Pamushana Through the Lens of Tatenda Chidora
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What happens when a wildly creative Zimbabwean photographer visits one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in Zimbabwe to create a short film?
He captured more than just images — he found stories of belonging, the magic of nature, and discovered how light itself became his muse at Singita Pamushana.
Tashinga Dzwukutu (Assistant Manager at Singita Pamushana) sits down with Tatenda Chidora, award-winning visual artist, to explore his perspective after his recent visit. Mainly known for his commercial and fine art photography, Tatenda’s storytelling celebrates expressions of Africa and incorporates elements of performance and play exploring themes of identity, place, and manhood.
Tash asks Tatenda just three simple questions. “Share with us your perspective on…”
Looking up at Pamushana – the elevation, the light, the sunsets, and basking in the sun.
Looking down at Pamushana - rocks, landscape, red soil, seed pods, details beneath our feet.
Looking in – the exceptional people he met; warm, knowledgeable, taking care of every small detail.
What flows is a beautiful conversation about being welcomed home, connecting with the land and special people, and the inspiration he drew from textures, light, and gazing endlessly at the horizon.
Tatenda and filmmaker Julian Robinet created a short film and a series of photographs that captured the essence of the Malilangwe Reserve. Tatenda takes us behind the scenes.
From fallen Baobab flowers, Tatenda also made a mask* and a crown, inspiring an entire series, as well as a seed pod project in the future.
This conversation reminds us to slow down, look closer, and draw creativity from nature. Because sometimes changing your perspective opens up a wonderful world, when you learn how to see.
* The podcast cover image was taken by Tatenda Chidora at Pamushana.
He captured more than just images — he found stories of belonging, the magic of nature, and discovered how light itself became his muse at Singita Pamushana.
Tashinga Dzwukutu (Assistant Manager at Singita Pamushana) sits down with Tatenda Chidora, award-winning visual artist, to explore his perspective after his recent visit. Mainly known for his commercial and fine art photography, Tatenda’s storytelling celebrates expressions of Africa and incorporates elements of performance and play exploring themes of identity, place, and manhood.
Tash asks Tatenda just three simple questions. “Share with us your perspective on…”
Looking up at Pamushana – the elevation, the light, the sunsets, and basking in the sun.
Looking down at Pamushana - rocks, landscape, red soil, seed pods, details beneath our feet.
Looking in – the exceptional people he met; warm, knowledgeable, taking care of every small detail.
What flows is a beautiful conversation about being welcomed home, connecting with the land and special people, and the inspiration he drew from textures, light, and gazing endlessly at the horizon.
Tatenda and filmmaker Julian Robinet created a short film and a series of photographs that captured the essence of the Malilangwe Reserve. Tatenda takes us behind the scenes.
From fallen Baobab flowers, Tatenda also made a mask* and a crown, inspiring an entire series, as well as a seed pod project in the future.
This conversation reminds us to slow down, look closer, and draw creativity from nature. Because sometimes changing your perspective opens up a wonderful world, when you learn how to see.
* The podcast cover image was taken by Tatenda Chidora at Pamushana.
Chapters
- 00:02 Introduction to Safari Conversations and Tatenda Chidora
- 02:11 Tatenda's Journey into Photography and Pamushana
- 03:52 The Essence of Pamushana: Light, Landscape, and Shona Traditions
- 07:16 Looking Down at Pamushana: Textures, Design, and Inspiration
- 10:30 The Baobab Flower and Architectural Inspiration
- 12:13 Looking In at Pamushana: Hospitality and Personal Connections
- 15:54 Memorable Experiences and the Essence of Pamushana
- 19:00 Malilangwe Short Film: Inspiration and Creative Process
- 20:18 Immersion, Study, and Collaboration
- 23:58 Articulating Feelings and Favourite Moments
- 25:14 Sunsets, Elevation, and Invitation to Return
