Africa Published Volume 2: How we navigated
Africa Published is a publication created with the mission of encouraging the sharing of the African story by African photographers and creatives. This is in an effort to normalize learning, and building publicly to in an effort to share the storyteller's journey. It should be noted that All contributors of this publication are either participants, mentors or facilitators of Creative Business Studio, Unpublished's flagship program. The program assists emerging photographers and founders of organizations supporting artists in professionalizing their craft.
Africa Published is a publication created with the mission of encouraging the sharing of the African story by African photographers and creatives. This is in an effort to normalize learning, and building publicly to in an effort to share the storyteller's journey.
It should be noted that All contributors of this publication are either participants, mentors or facilitators of Creative Business Studio, Unpublished's flagship program. The program assists emerging photographers and founders of organizations supporting artists in professionalizing their craft.
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VOLUME 2 SEPTEMBER 2023<br />
AFRICA PUBLISHED<br />
how <strong>we</strong> <strong>navigated</strong><br />
how <strong>we</strong><br />
<strong>navigated</strong>
SEPTEMBER 2023<br />
PREFACE<br />
how <strong>we</strong> <strong>navigated</strong><br />
What do you feel you shouldn’t have had to fight for<br />
to get to where you are? To navigate means to find<br />
one’s way and more often than not, through<br />
something that isn’t clear. <strong>Africa</strong> <strong>Published</strong> <strong>Volume</strong> 2<br />
through photography shares work that speaks to<br />
lived experiences of <strong>Africa</strong>n photographers that<br />
decided they wanted more for themselves. They too<br />
have had to find their way while fighting to have their<br />
work recognized and have more spaces that share<br />
stories by people who have come from where they<br />
come from.<br />
While <strong>Africa</strong>n photographers capture the lived<br />
experiences of others, <strong>we</strong> need to ensure there are<br />
spaces that can document and share theirs too.<br />
Our visual storytellers have <strong>navigated</strong>, and my hopes<br />
are that through this publication you see the need to<br />
support the sector to ensure the future holds more<br />
storytelling and less fighting to tell stories.<br />
Under the theme ‘<strong>How</strong> <strong>we</strong> <strong>navigated</strong>', participants of<br />
Unpublished’s flagship program Creative Business<br />
Studio contributed work that shared their journeys,<br />
stories and hopes as they navigate the journey of<br />
being an <strong>Africa</strong>n visual storyteller in <strong>Africa</strong>.<br />
— Anesu-Tendesai Chikumba
VOLUME 2 SEPTEMBER 2023<br />
how <strong>we</strong> <strong>navigated</strong><br />
2<br />
Paul Addo (GH)<br />
8<br />
Peter Njodzeko (Penjo Baba (CM)<br />
14<br />
Gabriel Bell-Gam (NG)<br />
20<br />
Lennox Makurumidze (ZW)<br />
26<br />
Ntokozo Maseko (ZA)<br />
32<br />
Thandee Mhangwana (ZA)<br />
38<br />
Simphi<strong>we</strong> Moyo (ZW)<br />
44<br />
Mzwandile Mpaka (ZA)<br />
50<br />
Ronny Onkeo (KE)<br />
56<br />
Aubrey Tseleng (BW)<br />
62<br />
Creative Business Studio<br />
65<br />
Facilitators<br />
navigating<br />
Unpub<br />
lished
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 PARTICIPANT<br />
Paul Addo<br />
Paul Addo a Ghanaian visual storyteller<br />
dedicated to capturing the unfiltered<br />
beauty that resides within his country's<br />
diverse landscapes, bustling urban<br />
settings, lively festivals, and rich<br />
cultural events.<br />
He fell in love with photography in 2017<br />
when he was introduced to the art form<br />
by Ghanaian photographer Yaw Pare<br />
who not only taught him the ropes but<br />
also gave Paul his first camera - a<br />
Canon 600D.<br />
At the core of Paul's work lies a deepseated<br />
desire to narrate <strong>Africa</strong>'s stories<br />
from an indigenous perspective. He<br />
firmly believes that by celebrating the<br />
splendour and grace that envelop his<br />
surroundings, he contributes to the<br />
affirmation of cultural identity and to<br />
the elevation of collective<br />
consciousness.<br />
Acknowledging the unfortunate<br />
misrepresentations that have cast a<br />
shadow over <strong>Africa</strong>'s visual narrative,<br />
Paul Addo stands as a beacon of<br />
change.<br />
Image on previous page: Paul Addo | Jamestown Lighthouse, 2023, Accra, Ghana<br />
2
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Paul Addo | Chapel Square, Elmina, Central Region, 2023, Ghana<br />
3
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
Paul Addo | Sunrise at Busua, 2023, Western Region, 2023, Western Region, Ghana<br />
Next page: Paul Addo | Oboadaka Waterfall, 2023, Eastern Region, Ghana<br />
4
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO PARTICIPANT<br />
artist<br />
Paul Addo<br />
statement<br />
I am a documentary photographer<br />
from Accra, Ghana. Through the lens of<br />
my camera, I capture the essence of life<br />
in its most authentic form. With an<br />
unwavering focus, I encapsulate the<br />
intricate tapestry of existence, revealing<br />
the picturesque landscapes, bustling<br />
urban vistas, exuberant festivals, and<br />
compelling events that <strong>we</strong>ave together<br />
the vibrant stories of our culture.<br />
Within my work, I find an imperative<br />
resonance in the act of narrating<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>'s narratives from our very own<br />
vantage point. It is my steadfast belief<br />
that in celebrating the splendid and the<br />
sublime that envelops us, <strong>we</strong> not only<br />
affirm our identity but also elevate the<br />
collective consciousness. Amidst the<br />
ceaseless whirl of modern life, <strong>we</strong> often<br />
overlook the intricate details that<br />
compose the symphony of our city, the<br />
