Bongani Tshabalala

Born in South Africa and based in the Free state, Bongani Tshabalala is an emerging fine art, storyteller and fashion photographer whose contemporary style is narrating the stories of African people. He’s driven by creating a more diverse picture and inspired by the stories and faces of his subjects. His striking visuals which are often raw and real makes heroes of his subject. He uses his place of birth as an inspiration to tell stories which are happening in townships. His subjects are often people he discovers on the streets and finds interesting.

Bongani studied Mechanical engineering at the Central University of Technology, but he never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional photographer.” Photography to me it’s more than just clicking the shutter speed it’s more of connecting with my subjects,” he says. In 2019 he won the public vote for the New Breed Art Competition at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum. In 2020 he exhibited in the William Humphreys Art Gallery Online Group Show as well as the Turbine Art Fair. Tshabala was recently awarded the Editor’s Pick for his submission the renowned contemporary photographic platform – Lensculture.