Having clicked more than one could ever-imagined, ntate Namane will host his first Photographic Exhibition from September 29 until mid-October 2018 at the Workers Museum, 52 Rahima Moosa Street, Newtown.
The exhibition is made possible by the City of Johannesburg under the guidance of MMC Nonhlanhla Sifumba, responsible for Community Development.
According to ntate Namane, speaking exclusively to this reporter at last night’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz media reception to welcome jazz exponents in Sandton, alluded this was ‘long over-due’.
“I’m only grateful that at least one is still regarded while still alive and would like to thank the City for making this special exhibition a dream come true,” he said poignantly.
“I’ve traversed all corners and my work should be seen and shared by all. My time has winded down not to be all over like I used. Its time to let others complete the race we started generations ago. Age and family commitments are my priorities now, mfanakithi, “he waxed lyrically accompanied by his signature camera.
Regaled in his traditional Muslim attire, ntate Namane will exhibit mostly, entertainment images he began taking as far back as 70s. Some of them graced pages and covers of well-known media titles in the country.
The invitation message from the MMC read:” Kgaogelo Namane is a renowned roving photographer in Johannesburg. His images consist of photographs from the 1990’s titled “Winds of Change” ranging from the genres and scenes from different events around Jozi in particular The Market Theatre.
Some came from corporate and Government events.
The main image that drew attention is that of a child saved from the burning flat in Inner City (Hillbrow) thrown by a woman from the high rise building and saved by the residents. He captured that scene in an extra ordinary way. “
He captures the repulsion and allure of the City of Gold in a style that has garnered his work attention countywide.
The living legendary has snapped amongst them, late bubble-gum star Brenda Fassie (that resulted in him becoming his personal photographer); Nelson Mandela, Caiphus Katse Semenya and wife Letta Mbulu, Dr Hugh Masekela, Boom Shaka, Okido, Thebe, Madonna, Ray Phiri, Bob Mabena, Tevin Campbell, Quincy Jones, Lebo Ngunguluza, DJ Sbu, Felicia Mabuza- Suttle, Dr Richard Maponya, Basetsana Kumalo, soccer players, politicians, business people and the ordinary folks…
My first meeting with ntate Namane was at defunct e’Vibe Music Magazine at Kerk Street- downtown Jozi. He was part-owner of the magazine and photographic editor.
Still wet behind ears, I was introduced into the editorial room that was gallantly led by the late darling of journalism Andrew Molefe, Mothibi Mthethwa, Bongani Madondo, Tsaks ‘Tsaki’ Mokolobate, Gugu Sibiya, Isaac ‘Ace’ Molebaloa, and other well rounded team members.
Former Italy Ambassador Sol Molobi also had a good relationship with ntate Namane, so is T-Music man boss Peter Tladi, Drakensberg Promoters founders, etc…
His work also graced magazines such as Bona, Drum, REM and almost major/community newspapers countrywide.
Has brushed shoulders, or clicked, alongside top lensmen notably the Magubanes, Ndimas, Santu Mofokeng, Percy Nkosi, Alf Khumalo, etc…
Ntate Namane is a husband, father of three and a grand-father.
He still looks strong, which according to him, is attributed by jogging’s and living a healthy lifestyle.
With an eye like his, his photography needs more recognition or kanjani?
Kgaogelo Namane’s exhibition begins from September 29 until mid-October 2018 at the Workers Museum, 52 Rahima Moosa Street, Newtown.