elegance of our customs, and the<br />
innate beauty of our natural<br />
surroundings.<br />
Regrettably, the visual narrative of<br />
<strong>Africa</strong> has frequently been<br />
overshado<strong>we</strong>d by misrepresentations<br />
and ske<strong>we</strong>d perspectives. The rich<br />
tapestry of our positivity and brilliance<br />
remains obscured in the shadows of<br />
misunderstanding. I stand resolved to<br />
alter this narrative trajectory. My<br />
purpose is resolute: to unveil the<br />
splendour of <strong>Africa</strong> in its unadulterated<br />
magnificence, embarking upon this<br />
transformative odyssey from the very<br />
heart of my homeland, Ghana.<br />
I want each picture I take to help<br />
change the way people think and show<br />
the real and true parts of life. Let's<br />
explore this journey together, showing<br />
the amazing and colourful things about<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>, beginning with the wonderful<br />
landscapes, and cityscapes of Ghana,<br />
which is close to my heart.<br />
6
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 PARTICIPANT<br />
Peter Njodzeka<br />
With over fifteen years experience as a<br />
professional photographer and<br />
documentary filmmaker, Peter<br />
Njodzeko (Penjo Baba) work speaks to<br />
his fascination of human progress and<br />
natural beauty. He has won numerous<br />
photography and film awards in his<br />
home country Cameroon and beyond<br />
its borders. His work has also been<br />
recognized by Times <strong>Africa</strong> Magazine in<br />
Nigeria, CNN World View, BBC World<br />
News, Diageo Foundation Community<br />
Water Projects and CRTV.<br />
Before pressing the shutter button on<br />
his camera, he makes sure that the<br />
image will last thousand years<br />
preserving the undying memories of his<br />
character. Through the organisation,<br />
Penjo Entertainment, which he founded<br />
in 2003, Peter Njodzeko works in the<br />
fields of Weddings, Beauty, Fashion,<br />
Commercial, Portrait Photography. He<br />
is also an educator providing trainings<br />
and creating a platform for youth in<br />
Cameroon to upskill in creative fields.<br />
Image on previous page<br />
Peter Njodzeka| Winnie 2, 2023, Maroua, Cameroon<br />
Model: Winnie Dongmo<br />
8
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Peter Njodzeka | Valerie 1, 2023, Maroua, Cameroon<br />
Model: Valeri Kowukeh<br />
9
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
Peter Njodzeka | Valerie 2, 2023, Maroua, Cameroon<br />
Model: Valeri Kowukeh<br />
10
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Peter Njodzeka | Winnie 2, 2023, Maroua, Cameroon<br />
Model: Winnie Dongmo<br />
11
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO PARTICIPANT<br />
artist<br />
Peter Njodzeka<br />
statement<br />
I am fascinated by the natural beauty<br />
and human progress. Before pressing<br />
the shutter button on my camera, I<br />
make sure that that this image will last<br />
thousand years preserving the undying<br />
memories of my character<br />
Showcasing the beauty of a black<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n woman through my lens has<br />
always been a priority. Many keep<br />
fighting with themselves due to<br />
pressure from others who believe a<br />
woman MUST change their skin tone in<br />
order to have a place in the society. My<br />
photography gives confidence to the<br />
BLACK AFRICAN WOMAN.<br />
12
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Gabriel Bell-Gam | Dawn by the waterfront , 2020, Opobo Town, Rivers State, Nigeria<br />
13
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 PARTICIPANT<br />
Gabriel<br />
Bell-Gam<br />
Bell-Gam a documentary photographer<br />
and a cultural curator from Opobo<br />
Kingdom Rivers State, Nigeria. His<br />
passion for art began in 2016 when was<br />
foreced to stand in for an absent<br />
photographer.<br />
Since then, his work has been<br />
recognized by Sony Nigeria, Lagos<br />
Portfolio Review, Common<strong>we</strong>ath<br />
Foundation in addition to his work<br />
being exhibited in various photography<br />
exhibitions in Nigeria, Rwanda and USA.<br />
Bell Gam is also a curator and has been<br />
instrumental in driving awareness<br />
around preserving cultural heritage;<br />
and the need to archive for future<br />
generation and the next to come.<br />
As a cultural heritage preservation<br />
practitioner Gabriel has curated<br />
numerous cultural exhibitions and won<br />
various international awards. He is a<br />
member of <strong>Africa</strong>n Photojournalism<br />
Database, World Press Photo. He is also<br />
a Mandela Washington Fellow.<br />
14
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Gabriel Bell-Gam | She paddles also, 2020, Opobo Town, Rivers State, Nigeria<br />
Off the horizon is a female paddler that’s making a living in a male dominated environment.<br />
15
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
Gabriel Bell-Gam | The Stroll, 2023, Opobo Town, Rivers State, Nigeria<br />
I heard a knock on my door by 6am, an apprentice waiting to head out for his lessons; to<br />
catch dawn. While teaching him composition, I said, “Now this is how you frame subjects.” I<br />
sho<strong>we</strong>d him the outcome and he echoed “The Stroll.”<br />
16
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Gabriel Bell-Gam | Dear Opobo, 2023, Opobo Town, Rivers State, Nigeria<br />
Every month or two, I return back to my hometown “Opobo” to see how life is around. Every<br />
morning, I tel myself that no matter how many times or mornings I talk a walk by the<br />
waterfront; I must photograph something new.<br />
17
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO PARTICIPANT<br />
artist<br />
Gabriel Bell-Gam<br />
statement<br />
In 2020, I began curating different<br />
bodies of work so as to preserve<br />
cultural heritages. Every month or two,<br />
I return back to my hometown “Opobo”<br />
to see how life is around. Every<br />
morning, I tel myself that no matter<br />
how many times or mornings I talk a<br />
