HOSI 👣

His royal gaze casually catches a glimpse of me. Deadly quiet, my finger gingerly presses the shutter.

As the late afternoon African sun baked the bushveld, we came across a resting pride of lions. They lay spread out under whatever shade they could find. We settled besides some acacia thornbushes, quietly watching their panting bodies in various positions around the dominant pride member. After some minutes, the male rolled over and then slowly sat up, suddenly aware of our presence but remaining unperturbed. His large mane reflected the rays of sunlight that filtered through the overgrown bush, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as he watched us. Quietly, his eyes lessened in their interest, relaxing yet watching purposefully as my finger pressed the shutter to capture his expressions.

Hosi means "chief" or "king" in Tsonga, and perhaps that was the immediate impression when his eyes caught mine. Yet, in some other ways, it's apt. It may reveal how our presence is accepted in his domain, as well as his pride. It also suggests his gracious personality, known for his more social behaviour than his brother - another keeper of this pride in the north. Either way, it's open to interpretation, but for me, it signifies the language of the wild, where lion contact, communication, and exchange of thoughts are often achieved through one's eyes - both mesmerizing, powerful, and perhaps gracious.

RAW AFRICA COLLECTION

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.