TWENDE,
R A F I K I!

"Let's Go, Friend!"

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We are not the deserts
we were born into

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We are not the mute silhouettes
you imprison
In the landscapes
of safari photographs.

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Our minds
are fertile ground

and our dreams have roamed further than our herds ever will

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WE HAVE GROWN WEARY OF SMILING
FOR THE UNBLINKING GAZES
OF VISITORS WHOSE GAPING LENSES
SEE US AS WILDLIFE

...ONLY TO TURN AWAY BEFORE SEEING US AS PEOPLE.

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Still, our slender arms remain open
to welcome those who would seek to truly know us.

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above the sun
baked sands
that our
feet dance upon.
Over the waters from which we, and our cattle, have knelt to drink.
there are endless skies waiting
to embrace us.

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if your hearts
are open,
we will show you
how our people jump.

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and how the maAsai have flown
for a thousand years.

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"Twende, Rafiki!"

Photography by Christian Rodriguez
Models: Siphael Shomet, Papaa Kinye Lemolo Ngaiyani and Lebaati Yakobo
Cello (Film Soundtrack) by Joshua Roman
Creative Direction + Words by Walé Oyéjidé