walk by the waterfront; I must<br />
photograph something new.<br />
While planning an exhibition, I looked<br />
at a canoe and said, “What a beauty,”<br />
and boat rider laughed, Aruwari are<br />
always lovely. Aruwari in English<br />
“BoatShed” is a house where the citystate<br />
people of Opobo Kingdom park<br />
their “War-Canoe.” Aruwari and the<br />
other images in this series are a<br />
product of these photography strolls.<br />
"The stroll" is titled after a lesson with<br />
an apprentice. We got started at 6am in<br />
time to catch dawn. While teaching him<br />
composition, I said, “Now this is how<br />
you frame subjects.” I sho<strong>we</strong>d him the<br />
outcome and he echoed “The Stroll.”<br />
I apply the knowledge gained from<br />
photography to creating 3D models and<br />
applying this knowledge in preservation<br />
of Heritage, Culture, Identity, Origin<br />
through the creation of a<br />
comprehensive library database<br />
management system with the aid of 3D,<br />
anthropology and communications.<br />
My research interest has therefore<br />
expanded to absorb ne<strong>we</strong>r research<br />
methodologies. I have found that most<br />
cultural spaces are more interested in<br />
the return of stolen artifacts that in the<br />
investigation of current art and heritage<br />
crime. Theft in terms of historical<br />
properties, heritage spaces. With lesser<br />
professionals in this space in the<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n community, I believe this is be<br />
the next step in my career.<br />
18
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 MENTOR<br />
Lennox<br />
Makurumidze<br />
Lennox Tatenda Makurumidze, is a<br />
Zimbab<strong>we</strong>an afrocentric photographer<br />
and poet whose work focuses on<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n voices and social commentary<br />
concept. He describes himself as the<br />
pixel poet furthermore he also digs into<br />
photojournalism telling the <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
stories that have not entered the public<br />
scene. Lastly, conceptual photography<br />
is one of his favorite form of<br />
photography, as he uses it the change<br />
the world by telling <strong>Africa</strong>n stories how<br />
they are not how they are perceived..<br />
He is also the founder of the Harvest<br />
Project, a collaborative effort to bring<br />
together poetry and photography to tell<br />
the <strong>Africa</strong>n narrative. His work has<br />
been featured in the Montgomery<br />
Photo Festival, the Newsday<br />
newspaper, as <strong>we</strong>ll Harare Magazine ,<br />
Zimbab<strong>we</strong> National Art Gallery and GQ<br />
South <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
Image to the left: Lennox Makurumidze | Corporate vs Creative, 2023, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
Models: Tafadzwa Makoni, Kuda Rice<br />
20
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Lennox Makurumidze | Ans<strong>we</strong>r the call, 2023, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
Model: Tafadzwa Makoni<br />
21
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
Lennox Makurumidze | Bickering table, 2023, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
Models: Kuda Rice,Tafadzwa Makoni<br />
22
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Lennox Makurumidze | Morality calls, 2023, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
Model: Tafadzwa Makoni<br />
23
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO MENTOR<br />
artist<br />
Lennox Makurumidze<br />
statement<br />
This series titled corporate vs creative<br />
comments on the complicated<br />
relationship bet<strong>we</strong>en the two.<br />
Corporates and creatives have a<br />
complicated relation and there is a<br />
need to find a delicate balance bet<strong>we</strong>en<br />
the two as one fuels the other.<br />
The parties need to work together.<br />
When it comes to the growth and<br />
development of the identity of a nation,<br />
corporates and creatives can bring<br />
about a solid identity to for a country<br />
when they join forces. The role of the<br />
creative is to provide insight into the<br />
individual day today person and that of<br />
the corporate is to provide services,<br />
information, and resources to the table.<br />
This then aids in the development of<br />
creatives in the creative industry. From<br />
my experience I have felt like there is a<br />
dance bet<strong>we</strong>en the two where creatives<br />
in corporate are always fighting backand-forth,<br />
with nothing coming out of it<br />
often resulting in creatives suffering<br />
largely as they cannot sustainably live<br />
off their creative endevours.<br />
24
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 PARTICIPANT<br />
Ntokozo Maseko<br />
Ntokozo Maseko is a South <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
photographer, born in Johannesburg,<br />
South <strong>Africa</strong> whose work looks into the<br />
idea of home and belonging. Ntokozo<br />
shares her lived experiences through<br />
her photographs.<br />
She studied at the Market Photo<br />
Workshop, where she completed her<br />
Foundation Course in Photography in<br />
2018.<br />
To date, Ntokozo has showcased her<br />
work in several exhibitions such as<br />
Eyethu Life Center, So<strong>we</strong>to, in 2018 as<br />
part of an all women group exhibition.<br />
Her work was also part of the Gender<br />
Based Violence and Sexuality Project in<br />
2019 at the Market Photo Workshop in<br />
Johannesburg. This is in addition to<br />
Ntokozo participating in The Portrait<br />
Show in 2020 at Through The Lens<br />
Collective in Johannesburg. She also<br />
forms part of a duo named Yithi<br />
Ubuciko, a collective aimed at elevating<br />
the artist and the art.<br />
Image to the left: Ntokozo Maseko | Endleleni eya eNatal, 2021, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
26
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Ntokozo Maseko | Vintage Car, 2021, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
