Bobby Pall’s “Vanishing Songs of the Warriors”

Bobby Pall may be only best known for the photography that he’s done for development and aid agencies like the Red Cross, UNHCR and the Global Fund. But on Thursday, he launched his art book Vanishing Songs of the Warriors while also displaying some of his art work.

Vanishing Songs of the Warriors is indeed a depiction of beauty, strength, depth, dignity, truth and the values of people united by love, culture, unity and compassion,” were the words of Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed, the guest of honour at the launch.

His art showcased powerful photographic images that depict African culture and heritage in its truest form. Cast in black and white photography, it neither exaggerates nor attempts to embellish the lives of those his images represent. Rather, it educates and transports one into a visual world of a dignified way of life by a people with little material possession but the resilience of the human spirit and the sanctity of communal life and sacrifice.

He believes that the real story of Africa is yet to be told. “It is an extraordinary tale that cannot be told from the outside and takes us inside that story and guides us through this fascinating journey of discovery.”

DEEP MESSAGE

His artwork is a compilation of illuminating moments that reflect some of Africa’s veiled thoughts, expressions, and feelings woven through its pages in a message. A deep message that is simple yet significant.

In appreciation of his book, Ambassador Mohammed writes: “In my 30 years as a Kenyan and international diplomat, I regretted the scarcity of books on Africa by Africans.”

For her, his book serves to counter “the barrage of negative media stories” that do such a disservice to the continent. She adds, “This book makes me extremely proud that the voices and talents of our own are finally coming to fore, to tell stories of our people, their challenges, their aspirations and to offer an opening for the world to engage, away from the all too common lens of desperation and helplessness.”

Mr Pall’s art work and portraits are filled with photos as well as with people struggling to eke out an existence on terrain that’s semi-arid and barren, which he says inspire him from his travels across the continent.

“I often went back and stayed with families that I’d gotten close to during my previous tours.”

Asked what a “warrior” is, he said it is a term that transcends gender. “It can refer to anyone, man or woman, who stands strong in the face of adversity and lives with courage, integrity, dignity and commitment to protecting the lives of others. That could include mothers, shepherds, fishermen and everyone else contributing to keeping their community and family alive.” His book is available in all the major bookstores in Nairobi and its environs.