Fabrice Mbonankira: Burundian Documentary Photographer Preserving Humanity, Resilience, and Community Stories | 54Ruum Spotlight

Fabrice Mbonankira is a Burundian photographer born in Bujumbura in 1989. He began practising photography in 2005, initially focusing on event photography. In 2019, he shifted his career towards documentary photography and photojournalism.

In 2020, Fabrice started working as a freelance photographer for international agencies such as Fairpicture (Switzerland) and Taking Pictures Changing Lives (United Kingdom). He is an alumnus of the VII Academy (US) and recently became a member of NOOR Images (Netherlands).

His work has received significant international acclaim, including the East African Photo Awards 2023 winner in the "Stories" category, the 2nd Prize in the "Portrait. A Hero of Our Time" category at the Andrei Stenin 2023 Competition, and the Prince Claus Fund Seed Awards (Netherlands) in 2022. He also received an Award of Excellence from the Chinese Embassy in Burundi in 2020.

From 2019 to the present, he has participated in numerous group exhibitions globally, including those for the PEABODY Photography Prize in Buenos Aires (2022), "Speak Up, Be Heard" in Ibadan, Nigeria (2023), and the winners' exhibitions for the UPPA 2023 and the Andrei Stenin 2023 competition in Uganda, Russia, and South Africa.

He also participated in the online group exhibition "Group Show 63: Love, Actually" with the Humble Arts Foundation (2020) and in various exhibitions in Burundi, including the "Staging Times" project (2019).

He is currently working on a series of solo travelling exhibitions entitled "The Community in the Spotlight: Through the Popular Neighbourhoods of His City, Bujumbura" (2025).

His work has been published in The New York Times (2021) and in local online magazines like Ejo Magazine and Yaga Burundi. The core goal of Fabrice's work is to have a positive impact.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I describe myself as a passionate person who is deeply conscious of my thoughts and actions. I am also a fairly spiritual individual, with my foundation rooted in the Bible and various spiritual and philosophical texts. My personal motto, which guides my daily life and work, is: "Living mindfully."

How did you first get into photography? Was there a specific moment, person, or inspiration that sparked your passion for capturing images?

My initial dream was to become a broadcast journalist—a passion born from listening to the BBC and RFI during a period of war. I began by studying Communication Sciences at the University of Peace and Reconciliation in Bujumbura, Burundi. Unfortunately, I was unable to continue my higher education due to a lack of financial resources after being orphaned at a very young age.

I gradually discovered photography in the early 2000s, and in 2005, I officially began practising it. It became an accessible way to meet my daily needs, thanks to my older brother, who was already a photographer and helped me get started.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche? How has your style evolved over time?

I specialise in documentary photography and photojournalism. I believe that nothing is more important than human connections; I am deeply invested in meeting new people, discovering new cultures, lifestyles, religions, and places. I genuinely love the term "visual storyteller" because it truly defines what I aspire to be.

Over time, my style has evolved. I have developed a particular interest in life stories rather than purely news reporting. I prefer telling positive stories—stories of hope, resilience, and fighting spirit—rather than simply reporting on events. I aim to be a bearer of good news and reveal the complete strength and humanity of my subjects.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography? How do you use your images to connect with others?

My images are driven by themes of complete humanity, bravery, and rebirth—everything that forms the strength of humankind. I focus heavily on narratives that are more positive and reflective than event reporting. I want to be a bearer of good news, hope, resilience, and the fighting spirit that defines people.

I particularly focus on women and children, who are, for me, the cornerstone of everything I do. My images aim to awaken a sense of awareness and shared humanity within the viewer.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

One of my flagship projects over the past three years has been "Women of the Landfill," a philanthropic photography initiative. I started it in 2022 with 35 women, aiming to photograph them, tell their short stories, and share them on social media to attract NGOs or associations to support them.

Today, that objective has been achieved. Thanks to this project, I have won several awards, exhibited in multiple countries, and had the opportunity to travel. For me, the project's success and its positive impact are a source of immense pride.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

For me, the persistent challenge remains the lack of resources. There is so much to tell, so much to discover, and so many people and cultures to reveal to the world, but funding is always limited.

I am making progress little by little, primarily by using commission funds to finance my personal projects. I am also grateful for the support I receive from foundations and organisations that champion creators like myself.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

I was initially inspired by a female photographer, Rosalie Colfs, in the 2010s, whose exhibitions in Bujumbura confirmed what I felt I was meant to be.

Along the way, I was also inspired by another photographer whom I admire and respect greatly, Brian Otieno (Kenya).

A small anecdote: In 2023, I won first place at the East African Photography Awards, and Brian Otieno came in third. For me, it was a profound honour and a privilege to be on the same podium as a photographer I admire.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

Before presenting my work, I reviewed the platform. I love it. It is well-structured and accurately represents the creators. Much courage and honour to you!

How's the photography and art space in your country? How has it evolved in recent years?

I would say that photography remains very rudimentary in my country, and the art space even more so. Both are often simply used to earn a little money for daily survival—for example, by taking photos at weddings and events, drawing portraits for private individuals, or singing at parties. There is significant potential for growth and development beyond commercial work.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

Have a clear vision, work diligently on developing it, dream big, and, most importantly, make sure you have fun throughout the process.