Local photographer snaps up international opportunity

Local photographer excited to gain international exposure and experience that he can bring home and share with his community.

February 12, 2020

Leigh Hodgson 3 minutes read

Akido Malabela (22), a young photographer from Dukathole, will travel to Minnesota and Chicago, in the United States of America, in June to showcase a series of photos in his Pantsula Fashion Project.

They say when one door closes another opens and this was definitely the case for Akido Malabela (22), a young photographer from Dukathole.

A 2017 car accident resulted in Akido making the choice to no longer take part in Pantsula dancing, a traditional and highly energetic dance, but instead began to photograph it, sharing not only the unique stories behind the dance and its dancers but the community he grew up in.

Born and bred in Germiston, Akido attended Ekurhuleni Primary School and Graceland Education Centre before he began studying photography at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).

“The community I live in influenced my decision to study photography,” said Akido.

“When I walked around the community and watched the people going about their daily lives, I realised there are so many stories to tell.

“I want to show people where I come from because my township inspires me.

“What we have is unique.”

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Akido, now in his second year at TUT, focused a lot of his first year work on Pantsula dancing.

“I wanted to show not only the dancing style, but the culture and fashion that goes hand in hand with Pantsula dancing,” said Akido.

Though his passion for Pantsula remained strong, through his studies, the world of photography opened up for him.

“Studying helped me realise you can take photographs of flowers, buildings and so much more,” said Akido.

“My skills began to blossom and grow.

“I have learnt a lot and I took that knowledge to the streets to help make my photos even more unique.”

Akido is not the only one who loves his Pantsula dancing photographs, Maia Maiden, from Maia Maiden Productions, saw his work and invited him to showcase his work in Minnesota and Chicago in the United States of America.

He will travel to Minnesota and Chicago between June 1 and 13, and is excited to gain international exposure and experience that he can bring home and share with his community.

“This will be my first trip overseas,” he said.

When asked how the opportunity came about Akido explained, “Maia saw my work on Facebook and made contact with me.

“She came to South Africa last June to meet me.

“We spent two weeks together and she was impressed with my work.

“After our time together she told me that she wanted me to come to Minnesota and Chicago to showcase my work.

“I will be showcasing 30 photos from my Pantsula Fashion Project.”

Akido explained that Maia travels around the world, scouting talent and bringing people to the United States of America to work together.

“We hope to have a long-term relationship, Maia and I, so that artists from the United States of America can come to South Africa and showcase their art here,” Akido explained.

“We would like to share experiences and resources.”

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When asked how he decided which photographs he would display during his trip overseas, Akido credited his TUT photography lecturer Hein Grove with helping him to decide.

“He gives me advice from the start of a project, before I even start taking the photographs, to the end,” said Akido.

“He tells me what to look out for and he helps me with the editing process.

“Working with him, I have learnt so much.”

Throughout his journey Akido has also been assisted by his mentor and sponsor Hiten Keshave from PRP Solutions.

“He has helped me with advice on what to do and what not to do and supported me during my journey,” said Akido.

Akido is fully supported by his mother Selina, brothers Joas (31), Klienboy (28) and sister Anna (26).

“My family told me to go with it when I introduced them to Maia, and told them about the trip,” said Akido.

“They told me not to be afraid of the unknown and encouraged me to explore because by doing this I am going to inspire others in the community.”

When asked about his future plans he said he wants to be active in the world of photography long after his studies, but may not focus on work behind the camera.

“First, I want to reach the highest level I can with my studies,” said Akido.

“Then I want to take my knowledge and create opportunities for young photographers, who might not have the chances I did.

“If my doors can be opened, I hope to open doors for others.

“I want to share my skills, inspire the youth and give back to the community.”

Though Akido is grateful to Hiten for all his help and sponsorship, he is still searching for sponsorship. If you are interested in sponsoring him, you can call him on 078 720 9506 or send an email at akidomalabela@gmail.com.

You can find Akido’s work on Facebook by searching Malabela Photography, on Instagram @malabelaphotography, on Twitter @akidopantsula and on LinkedIn by searching Akido Malabela.