During the 2018–19 Champions League season, Ajax took Europe by surprise, eliminating Juventus and Real Madrid before their remarkable run was brought to an end by Tottenham Hotspur after an unforgettable match in Amsterdam.
Until that moment, Ajax shirts were rarely seen in Bamako, the capital of Mali, but almost overnight, they became the most visible on the city’s streets. To this day, they continue to circulate through Bamako — worn by everyday people, labourers, and sometimes even by those who have no idea which club they represent.
Mali Mokum takes its name from the unlikely bridge between these two worlds. Mali grounds the magazine in Bamako and the everyday lives found there, while Mokum—Amsterdam’s affectionate nickname—points back to the city where Ajax’s story was written. The title reflects a shared circulation of culture and symbolism, reinterpreted, worn, and lived in entirely new ways.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Émile—Samory Fofana
CONCEPT
Émile—Samory Fofana
Lack of Guidance
DESIGN
Akaar Amin
EDIT
Akaar Amin
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This project is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ajax, adidas, Ziggo, Aegon, or any other entities referenced in this publication.
Edition of 250 copies
Printed in Amsterdam
© 2026 All rights reserved
