Beyond the journey: Photo exhibition that tells African story

Larona Makhaiza | Monday August 4, 2025 06:34

 

The occasion is a month-long event set to run from July 31 to August 27 at the Alliance Française Gaborone. Its opening night was on Thursday from 1730pm to 1930pm. The show curator, Thabo Kgatlwane, told Arts&Culture in an interview that the exhibition provides an opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in pictures that captivate the eye. “The public can expect a powerful immersive experience. Beyond the journey is not just a collection of beautiful images: it’s a visual narrative of humanity, emotion, and cultural richness,” he said. Having collaborated with Jabril to host the exhibition to tell the African story through pictures, Kgatlwane stated that the former is the perfect candidate to tell the story, looking at her journey. “Jabril’s perspective as a German-Somali woman brings an incredibly layered lens to Africa- one that’s free from exoticism and full of nuance.

She was already passionate about capturing the essence of people and place,” he said. Kgatlwane further stated that the exhibition aims to break the stereotypes about Africa that have persisted all the years to prove that there is more than what meets the eye. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that Africa is a monolith; defined by hardship or lack. This exhibition challenges that by showing the multiplicity of African life,” he said. He further said, “Through Jabril’s lens, we see the joy, the stillness, the spirit, and the diversity of everyday people and places. Complementing Kgatlwane’s words, Jabril said the public can expect to be mesmerised by photos that will be exhibited, as they are very detailed about Africa. “Visitors can expect a visual journey across the African continent told through everyday moments. The photos capture the quiet beauty of daily life, whether it’s an evening prayer on the beach in Zanzibar or a stop in Benin,” she said.

Though she is a German-Somali photographer, Jabril stated that Botswana has been her home for the past year, which prompted her to jump at the opportunity to host this exhibition. “I have found such warmth in this country (Botswana). I hope audiences here feel inspired to explore more of the continent through their lens, too,” she said.