BUYELEKHAYA explores “home” as a safe haven and a comfort zone, involving a deep emotional connection and a sense of rootedness that significantly influences our well-being and mental health.
Phakamani Waka is a qualified photo/videographer and graphic designer. He studied Art and Design at the College of Cape Town and graduated following coursework. Phakamani has been freelancing as a photographer for more than six years, gaining the necessary experience in the field. As a result, he successfully hosted the community of Khayelitsha in his first-ever photo exhibition titled “Nature Gestalt.”
The exhibition has been his long-term dream to archive. Phakamani is a motivated, driven soul who wishes to spread love and hope with his passion for photography. He’s also motivated and eager to knock on a few more doors to keep his legacy alive. He shares a dream of seeing kids in the communities choosing and knowing photography as a career and a very powerful weapon to express their voices.
Phakamani collaborated with Magnet Theatre and two colleagues in a three-production theatre show titled “FOR THE RECORD.” As part of the production, he showcased a few of his exceptional works, in an exhibition titled “Buyelekhaya.” The exhibition was built on a collection of human portraits, exploring the concept of “Home.” Like art, space offers as safe haven and a comfort zone, and when we deep emotional connections, our well-being and mental health get nurtured.
