Herve Shabani: Burundian documentary & photojournalism photographer featuring identity & community narratives | 54Ruum Spotlight

Herve Shabani is a documentary and visual storytelling photographer based in Burundi, with roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He was born in Bujumbura and raised in the Kinama neighbourhood.

Photography runs in his family; several of his uncles worked as photographers, which inspired him from a young age. He began learning the craft early on by assisting in a small family photo studio in Bwiza.

In 2018, he started working as an assistant event photographer, which eventually led him to pursue meaningful visual storytelling. By 2021, he discovered his true passion for photojournalism and documentary photography. That same year, he launched his first long-term project called “Kinama Stories Project”, to document everyday life in Kinama.

He seeks to highlight social issues, amplify the voices of marginalised people, and capture the dignity, resilience, and spirit of ordinary people.

His work is driven by a desire to contribute positively to the well-being of the communities he photographs, sharing their stories with respect and authenticity.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I am a documentary and journalistic photographer from Bujumbura, Burundi. My work focuses on telling untold stories of marginalised communities through powerful visuals.

I started Kinama Stories to explore daily life, identity, and resilience in underrepresented neighbourhoods. I am passionate about using photography as a tool for awareness, connection, and change.

Fun fact: I learnt to tell stories with a camera before I ever spoke on a stage.

How did you first get into photography?

I first got into photography to document everyday life in my neighbourhood. Since then, I have been passionate about using photography to amplify the voices of those in marginalised communities, especially those in Kinama.

Photography became not just a passion, but a responsibility to document, preserve, and inspire.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I specialise in documentary and visual storytelling photography. I chose this niche because I am passionate about real-life stories, especially those that reflect the strength, resilience, and challenges of marginalised communities.

Over time, my style has evolved from capturing random moments to building intentional narratives that centre people's voices and lived experiences, as seen in my Kinama Stories project.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

My photography is driven by themes of identity, resilience, memory, and the everyday lives of communities. I use my images to tell stories that are often overlooked, highlighting both struggle and beauty.

Through my work, I create emotional connections that inspire empathy, dialogue, and deeper understanding between people across different backgrounds.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

One of my proudest moments was completing my photo series "Identity in the Flow", which was published as part of the Kinama Stories project. This series gave voice to women in Carama village, capturing their daily relationship with water as a symbol of resilience, identity, and survival. The work sparked conversations about dignity and visibility, this was deeply fulfilling for me.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it? What did you learn from that experience?

The biggest challenge I have faced is gaining trust in communities where photography is often misunderstood or met with suspicion. I overcame this by spending time with people without my camera, listening, engaging, and building genuine relationships.

This taught me that storytelling starts long before the shutter clicks, and that respect and patience are essential in ethical visual work.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with Lakin Ogunbanwo. His work powerfully reimagines African identity and aesthetics through contemporary portraiture. I admire how he blends fashion, culture, and storytelling into a bold visual language that still feels deeply intimate.

How's the photography and art space in your country? How has it evolved in recent years?

Photography and art in my country have grown tremendously in recent years. More young creatives are emerging, telling authentic stories, and using digital platforms to gain global visibility.

There is also a rise in local exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations, which is helping to shape a stronger creative ecosystem.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

Focus on telling stories that matter to you. Do not wait to be perfect — just start, stay curious, and be consistent. The best images come from honesty and connection, not just technical perfection.