JIFUNZE

In the golden embrace of the African savannah, a young lion cub finds himself captivated by a small commotion unfurling amidst the long, dry grass.

With silent curiosity, he observed the scene unfolding before his amber eyes. Occasionally, his jaw clamped down on a discarded horn, a memento of a recent battle. The pride had feasted on an impala buck, captured in the early hours of dawn, its carcass lying nearby. Among the lion cubs, a spirited game of chase and capture ensued. Like a swirling dance, they circled one another, taking turns attempting to claim the meagre remnants of meat clinging to the base of the horns. Each challenger would briefly chew on the sparse morsel before another young contender emerged, driven by boundless energy and a hunger for glory. Their playful enthusiasm ignited a tussle, culminating in the crowning of a momentary champion who reveled in the quiet satisfaction of their triumph until the next challenger arrived to seize the spoils.

Amidst this flurry of youthful exuberance, I realised that it is not always the moments of action that demand our attention. Sometimes, it is the everyday, the ordinary, the routine that beckons us to bear witness. Even in their most casual states, this pride possesses a living rhythm—a harmony ingrained within their very existence. The cycles of feeding, sleeping, moving, and hunting are woven together seamlessly, punctuated by seasonal and occasional events like protecting, mating, and migrating. These natural rhythms dictate their lives, ensuring a delicate balance in all they do and who they were.

It struck me, as I observed this cub, his eyes brimming with curiosity and focus, that perhaps we, as humans, have lost sight of the ultimate purpose behind our ceaseless rush. The respite I found in the embrace of the wilderness made me question if our society, so consumed by urgency and achievement, truly understands the essence of our existence. Our clocks tick faster, time slips through our fingers like sand, and our lives become a symphony of demands and obligations. Nature, however, persists with its patient cadence, whispering its wisdom to those who choose to listen.

As I immersed myself in the wonders of the bush, I couldn't help but feel that our connection to nature has dwindled. The lion cub's tranquil presence reminded me that our rhythm is no longer attuned to the pulse of the earth but rather to the relentless beat of progress. Perhaps it is time to pause, to step back, and reassess our path. Nature teaches us that there is beauty in the unhurried, the simple, and the harmonious. It is a gentle reminder that amidst our modern complexities, the true measure of our success lies not in how fast we move, but in how deeply we understand the delicate tapestry of life that surrounds us.

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.