27
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
Ntokozo Maseko | Isango, 2021, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
28
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Ntokozo Maseko | uGogo Shelembe, 2019, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
29
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO PARTICIPANT<br />
artist<br />
Ntokozo Maseko<br />
statement<br />
From the moment I was introduced to<br />
photography, I believed it was for<br />
telling stories and as time <strong>we</strong>nt on, I<br />
began to see it as a tool that can be<br />
used for different purposes. My<br />
purpose is to introduce the art of<br />
expression especially because of how<br />
that is what photography has opened<br />
up for me.<br />
I have been able to make a frame of<br />
what I see and show it to the world.<br />
This body of work for me is how I<br />
define photography for myself- painting<br />
with light which brings me back to how<br />
I construct my images – I am almost<br />
always chasing light. It reflects on the<br />
subconscious decision of mine to<br />
always see light in places I find myself<br />
in, the people I find myself with and<br />
most importantly, the situations I find<br />
myself in.<br />
If you grew up in the township, you<br />
would understand what I mean.<br />
Townships can be a depressing place to<br />
find yourself in when you dig deeper<br />
into the history behind why, how and<br />
what they <strong>we</strong>re designed for.<br />
Growing up there made me realise that<br />
I wanted a better life for myself and<br />
those that would come after me.<br />
My passion for photography is what<br />
enables me to keep looking back at my<br />
home and find beauty it. I truly believe<br />
that I’m influenced by the streets I grew<br />
up in and the people that come from<br />
where I come from as that is how I<br />
learnt to practice wisdom and to want<br />
more and see life differently.<br />
I photograph where I come from so<br />
that I am able to share stories of where<br />
I grew up and got to experience life. It is<br />
a form of archiving. I do it for my family<br />
and generations of the world to come.<br />
In addition to that, I also photograph as<br />
a form of acknowledgment: I<br />
acknowledgeI who I am, where I am<br />
from and where I am going.<br />
30
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 PARTICIPANT<br />
Thandee<br />
Mhangwana<br />
Thandee is a portrait photographer,<br />
whose emphasis is on maternity and<br />
family photography. Although she<br />
primarily just enjoys being behind the<br />
camera, maternity photography<br />
appealed the most to her as she is of<br />
the belief that pregnant women are the<br />
epitome of beauty.<br />
<strong>How</strong>ever, most pregnant women are<br />
also at the height of their insecurity,<br />
which offers Thandee an opportunity to<br />
reframe their view and restore what<br />
they believe deep inside them; that<br />
they are amazingly beautiful. It is<br />
through this work, that she has seen<br />
love bet<strong>we</strong>en couples rekindling.<br />
Her work has been published in Mail<br />
and guardian, Pretoria news, The<br />
Rapport, City press, So<strong>we</strong>tan, Sunday<br />
times, Drum magazine and other<br />
<strong>Africa</strong>n publications.<br />
Thandee also dabbles in <strong>we</strong>dding and<br />
event photography.<br />
Image to the left: Thandee Mhangwana | Mother and child, 2023, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
Model: Boipelo and Buamaruri<br />
32
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Thandee Mhangwana | My mother and I, 2023, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
Models: Margaret, Thandee and Xirhandzwa<br />
33
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
Thandee Mhangwana | Instict, 2020, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
Models: Thandee and Xirhandzwa<br />
34
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Thandee Mhangwana | Cracked mirror, 2022, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
Models: Thandee and Xirhandzwa<br />
35
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO PARTICIPANT<br />
artist<br />
Thandee Mhangwana<br />
statement<br />
I first met this client in December 2022<br />
and <strong>we</strong> hit it off. After her baby was<br />
born, I ask her if they would mind<br />
modelling a shoot for me. what came<br />
from the shoot pleasantly surprised<br />
both of us.<br />
I would like to see photojournalism<br />
seep through my work. The first series<br />
in this publication includes self<br />
portraits of my family - My mother and I<br />
has my mother, myself and my<br />
daughter. As I've always believed that<br />
<strong>we</strong> need to connect past generations<br />
with those coming, I saw it fit to take a<br />
generational photograph of the three<br />
of us as it felt like the most natural<br />
thing to do. The others are of my<br />
daughter and myself.<br />
The second set of images are of a<br />
mother and her new born. I first met<br />
this client in December 2022 and <strong>we</strong> hit<br />
it off. After her baby was born, I ask her<br />
if they would mind modelling a shoot<br />
for me. what came from the shoot<br />
pleasantly surprised both of us.<br />
My daughter is my muse. The<br />
photographs with the animalistic<br />
painting on our faces <strong>we</strong>re taken during<br />
lockdown and they <strong>we</strong>re my way of<br />
expressing how much I would protect<br />
her.<br />
36
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 PARTICIPANT<br />
Simphi<strong>we</strong> Moyo<br />
Simphi<strong>we</strong> is a self-taught documentary<br />
photographer who was born in<br />
Bulawayo, Zimbab<strong>we</strong> and currently<br />
resides in Harare. He has a keen<br />
interest in social justice and community<br />
awareness which is reflected in his<br />
photography. He holds an LLB in Laws<br />
from the University of Cape Town<br />
which has influenced his take on<br />
documentary photography.<br />
