Ras Kansengwa: The man who did it his own way

In life, some people are naturally cut for certain preoccupations, others are trained and still more create their way to earn a spot on the ladder.

For popular self-styled photographer Ras Peter Kansengwa, nothing was given; he cultivated a myriad of stumbling blocks to clear his path and eventually got himself where he wanted. His acceptance was never easy and came at a cost.

For years, Ras Kansengwa, who christened himself as Malawi’s most celebrated photographer, had to rely on newspaper adverts, placed by himself to popularise his business. Many dismissed him as one of those attention seekers.

But nobody imagined how huge his zeal was. None knew the size of his ambition. Very few realised his passion for photography was just unbeatable. So, out of nowhere, Ras Kansengwa, slowly made his way up until he became one of the most recognised freelance photographers in Malawi.

Ras Kansengwa’s work cut across all fields. He will best be remembered for the work he did in covering the 2019 Human Rights Defenders Coalition-led nationwide posst-election demonstrations which many view as key in the political administration change later in 2020.

The photographer also had his footprints well engrained on the country’s entertainment landscape. He was a regular feature when it comes to covering numerous music and cultural festivals across Malawi.

People will best remember him for the picture he took of South African songstress Makhadzi during the 2022 Sand Music Festival in Mangochi. The picture attracted widespread controversy, with some critics having a go at Ras Kansengwa.

Ras Kansengwa was also a regular feature at the Parliament building in Lilongwe where he built a niche in capturing images of members of Parliament as they made their way into the august House. He made a few friends there too.

One parliamentarian Nancy Tembo said of his passing: “A tribute to a hustler, a hardworking photographer who always went out of his way to capture that shot, even despite my protestations. Rest in peace Ras Kansengwa.”

His passing sparked widespread tributes from people who he worked with him and others who only knew him from a far. In all their commiserations, they pointed to his unwavering passion.

Renowned poet Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa said there is a lot people need to learn from the fallen photographer especially his entrepreneurial spirit.

“He was focused. From the veranda at Lilongwe Town Hall to shooting some nationally remarkable photos, there is quite a bit to learn from his entrepreneurial spirit.”

Lawyer Khumbo Bonzoe Soko has been sharing pictures that Ras Kansengwa took during the 2020 presidential elections constitutional review court case. He described him as a national treasure whose lens captured many iconic moments of this nation’s journey.

In their statement, the Photographers Association of Malawi (Photama) said Ras Kansengwa’s work captured the country’s history, culture, politics, sports, entertainment and every day life.

Ras Kansengwa was a regular contributor for Nation Publications Limited and his pictures brought valuable addition. In 2016, he was recognised as the Best Photographer of the Year by Photama. In 2019 he also won the Best Photographer Award during the UMP Awards. 

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