Humanitarian photographer on using skill to tell African stories
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Some of the pictures taken by Fabrice Macumbi Zackson. Photos/Courtesy

26-year-old Fabrice Macumbi Zackson is a Rwandan Based humanitarian photographer currently pursuing mass communication in college who is passionate about photography.

The professional photographer, whose style is Humanitarian Photography, says he documents people's lives, engages with them, finds out what issue to address in their lives, and advocates for them.

"My passion is to focus on inclusivity. In different areas of activities, I want to make sure everybody gets everything they deserve in life," said Macumbi. "Impacting the development of the community, I want to bring transformative change in citizens' lives through my photography."

Macumbi, who has several documentaries out already, described what he's looking for when creating his works.

Fabrice Macumbi Zackson.

"I aim at reaching out to people with incredible stories and telling them to the world. I believe everyone has a story that can bring about change in life somewhere," said Macumbi

While the photography industry is evolving in Rwanda, The young aspiring photographer said he wants to see Africans get far and exploit their opportunities. 

The photographer born in a refugee camp says he went through a lot growing up, and he got quite an experience that made him want to hear other people's stories. 

"In the refugee camp, I was in different situations that made me realise that I have to make a difference and also tell people's stories," said Macumbi

The young photographer who has been traveling in many countries in Africa said it had been an excellent experience for him and his career.

"I have been travelling to different countries in East and West Africa, and I met many people and role models who made me fall more in love with photography," said Macumbi.

Macumbi said he is constantly inspired by his mother, who has been supporting him, and she's the only person who enriches him with wisdom in his everyday life.

Upon completing his studies, the photographer said he will travel to enrich his skills and experience by doing more Photography worldwide.

"After my studies, I will travel around the world, and I will do big projects. I want to bring in all the corners of the world to show different cultures and perspectives," said Macumbi

Macumbi, who had a photography tour in Ghana, said he had a chance to experience cultural diversity and got to capture moments in foreign countries.

This year, Macumbi plans to travel to more than five countries in Africa and show the reality of the unseen in those countries and depict the covid-19 impacts on people and the remarkable resilience in those people. 

"I will have the opportunity to tell people's stories and demonstrate how they live, as well as living with them and experiencing their culture," Macumbi added.

According to Macumbi, documentary or humanitarian Photography in Rwanda is still at a low level because few people do it and there is a small audience thus, his goal is to expand that photography department in Rwanda.