Durbar
Beyond the thunder of hooves and the smoke of musketry lies the true spirit of the Durbar. This photo documentary series moves away from the main parade to capture the intimate heart of the festival in Zaria, Kaduna. From the quiet majesty of dressing the royal horses to the wide-eyed wonder of children in the streets, these images document the hours of preparation and the deep communal joy that transform these cities into a living tapestry of Northern Nigerian heritage.
Year
2025
Location
Zaria, Nigeria
Client
Personal
Role
Festival Photography
Deliverables
200+ Images
Duration
Full-day
The Story Behind the Shoot
The Durbar festival is an annual cultural, religious and equestrian festival, celebrated as a core part of Hausa culture in Arewa (Northern Nigeria). Durbar has existed for centuries in the Hausa Kingdoms, and is a paramount part of Hausa cultural rites, tradition, and history.
Visually, the goal was to capture the "texture" of the Durbar. This meant focusing on the details often missed in the heat of the parade—the weight of the royal regalia, the focused energy of the performers, and even the unexpected sights, like a captive monkey adding to the festival's eccentric charm. By documenting the horses within the community rather than just on the field, I aimed to show how this centuries-old tradition is not just a show, but a vital, breathing part of the people's identity.