Collecting local art and supporting<br />
upcoming artists is a vital part of his life<br />
as he believes that Art is a language <strong>we</strong><br />
all speak therefore it deserves the<br />
recognition. Simphi<strong>we</strong> has taken part in<br />
a group exhibitions curated by<br />
Unpublished <strong>Africa</strong>, a community based<br />
in Zimbab<strong>we</strong> supporting emerging<br />
artists. He has also showcased his work<br />
in a Solo Exhibition at the National<br />
Gallery of Zimbab<strong>we</strong> in Bulawayo in<br />
2023, named 'Pamoyo-Sihlengeni'. He<br />
believes in continuous learning and<br />
strives to uplift through photography.<br />
Simphi<strong>we</strong> is a big supporter of giving<br />
back to the community and those less<br />
fortunate with the belief that everyone<br />
deserves an equal chance in life.<br />
On previous page: Simphi<strong>we</strong> Munyaradzi Moyo| Early Birds, 2022, Sihlengeni, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
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AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Simphi<strong>we</strong> Munyaradzi Moyo| Kontuthu, 2022, Sihlengeni, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
39
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
1. Simphi<strong>we</strong> Munyaradzi Moyo| AMV, 2022, Sihlengeni, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
2. Simphi<strong>we</strong> Munyaradzi Moyo| The bystanders, 2022, Sihlengeni, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
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AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Simphi<strong>we</strong> Munyaradzi Moyo| The herd, 2022, Sihlengeni, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
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CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO PARTICIPANT<br />
artist<br />
Simphi<strong>we</strong> Munyaradzi Moyo<br />
statement<br />
The series submitted is titled PAMOYO.<br />
I am interested in social justice and<br />
community awareness as the series<br />
draws its inspiration from the people<br />
around, the people who live in the<br />
communities. PAMOYO is a portrayal of<br />
life. Part 1 of the PAMOYO series<br />
focuses on an area called Sihlengeni in<br />
Matabeleland South, Zimbab<strong>we</strong>.<br />
Formerly termed “reserves” by the<br />
British Colonial government, the Black<br />
indigenous people <strong>we</strong>re restricted to<br />
areas such as these, characterised by<br />
dry conditions, minimal arable land and<br />
lo<strong>we</strong>r<br />
water level making it hard for day to<br />
day living. Areas such as Sihlengeni<br />
because labour sending areas, a source<br />
of labour for the nearby white minority<br />
owned farms.<br />
Today Sihlengeni is home to those who<br />
cultivated the land in the past and they<br />
continue to occupy it till this day<br />
practicing subsistence farming. the<br />
area is a stark reminder of Colonial<br />
Spatial planning with little to show of<br />
the transition from that era.<br />
I intended to use silhouettes and<br />
shadows to invoke a sense of emotion,<br />
nostalgia. That over po<strong>we</strong>ring sense of<br />
relatability unlocking a memory most of<br />
us are fond of. These images are a<br />
portrayal of what <strong>we</strong> see everyday till<br />
this day.<br />
42
43<br />
Mzwandile Mpaka | Portrait Of Tandekile, 2021, Cape Town, South <strong>Africa</strong>
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 PARTICIPANT<br />
Mzwandile Mpaka<br />
Mzwandile is a South <strong>Africa</strong>n portrait<br />
and documentary photography whose<br />
interest and passion for photography<br />
began when he first held an old digital<br />
family camera in 2016. Mzwandile has<br />
dedicated his work to capturing the<br />
culture, youth and the landscape of<br />
everything that related to the scenes he<br />
grew up in.<br />
In 2021, he was involved in Pano<br />
projects conveying South <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
township stories by emerging local<br />
Cape Town clothing brands such as<br />
Broke, Sol Sol, Illucid Appare. He also<br />
collaborated with the fashion designer<br />
Yamkela Mahlelehlele, on a project<br />
titled “The Misrepresentation of iKasi ''.<br />
He also has an ongoing project called<br />
“To Live In CA” focusing on landscape<br />
photography of documenting mother<br />
nature in his eyes.<br />
Late 2021, Mzwandile cofounded<br />
Network Sessions a space for artists to<br />
showcase their work. Through Network<br />
Sessions he hascollaborated with<br />
Yocco, Nikon SA, Space Mecca, and<br />
Through The Lens Collective. He has<br />
also showcased his work on platfroms<br />
such as Turbine Art Fair.<br />
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AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Mzwandile Mpaka| Strand Street in Cape Town CBD, 2021, Cape Town, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
45
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
Mzwandile Mpaka| iKushu Kushu, 2021, Cape Town, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
46
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Mzwandile Mpaka| Lazy Sun, 2021, Cape Town, South <strong>Africa</strong><br />
47
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO PARTICIPANT<br />
artist<br />
Mzwandile Mpaka<br />
statement<br />
As a portrait photographer I normally<br />
prefer getting to know my subject<br />
better before I take out my camera. It<br />
could take months or even years even I<br />
start shooting with a person. We try to<br />
find a common level of our personality<br />
like the stuff <strong>we</strong> both like and into by<br />
occasionally having basic<br />
conversations. Thus allows the shoot to<br />
have a theme based on the<br />
conversations <strong>we</strong> been having and <strong>we</strong><br />
both know what to expect from each<br />
other, without much orchestration.<br />
The shoot is about embracing the<br />
rawness and beauty of the person in<br />
