Life in Lusaka
Abeauty, Zambia
This photo series captures the daily play and recreational activities of children from Kabwata Cultural Village in Lusaka, Zambia. These vibrant images showcase the cultural richness, dreams, and resilience of Zambian youth as they engage in joyful play and express their aspirations for the future. The children take us through their world of creativity, where traditional instruments, dance, and play are central to their lives. Through these photographs, I aim to highlight the importance of safe recreational spaces and cultural preservation for nurturing children’s growth, dreams, and wellbeing.
These moments reflect the beauty of Zambian culture and the significance of play in the lives of children. They remind us that providing safe, supportive spaces is essential for young people to learn, dream, and grow in ways that uphold their heritage and open doors to new possibilities.
Namakau, a lively 7-year-old, pretends to play a traditional instrument. Her innocent curiosity and creativity remind me of the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage and the role it plays in building identity among young children.
Blessings (fondly known as “Ble Ble”) Playfully plays a traditional drum, filling the space with rhythmic beats. His concentration reflects a deep connection to his heritage and the joy he finds in expressing himself through music.
Draft! A board game that I played so much during my child.
Tendai (in Blue) and Kaingu (in Yellow) compete while friends stand by, watching with eager smiles and cheering them on. The scene reflects the solidarity and joy of shared play, where every move is celebrated, and friendships grow stronger through laughter and friendly rivalry.
“My dream is to work behind the camera and making my mark on TV”, hints Kondwani, dressed in a red shirt, while he directs his younger sister Ester, who holds a camera and tries to capture the perfect shot. His friend Limbikani in gray stands by, watching the siblings’ playful interaction. Kondwani’s passion for photography shines as he guides Ester. This moment underscores the significance of fostering children’s creativity and supporting their aspirations from a young age.
Kondwani, dressed in red, and his friend Simon (in green) joyfully race along, balancing on old car tires in the backyard of their home. Their laughter fills the air as they ride the makeshift “wheels,” showing their resourcefulness and imagination in creating fun from simple things.
This scene captures the innocence and creativity of childhood, where even discarded items become vehicles for adventure and endless play.
A group of children pause to pose in front of a mirror, capturing a moment of laughter and joy. Their reflections symbolize the innocence and unity of childhood, while their smiles remind us of the simple beauty in shared moments of friendship.
Abeauty Kaonga is passionate about telling ‘development’ stories through visual media. Born in Serenje District, Central province of Zambia, he currently lives in the capital city, Lusaka. He works there as a photographer and video editor for a company called Kalachi Pictures. He believes that young people can hold leadership roles in any sector of life. He is a hardworking, self-motivated, and versatile individual who loves virtual artistry and media in all its various forms. As a young and energetic person, his goal is to see a well-informed and developed community. He was motivated to take part in this project because he believes it is possible to break the cycle of violence against children and young people – and that one step in this fight begins with him