NYEMELEZI

It was a hyena that drew the Black Backed Jackal’s scavenging attention.

Nyemelezi means “opportunistic” in Swahili.

Concealed amidst the tall, swaying grass, he silently observed the misty encounter unfold before him. The wild dogs and the hyena engaged in a fierce battle over a recently acquired prey, their struggles reverberating through the air with a cacophony of barks and whines. The sheer strength displayed during their short-lived clash intrigued him, prompting him to circle the scene with the agility of a jackal. With nimble steps, he swiftly moved, pausing intermittently to survey his surroundings and skilfully evade any potential conflicts that loomed ahead.

As the hunters clamped their jaws onto the spoils, his ears pricked up, and his eyes sharpened, sensing an opportunity. In a matter of seconds, he lunged forward, swiftly snatching a small morsel amidst the chaotic tangle of grass. Just as quickly, he darted away, grinning mischievously, for the hyena had taken notice and was already approaching, its mouth already filled with a portion of the freshly ravaged carcass. From his left, a wild dog swooped in, leaving him with little choice but to relinquish his claim and make his escape.

Retreating from the heart of the frenzied activity, he halted momentarily, catching the faint sound of clicks emanating from my camera, focused intently on him. He glanced in my direction, unperturbed yet aware, before vanishing into the fabric of his environment, concealed by his natural camouflage. This fleeting moment was a true reflection of his character—an enigmatic figure whose slinking demeanor belied an extraordinary courage to venture into the midst of apex creatures and snatch his share of the spoils. Perhaps this audacious behavior is often underestimated, for I have witnessed scenes of lions feasting, where the sole creature unafraid to share their presence was none other than the jackal. Much like people, some jackals possess an uncanny ability to spot opportunity amidst chaos, yet they are unjustly branded as cowardly creatures. In reality, they embody the very opposite, as their presence and their invaluable contribution to the delicate balance of the ecosystem stand as indisputable evidence of their true nature.

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.