front of the camera, for who they are at<br />
their most comfortable space,<br />
capturing the true essence of<br />
humanhood as a whole, black and<br />
brown, allowing them to further fall in<br />
love with their skin.<br />
My street documentary stems<br />
capturing street Documentary<br />
Photographer who embarked on<br />
documenting<br />
My street documentary photography in<br />
the streets of Cape Town was to<br />
capture it for its true nature, by<br />
revealing the authenticity of the mother<br />
city and how it related to me. The ongoing<br />
documentary is titled “To Live In<br />
CA” which referred to the encounter of<br />
human daily experiences as they go<br />
about making end meets.<br />
48
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 FACILITATOR<br />
Ronny Onkeo<br />
Ronny Onkeo is a Photographer, visual<br />
artist and an avid environmentalist<br />
from Nairobi, Kenya who seeks to<br />
capture all that is nature-wild, tame &<br />
in bet<strong>we</strong>en-from behind the lens. He<br />
has been using photography, and most<br />
recently, Extended realities as tools to<br />
document impactful moments, raising<br />
awareness on environmental concerns<br />
as <strong>we</strong>ll as telling stories of our unique &<br />
authentic <strong>Africa</strong>n identities often<br />
overlooked by mainstream media.<br />
Ronny has established himself,<br />
collaborating with renowned brands<br />
such as Facebook <strong>Africa</strong>, Red Bull,<br />
Creatives Garage, Kitukali among<br />
others. Exhibiting projects both locally<br />
and internationally, headlining the<br />
premier Nairobi Festival, featuring at<br />
NFT NYC 2023, The Foundry - Dubai,<br />
AfroFestival 2023 - Belgrade and<br />
Virtually on Afrika Group’s metaverse<br />
and on Oncyber & Spatial by some of<br />
his collectors & patrons. He has<br />
participated in several exhibitions.<br />
Image on previous page:<br />
Ronny Onkeo | Fundi wa Saa (embedded with AR), 2023, Nairobi, Kenya<br />
Models: Mohammed Ayieko, Tracy Manja & Vincent Nyerere<br />
50
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Ronny Onkeo | The stare down, 2021, Nairobi, Kenya<br />
Model: Tracy Manja, Vincent Nyerere<br />
51
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
Ronny Onkeo | Watch repairer, 2021, Nairobi, Kenya<br />
Model: Vincent Nyerere<br />
52
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Ronny Onkeo | Patience is a virtue, 2021, Nairobi, Kenya<br />
Model: Junet Nimmo<br />
53
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO FACILITATOR<br />
artist<br />
Ronny Onkeo<br />
statement<br />
My photographic exploration seeks to<br />
go beyond the surface, delving deep<br />
into the veins of <strong>Africa</strong>'s communities<br />
to uncover the stories, traditions, and<br />
legacies that make each group an<br />
integral part of the continent's identity.<br />
Through sharing these thought out<br />
photographs, I can contribute to a<br />
broader understanding and<br />
appreciation of the continent's cultures<br />
& heritage. Through my photographs, I<br />
hope to dispel stereotypes and<br />
preconceived notions, replacing them<br />
with a better perception of the<br />
continent that speak to our resilience,<br />
strength and the beauty of diversity.<br />
Fundi wa Saa; mused by Mohammed<br />
Ayieko, Tracy Manja & Vincent Nyerere<br />
is an ode to watch craftsmanship and<br />
how it influenced the lifestyle of watch<br />
enthusiasts back in the 80s.<br />
We decided to go four decades back in<br />
time, bringing the nostalgic feel and set<br />
to full circle by incorporating the styling<br />
of the late 80s courtesy of Vart KE who<br />
did the styling for the project and<br />
Mohammed Ayieko who reached out to<br />
me with the intention of visualizing and<br />
actualizing this aesthetic in the best<br />
way possible.<br />
We thoughtfully formed a team Smallz<br />
Visuals & Odimwa who <strong>we</strong>re the<br />
Gaffers and Maulid Owino who handled<br />
behind the scenes coverage into<br />
creating a body of work that has<br />
traversed far and wide getting<br />
international recognition. It was also an<br />
opportunity for us to showcase the<br />
craftsmanship of Mutua- the watch<br />
repairer who let us use his space- and<br />
showcase to this generation that<br />
indeed watch making is a<br />
craftsmanship that goes on todate and<br />
also help advertise his business to<br />
potential customers online.<br />
It’s also quite interesting how the older<br />
generation has resonated with this<br />
particular project and have shown<br />
much interest in it. Probably because of<br />
the nostalgia it brings with it; being a<br />
recreation of their childhood aesthetic.<br />
This series was shot at South B's<br />
Shopping Center in Nairobi, Kenya.<br />
54
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
COHORT 2 PARTICIPANT<br />
Aubrey Tseleng<br />
ubrey Tseleng was born in Maunatlala,<br />
Botswana. He qualified as a teacher of<br />
Art in 1999 and at his first school<br />
discovered a storeroom full of<br />
photography equipment and chemicals.<br />
He turned his bathroom into a<br />
darkroom and began developing his<br />
film and prints. In a short time he got a<br />
scholarship to study at the University of<br />
Cape Town towards a BA Fine Arts and<br />
unsurprisingly majored in Photography.<br />
His work got recognition through<br />
several awards including The Katrine<br />
Harries Purchase Award and the<br />
Tierney Fellowship.<br />
He returned to teaching and did event<br />
photography on the side, ho<strong>we</strong>ver his<br />
passion for teaching, nature and<br />
photography could only combine <strong>we</strong>ll<br />
as a nature photography guide. He<br />
persevered and sho<strong>we</strong>d up at Photo<br />
Mashatu to shadow Kyle and Ruth in<br />
2015. From then he knew he wanted to<br />
take up nature photography as a<br />
career.<br />
He prepared and moved to work in<br />
Shaka<strong>we</strong> a whooping 1000km away<br />
from family where he continued to<br />
teach art and take up Nature Guide<br />
