Avuxeni
AVUXENI
A deeply quiet, yet proud, expression oozes as the elder lion of two brothers surveys his land in the early dawn.
Avuxeni means "hello" in Tsonga.
He lay there, his regal face quietly scanning the kingdom ahead, his steely look oozing with power and confidence. The night had been good; a kill had fed him and his brother, lying close by. He remained unmoved by our presence nearby as the distant bellowing sounds of passing buffalo caught his attention. But he was full and satisfied that the territory they had both recently acquired had been worth the battle to gain. It was a new lion generation that had arrived, and now a new pride would be in the making to follow. His natural drive to ensure it had been secured, for now,
For me, there is no better portrait of Africa than looking at the soul of a sagacious lion. Meet the elder of the Gijima brothers. Gijima means "runaway", a name given to these two male lions' for their wild nature of avoiding human presence. As we explored this part of the bush, we came across the brothers resting under some thorny acacia trees. They had brought down a large buck and were satiated after feasting on their overnight kill. His face mesmerised me as his expression changed from calm confidence to steely interest at our arrival. His presence was truly felt and respected, and when we eventually left to continue our journey through his newly acquired land, I turned one last time with the memory of him gazing back towards the rising sun.
Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.
This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.
