. Subtly, they ask why I try to involve them in nearly every project. The truth? It’s personal.

More than five years ago, when I first joined the Startup Kano community, it felt exciting — and surprisingly welcoming and I met some of the best creative minds. I didn’t feel out of place, even though I was just beginning my photography journey. I had just graduated with a BSc in Mathematics, recently launched Sal’s Epiphany Studio, and to be honest, I was unsure of what I was doing. My mother was confused too — wondering why her academically inclined daughter was suddenly exploring photography, something that seemed far removed from the path she thought I was on. But the truth is, we both knew this was who I’d always been: unconventional, curious, and eager to explore.

Around that time, I met one of my first mentors — the founder of Cemo Media Hub — through my sister. Back then, he was running Ladu Graphics Studio, doing photography, graphic design (which I had just learned about), and videography. I was fascinated by how much he knew and excited about how much I could learn.

He supported me throughout my journey, especially when I niched into product photography. Years later, when the Cavemen idea began forming (and he had become a super talented cinematographer and documentary expert), our visions aligned. He wanted to scale his impact and reach more creatives; I wanted to empower Northern creatives — just like he had empowered me.

Then came another piece of the puzzle: the founder of Symmetric Dimensions. I can’t remember whether I first met him at the Global Shapers Community Kano Chapter or Photo Society Kano. It was during my “discovery phase” — when I was experimenting with everything, joining communities, chasing clarity. I saw him as a mentor: he was the curator of PSK and had all the coolest photography gadgets. At GSC, he was both a humble follower and a natural leader.

We’d had conversations about how I could grow the studio, but nothing ever materialized — until the end of last year, when I started drafting the Cavemen Africa pitch. He came to mind. I sent him my half-formed ideas, not expecting much. To my surprise, he said, “Sure, I’m interested.” It was the response I hoped for but never fully expected.

Startup Kano also introduced me to other brilliant minds, including Northino Studio — another Cavemen Africa partner. The Northino founders had joined the PitchStar Pre-incubation Program, and by then, I had grown into the role of Startup Product and Growth Officer at Startup Kano. Somehow, I had gone from being “figuring-it-out -Me” to someone helping others figure things out too.

I loved their EdTech vision: teaching digital skills in local languages through a user-friendly platform. They were sharp and deeply committed. We partnered on a Sal’s Epiphany project — SHENi! — and together ran multiple cohorts for women-led businesses, teaching them how to showcase their products online. So, when Cavemen Africa became a reality, it made perfect sense to invite them in. They were already looking for a space for their new recording arm — Northino Studio — and now we share resources and, more importantly, ideas.

Cavemen Africa is a vision that thrives on partnerships, relationships, and shared experiences. It is an assembly of strengths and a starting point that shows the true potential of collaborations — of just how far we can go if we come together. It’s not easy; it requires clarity, humility, and true leadership to keep it all together. But in time, you learn that there are certain dreams you simply cannot reach alone, especially the big ones.

Today, each partner brings something distinct and essential to the table.

Startup Kano continues to be the motherboard — connecting the parts, the people, and the resources that power us forward. It also offers a kind of blueprint for running a hub and coworking space, one that we study and learn from constantly.

Cemo Media Hub brings the creativity and visual storytelling expertise that helps us communicate with clarity and strive for deep impact.

Northino Studio brings the cool — the tech tools, the youthful energy, and the learning expertise that reflects the voice of the next generation.

Symmetric Dimensions adds the strategies, and the deep thinking — the kind of perspective that ensures we don’t just move fast, but move well.

And Sal’s Epiphany Studio? It creatively directs — weaving together all the moving parts into one meaningful rhythm.

And Alhamdulillah — the constant exchange of ideas is enough spark to keep it warm in here.

Yours creatively,

Founder

Cavemen Africa