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Surviving on camera lens

Dying in the line of duty is heroic, but dying while unemployed is just stupid,” goes an adage.Amidst soaring unemployment rate in the country, some youths are taking matters in their own hands to create employment for themselves and, by extension, for others.

Albert Keith Kamanga, the brains behind Zeeya Creations, is among such youths. His brand, has become powerful in the realm of photography.

“I am a full-time entrepreneur. I am a person who likes to network. I am the type of person who seeks opportunities and not wait for them to happen,” he describes himself.

The award-winning photographer, a holder of bachelor’s degree in business management and administration, adopted the camera soon after graduating in 2016.

A first-born child in a family of three, he is passionate in travel documentaries, studio and event photography.

“Photography has always been my passion ever since I was a little boy. I enjoy photography as a career and it is exciting. It is a career that enables you to reach places you otherwise couldn’t visit if you were not into photography,” he says.

Kamanga says that Zeeya is an Arabic word for light and in photography, he justifies, light is essential.

He says: “If there is no light there is no picture. Zeeya is also my younger sister’s name. Having put those two into consideration, it was easy to pick that name.”

Kamanga said he takes photography as an art and a business.

He believes his business survives on networking: “People in my network are the biggest factor to my success. They support my work through provision of advice and through sharing of our social media content.” 

He attributes Zeeya’s success to good customer care as well as high standards of his art.

“I have applied this hunger for quality into my art and those that work with me have the same hunger. When it comes to personal branding, I make sure I market myself to the fullest and I am always seeking inspiration,” he elaborates.

The award-winning photographer won the year award in 2019 from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi.

“As for now, I am happy that this month we have opened a branch in Blantyre. It is the first photography company based in Lilongwe to have a branch in Blantyre,” he brags.

Going forward, Kamanga says they are expanding into branding web design among other creative works.

“Customers should expect more quality creative work and growth; the sky is not the limit. We are just asking clients to support us as we grow. We promise to deliver uncompromised work,” he pledges.

Kamanga, who is in his late 20s, urges fellow youths to stick to their plans and to work the smart way.

“Let me also humbly ask parents whose child’s dream is to become a photographer to offer their support. Not only photography but any other career they want to pursue. You never know what they could become in future,” he advises.

In a separate interview, WE Events marketing consultant Alex Kachepa said they work with Zeeya because the company is young and vibrant.

He said: “We have worked with Zeeya on a number of occasions and we are impressed with the way they handle us. Zeeya is very present, supportive and accommodating when we work. His actual work and images speak for themselves.”

Kachepa added that Zeeya has the potential to become Malawi’s first franchise photography services.

Artist Kelvin Gumbi, better known as KBG said Zeeya is professional and knows what he wants when it comes to photos.

“He is wise and I see him building an empire around Malawi. Already you see him expand to Blantyre,” said the artist.

Kamanga currently has 10 employees.

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