Training part time. In 2017 he resigned<br />
from teaching and began a career as a<br />
nature photo guide and nature<br />
photographer.<br />
He draws inspiration from nature to<br />
highlight its brilliance through<br />
photographs that seek to connect the<br />
vie<strong>we</strong>rs back to nature. His experience<br />
as a teacher makes him accessible to<br />
photographers of all levels and non<br />
photographers as <strong>we</strong>ll.<br />
Aubrey has an eye for a great scene -<br />
which he enjoys sharing with his<br />
guests. He currently manages the C4<br />
PhotoMashatu concession at Mashatu<br />
Game Reserve in Botswana<br />
Left: Aubrey Tseleng | Savannah Silhouettes: Impala 1 & 2, 2023, Botswana<br />
56
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Aubrey Tseleng | Savannah Silhouettes: Impala 3, 2023, Botswana<br />
57
HOW WE NAVIGATED<br />
Aubrey Tseleng | Savannah Silhouettes: Impala 4, 2023, Botswana<br />
58
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Aubrey Tseleng | Savannah Silhouettes: Impala 5, 2023, Botswana<br />
59
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO PARTICIPANT<br />
artist<br />
Aubrey Tseleng<br />
statement<br />
I draw inspiration from nature and<br />
strive to highlight its brilliance through<br />
photographs that seek to connect the<br />
vie<strong>we</strong>rs back to nature.<br />
This series is titled Savannah<br />
Silhouettes: Impala for which the<br />
complete series will feature different<br />
animal species.<br />
Discover the <strong>Africa</strong>n savannah through<br />
"Savannah Silhouettes," a silhouette<br />
photo series that unveils the stories of<br />
survival, strength, and stealth depicted<br />
by varying animals. This collection<br />
showcases the simplicity yet po<strong>we</strong>r of<br />
photography, with light and darkness<br />
shaping the essence of these iconic<br />
creatures.<br />
60
Ronny Onkeo | Wapendanao (Great Catch), 2021, Nairobi, Kenya.<br />
Models: Bill, Maggie<br />
3
Creative<br />
BUSINESS<br />
Studio<br />
Creative Business Studio is a six <strong>we</strong>ek<br />
virtual program created and facilitated<br />
by Unpublished <strong>Africa</strong>.<br />
The program assists <strong>Africa</strong>n emerging<br />
visual storytellers, andr creatives, ready<br />
to professionalize their craft. The<br />
program gives the participants access<br />
to workshops and consultations with<br />
industry professionals.<br />
Program Testimonials:<br />
“The Creative Business Studio cohort<br />
was a purpose-driven learning<br />
experience for me. The core<br />
discussions <strong>we</strong>re universal and quite<br />
essential.<br />
I learnt how to distill my core values<br />
and goals into simple language that I<br />
could communicate to my partners and<br />
customers through the various<br />
channels such as branding. I also<br />
gained some insight into sturdy finance<br />
practices and a few tips on how to keep<br />
my operations sustainable.<br />
My creative business is positioned to<br />
serve other creatives, and so it was also<br />
beneficial to network other passionate<br />
creatives and begin conversations on<br />
collaboration. This program was quite<br />
timely, and I appreciate the opportunity<br />
to be a part of it." - David Addo-Gyan<br />
(Ghana)<br />
"Being part of the Online residency was<br />
very enriching in multiple ways. It<br />
opened my mind up to different<br />
aspects of my work that I was aware of<br />
but not actively working to improve and<br />
sho<strong>we</strong>d my how I can better in those<br />
areas.<br />
It was also great to meet all the other<br />
cohort members and have open<br />
dialogue on what issues <strong>we</strong> <strong>we</strong>re facing<br />
and see how others conduct their<br />
businesses because peers are always a<br />
great learning resource especially in<br />
such a wide and talented pool. All in all<br />
i’d advise more people to apply for any<br />
future programmes that may arise<br />
because they really help sharpen your<br />
skills and focus on growing your<br />
practice." - Maingaila Muvundika<br />
(Zambia)<br />
62
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO<br />
Cohort Two Participants<br />
Paul Addo · Muktarah Banire · Obiesha Bell-Gam · Herbert chibvongodze ·<br />
Takunda Chipara · Chim<strong>we</strong>m<strong>we</strong> Chipidza · Wayne Chirau · Emmanuel Kooma ·<br />
Ntokozo Maseko · Thandee Mhangwana · Mzwandile Mpaka · Simphi<strong>we</strong> Moyo ·<br />
Daniel Mutisya · Peter Njodzeka · Precious Orji · Aubrey Tseleng · ·<br />
Supported by<br />
63
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Simphi<strong>we</strong> Munyaradzi Moyo| Kontuthu, 2022, Sihlengeni, Zimbab<strong>we</strong><br />
64
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO<br />
Cohort Two Facilitators<br />
Chido Dzinotyi<strong>we</strong>i<br />
Business Strategist (AKAYI)<br />
Chido Dzinotyi<strong>we</strong>i is a serial entrepreneur based in South<br />
<strong>Africa</strong> who is cofounder of Akayi a Zimbab<strong>we</strong>an<br />
entrepreneurial ecosystem enabler with a mission to create<br />
opportunities for startup and facilitate growth for fellow<br />
Zimbab<strong>we</strong>ans building in their home country.<br />
Her core focus is venture creation and development which led to the ideation and<br />
development Vambo Academy — a specialized online teaching platform that aims to<br />
preserve and promote indigenous <strong>Africa</strong>n languages.<br />
Her work has been recognized by Disrupt <strong>Africa</strong>, Business Tech <strong>Africa</strong>, News Day<br />
(ZW), So<strong>we</strong>tan Live, Head Topics; and having finished in the top six of the EO Global<br />
Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) 2022 being the only <strong>Africa</strong>n Startup. She was<br />
also listed as South <strong>Africa</strong>’s female movers and shakers by Forbes in 2022. Chido is<br />
also is a Yunus and Youth Fellow as <strong>we</strong>ll as a YALI fellow.<br />
Janet Machuka<br />
