Still Here: Celebrating our Local African Talent of Tāmaki is a new photographic series honouring the vibrance, creativity and continued presence of Black and African communities in Tāmaki Makaurau. Created to mark Africa Month, the project brings together portraits of eleven local creatives – a dynamic mix of familiar and emerging talent – in a visual celebration of identity and artistry. At the heart of the project is photographer Synthia Bahati, whose work we have adored for years and whose lens has long explored the intersections of culture, heritage and representation.
For a 2020 project, she spoke about the power of photography and its ability to live longer than the person portrayed. “Historically, photographs have shifted the conversation around blackness, and they have the power to continue this shift into the future,” she said. “Particularly powerful photographs can dilute the negative and stereotypical narratives that have been created around blackness.”
Ahead of the new project launching, and Africa Day on May 25 (celebrated this year on May 24 in Tāmaki), we spoke to Synthia about the inspiration behind Still Here, the process of capturing this year’s portraits and the importance of making space for Black joy and visibility in Aotearoa.
What was the inspiration behind Still Here and how did the concept come to life?
This project was inspired by the people around me – people who have been here, and are still here, creating spaces for us. Through various conversations and moments of reflection, the lead-up to Africa Month and Africa Day had me thinking about how long the African community has existed in Tāmaki Makaurau, and the many years of work and projects that have been done for the community. I was reminded why I started photographing, and why it’s important for me to continue to do so.
What does Africa Month or Africa Day mean to you personally – and how did that influence your approach to this project?
Africa Month/Day looks different to everyone, and for me, over the years, it has meant connecting with people, eating lots of food, celebrating different cultures, football, music, dancing, volunteering, photographing and showing up to celebrate the community. This influenced me to release this project during Africa Month, leading up to Africa Day on May 25 (celebrated this year on May 24 in Tāmaki) – starting with the people in the creative community around me.
Why is it important for you to spotlight African creatives here in Tāmaki Makaurau right now?
It will always be important for me to highlight African creatives – and if I'm honest, Africans in general. It’s important because the spaces I’m in don’t often spotlight them, and when they do, it’s usually centred around the immigrant or refugee story, rather than celebrating them as people and the work they’re doing right now.
Through my BFA (Hons) and MFA research, I learned that photography has historically been used as a tool against African and Black people – often portraying them in ways that were primitive and disempowering. Cameras were originally designed without Black people in mind; they couldn’t accurately capture our complexion. I want to keep pushing back against years of negative imagery. If we control our image, we control the narrative.
How did you approach selecting the creatives featured in this project?
I approached this project by reaching out to people I was already having conversations with, while also thinking about those who are “new” to these spaces and don’t have the same exposure that others might get.
I was ambitious and wanted to photograph everyone I could think of, but I came to realise that this work is ongoing – it’s a continuation, and it can’t be done in a day. Each person in this project brings a different set of skills; they are hard-working, talented, and creative. They’re some of the people the next generations will look to for inspiration in pursuing their own creative endeavors.
What was the creative direction or mood you wanted to capture in the imagery?
I initially wanted to use the colours of the Pan-African flag. I wanted the people I was photographing to feel confident and strong in themselves. I envisioned the portraits to feel bold and vibrant.
Can you speak to any symbolism, style choices or visual references you intentionally included in the shoot?
I really wanted the red backdrop because it’s a strong and bold colour. I had a colour palette that I shared with everyone, but I still left it up to the talent to wear what they wanted and felt good in. I chose the same red backdrop for everyone to create a sense of visual continuity, but each person was able to stand in their own frame as themselves.
What does representation in the creative industries look like for African communities in Aotearoa? And what do you hope this project contributes to that conversation
Representation in the creative industries for African communities in Aotearoa, for me, looks like clear visibility and real opportunities for these creatives – remembering them and giving them space to share their stories. Not just stories about immigration, war, politics or a BLM protest, but stories that show them as people who share the same spaces as everyone else. As people who are gifted and have been contributing in meaningful ways to Tāmaki Makaurau.
This project is really for the people in it – and for people like them. I want young people from the African diaspora to see this and feel inspired. I hope this project stands as a reminder that we are Still Here. We’ve been here, and we will continue to be.
How do you see the African diaspora shaping the future of creativity in Tāmaki Makaurau?
I believe the African diaspora has been shaping the future of creativity in Tāmaki Makaurau. We are the tastemakers. We are the trendsetters. We are creating incredible things that deserve to be seen and appreciated – not just by those outside the African community, but within it as well, to inspire each other to keep going. We are part of Aotearoa.
What did you learn from the people you photographed or collaborated with?
I learnt more about people’s practices, how they started their creative journeys, their accomplishments, and how important or excited many of them felt to be photographed and included in sharing a part of their story. It was just great to connect.
How do projects like this help bridge the African and wider Aotearoa creative communities?
Projects like this open people’s minds to the wider diaspora living in Tāmaki Makaurau. They provide opportunities to connect and learn about people of African descent and their experiences living in Aotearoa.
How can people better support and uplift Black creatives here in Aotearoa?
Show up. Show interest. Talk to people. Do your research. Think about them when it’s not just a marketing move. Give them opportunities or a platform like this. Buy from small businesses. There is an Exhibition by Vocal Roots that is on now until June 1. Go down to Africa Day on May 24, listen to some of our up and coming artists like Tusekah. There are so many ways.
-
.jpg)
