honorable mention
Chris Kirby united kingdom
title
To the Beat of the Drum
The Fusion Between Christianity and African Beliefs in South Africa.
Religion plays an important part of daily life in the townships in South Africa with high attendance in the many churches on Sundays.
The fastest growing denominations since the democratic elections are known as African Affiliated Churches. At these churches Christianity has been fused with traditional African beliefs and old cultural practices such as faith healing.
The most successfully attended of these is the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) that has over 10,000 churches in South Africa alone. Here hymns are replaced with vibrant drumbeats, rhythmic chanting and trance like dancing.
The wearing of their brightly coloured robes with embroidered religious symbols easily recognises the ZCC attendees.
Photographs in this series were taken in Soweto, South Africa
Chris's photography explores: African culture and identity, traditions and beliefs, socio-economic issues and marginalised communities.
Chris has featured in numerous print and online publications, and has won recognition in international awards, most recently: Winner Black and White International Award, 2016 - Winner Black and Whiter Spider Awards, 2017 and Winner LensCulture Exposure Awards, 2018. His photography has been exhibited in the UK, Europe, and most recently at the Klompching Gallery in New York, USA and Photo London.
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entry description
To the Beat of the DrumThe Fusion Between Christianity and African Beliefs in South Africa.
Religion plays an important part of daily life in the townships in South Africa with high attendance in the many churches on Sundays.
The fastest growing denominations since the democratic elections are known as African Affiliated Churches. At these churches Christianity has been fused with traditional African beliefs and old cultural practices such as faith healing.
The most successfully attended of these is the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) that has over 10,000 churches in South Africa alone. Here hymns are replaced with vibrant drumbeats, rhythmic chanting and trance like dancing.
The wearing of their brightly coloured robes with embroidered religious symbols easily recognises the ZCC attendees.
Photographs in this series were taken in Soweto, South Africa
about the photographer
Chris Kirby is a documentary photographer and visual artist. He was born in London and was admitted to Kingston College of Art and Design (in the UK), later obtaining a diploma in journalism from the British College of Journalism. He specialises in Africa and lives in Norfolk, UK.Chris's photography explores: African culture and identity, traditions and beliefs, socio-economic issues and marginalised communities.
Chris has featured in numerous print and online publications, and has won recognition in international awards, most recently: Winner Black and White International Award, 2016 - Winner Black and Whiter Spider Awards, 2017 and Winner LensCulture Exposure Awards, 2018. His photography has been exhibited in the UK, Europe, and most recently at the Klompching Gallery in New York, USA and Photo London.
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