SMM Strategist & Trainer (ATC DIGITAL)<br />
Janet Machuka, founder of ATC Digital and Sparks<br />
Corporates, is a Kenyan Social Media Marketing Strategist<br />
and Trainer. She has been recognized as a a leading<br />
authority in helping businesses through their digital<br />
transformation of sales and marketing. As founder of ATC<br />
Digital Academy Janet also conducts digital media chats on #<strong>Africa</strong>T<strong>we</strong>etChat in<br />
addition to offering corporate training. Janet is a popular social media speaker and<br />
has been invited to speak about digital marketing on various podcasts, <strong>we</strong>binars and<br />
physical workshops.<br />
Her work has been recognized by Talkwalker, Semrush Social Pilot among others.<br />
Janet was also named as one of the Top 25 Digital Marketing’s Women in Kenya,<br />
Kenya’s Top 50 Social Media Po<strong>we</strong>r Influencer and Top 34 Digital Marketing Experts<br />
by Social Pilot. She has carried trainings regionally and internationally with her<br />
courses being offered by platforms such as Semrush. Janet holds a Bachelor of<br />
Media Science degree, from Moi University.<br />
65
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Gabriel Bell-Gam | Aruwari (BoatShed), 2020, ILoma, Rivers State, Nigeria<br />
66
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO<br />
Barrack Onyango<br />
Digital Brand Strategist & Storyteller<br />
Barrack is a seasoned Digital Brand Strategist with a <strong>we</strong>alth<br />
of experience in developing comprehensive brand<br />
solutions for clients across different industries. He is the<br />
Founder of Sparks Corporates. In addition, Barrack is a cofounder<br />
of ATC Digital Academy, an EdTech Startup.<br />
As a Digital Strategist, Barrack partners with agencies and brands to solve complex<br />
business, marketing and branding challenges, leveraging consumer insights and data<br />
to develop solutions that align with clients' brand objectives. He has a keen eye for<br />
brand positioning and is adept at creating interactive brand experiences that<br />
resonate with target consumers.<br />
As a trainer, Barrack has designed and conducted training programs in different<br />
fields, including Digital Marketing, Brand Storytelling, and Business Development. His<br />
training programs are tailored to boost employee workplace performance in<br />
alignment with the company's core values.<br />
Mark Mtombeni<br />
Accounting and Finance Expert (The Finance Guy)<br />
Mark Hussain Mtombeni is a skilled and experienced<br />
Finance and Management Accountant from Harare,<br />
Zimbab<strong>we</strong>. As founder of The Finance Guy, Mark has a<br />
proven track record of delivering results and improving<br />
administrative procedures to ensure excellent service.<br />
Mark has an interest in business growth hacking and assists people and businesses<br />
in finding ways to diversify their income while leveraging technology.<br />
Mark holds a Bachelor of Commerce Accounting Honours degree from Midlands<br />
State University. He also earned a Diploma in Philosophy from the University of<br />
Zimbab<strong>we</strong> (St Augustine's Roman Catholic Major Seminary). Markalso is a member<br />
of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and is recognized for<br />
his professionalism and expertise in the field of finance and administration.<br />
67
AFRICA PUBLISHED VOLUME 2<br />
Ronny Onkeo | Matatu Culture, 2021, Nairobi, Kenya<br />
Model: Junet Nimmo<br />
68
CREATIVE BUSINESS STUDIO<br />
Cohort Two Facilitators<br />
Benjamin Makono<br />
SME Legal Expert (TOP LEGAL)<br />
Benjamin Makono is a Zimbab<strong>we</strong>an lawyer who has a keen<br />
interest in ensuring SMEs have the legal aid they require to<br />
carryout operations effectively. This led him to cofound Top<br />
Legal a legal tech organisation based in Zimbab<strong>we</strong> Legaltech<br />
company focused on providing legal services and<br />
products as <strong>we</strong>ll as ensuring easy access to justice by the Zimbab<strong>we</strong>an citizen. As<br />
computational technology matures, more people should be able to easily access<br />
justice and legal services.<br />
Benjamin also educates people and startups teaching them about how to navigate<br />
partnerships, and how to protect their work. He hold an LLB from Midlands State<br />
University.<br />
Ronny Onkeo<br />
Creative Director & Consultant (NFT KENYA)<br />
An authority in the NFT space, Ronny Onkeo is a Kenyan<br />
visual artist, photographer and environmentalist. t who<br />
seeks to capture all that is nature-wild, tame & in bet<strong>we</strong>enfrom<br />
behind the lens. He has been using photography as a<br />
tool to document impactful moments, raising awareness on<br />
environmental concerns as <strong>we</strong>ll as telling stories of our unique identities often<br />
overlooked by mainstream media.<br />
Ronny has showcased his works both locally and internationally; Locally in Kenya at<br />
the premier Nairobi Festival inaugurated by Gov. Sakaja at Uhuru Park &<br />
Internationally at NFT NYC in New York, The Foundry in Dubai & Afro Festival 2023 at<br />
Belgrade, Serbia as <strong>we</strong>ll as selected metaverses on Oncyber & Spatial by some of his<br />
collectors & patrons.<br />
69
Unpub<br />
lished<br />
Unpublished collaborates with storytellers in order to find<br />
new and creative ways of uncovering and telling the <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
story while providing a space for like-minded creatives to<br />
build a community that encourages collaboration, curiosity,<br />
and confidence.<br />
We are a platform committed to creating and facilitating<br />
events and activities that encourage the sustained<br />
advancement of (documentary) photographers and their<br />
invaluable work – while prioritizing the growth of the <strong>Africa</strong>n<br />
emerging visual storyteller.<br />
follow Unpublished<br />
70
Collaborating with creators for<br />
the <strong>Africa</strong>n narrative.<br />
Unpub<br />
lished<br />
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