Herve Martiak

Herve Martiak A visual storyteller pictures

EID AL-ADHA 2026 IN KINAMA: SACRIFICE, COMMUNITY, AND THE SACRED BONDOn May 27, 2026, the streets and courtyards of the ...
27/05/2026

EID AL-ADHA 2026 IN KINAMA: SACRIFICE, COMMUNITY, AND THE SACRED BOND

On May 27, 2026, the streets and courtyards of the Kinama neighborhood in Bujumbura transformed into spaces of profound devotion and collective unity as the community gathered to celebrate Eid al-Adha. The air was filled with a spirit of devotion as families and neighbors joined hands in the sacred ritual of the sacrifice (Udhiyah), a timeless practice that goes far beyond the act itself.

From the quiet, focused moments of preparation and the precise distribution of the meat, to the vibrant street portraits of families in their finest clothing, every corner of the neighborhood reflected a shared commitment to generosity. Young and old stood side by side, ensuring that the essence of the day looking out for one another and ensuring no one is left behind was honored fully.

The day culminated around shared platters, where the fruits of the sacrifice brought people together, sealing the celebration with laughter, gratitude, and deep connection. Despite the everyday complexities of urban life, these moments remind us of the powerful threads that hold a community together.



© 2026 Herve Shabani all rights reserved

During my days in Uvira DRC, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with several Wazalendo, many of whom hold junior ra...
02/05/2026

During my days in Uvira DRC, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with several Wazalendo, many of whom hold junior ranks such as C4.

In our conversations, they shared the complex reasons behind their journey. Some joined the ranks out of a deep sense of patriotism to fight for their nation. Others joined to escape the mistreatment and physical discipline from within the movement itself, seeking respect through the uniform.

I chose to capture them in their daily environment to show the human side of these choices. Beyond the conflict, these images capture young men cook a meal, reflecting, and navigating the weight of their reality.

It’s a story of youth, sacrifice, and the weight of a nation’s future.



©️2026 Herve Shabani all right reserved

29/04/2026

Celebrating my 7th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

MAZARA: The Heart of Family In late 2024, I spent time documenting the life of a woman I truly consider a mother, Mama S...
17/04/2026

MAZARA: The Heart of Family
In late 2024, I spent time documenting the life of a woman I truly consider a mother, Mama Safi Bigirimana, known to many as “Mazara.”

Set in the vibrant streets of Kinama, this project is a tribute to the power of family. Unlike many businesses, Mazara’s kitchen is a collective heartbeat where her husband and all their children work side-by-side every day to serve the community.

The name “Mazara” itself carries a deep connection to her daughter, Zara, who is currently working in Oman. Even from across the ocean, Zara’s journey fuels the fire in this kitchen, showing how family bonds can bridge any distance.



©️2024 Herve Shabani all right reserved

EID AL-FITR 2026 IN KINAMA: FAITH, CONVERGENCE, AND THE SPIRIT OF THE NEIGHBORHOODOn March 20, 2026, the Kinama neighbor...
20/03/2026

EID AL-FITR 2026 IN KINAMA: FAITH, CONVERGENCE, AND THE SPIRIT OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD

On March 20, 2026, the Kinama neighborhood of Bujumbura came alive with a deep sense of peace and celebration as thousands gathered to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The main Kinama grounds, situated near the heart of Zone Kinama, transformed into a sea of color and devotion, with rows of worshippers filling every corner of the field for the Eid prayers.

The roads leading to the grounds were packed with families walking together, children in their finest new clothes, and neighbors exchanging smiles and blessings.

Despite the daily challenges of urban life, the streets of Kinama buzzed with a shared spirit of solidarity. Following the prayers, religious leaders called for peace and compassion within the community, emphasizing that Eid is more than a celebration, it is a time for reflection and looking out for one another in the neighborhood.

“Eid is the bridge that connects us all; it reminds us that here in Kinama, we are one body.”



©️2026 Herve Shabani all right reserved

History in the making. Stade Intwari officially launched by the President of Burundi. Ready for the next chapter of Buru...
10/02/2026

History in the making. Stade Intwari officially launched by the President of Burundi. Ready for the next chapter of Burundian sports!

My photo story “Identity in the Flow” has won Second Place at the international Walk of Water: Identities contest by , c...
28/01/2026

My photo story “Identity in the Flow” has won Second Place at the international Walk of Water: Identities contest by , convened with WWAP. Out of nearly 1,000 submissions, being selected as one of the winners is deeply humbling, and I don’t take it lightly.

The journey of creating this work documenting the women of Carama and their resilience amidst the floodwaters—wasn’t easy, but it was intentional. Seeing these stories of identity and strength from Bujumbura receive international recognition means the world to me and my ongoing Kinama Stories project.

Thank you to , WWAP, and the esteemed jury for seeing this work and the powerful story of resilience it carries.



Capturing the authentic spirit of New Year’s Day in Kinama, Bujumbura. From shared meals and heartfelt conversations to ...
01/01/2026

Capturing the authentic spirit of New Year’s Day in Kinama, Bujumbura. From shared meals and heartfelt conversations to the radiant joy of these children, every frame tells a story of connection, resilience, and optimism. Wishing everyone a prosperous and peaceful 2026!
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©️2026 Herve Shabani all right reserved

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