Explore Ajay Lula's debut book on the vibrant Kaapse Klopse culture

Fine art photographer Ajay Lula shared his Kaapse Klopse memories in his debut book titled A Mountain Divides. 

Mr Lula, who grew up in Athlone and now lives in Vredehoek, said his motivation to work on this book was both personal and community-driven.

“I grew up watching the Klopse march through Athlone and only later understood the depth of the history behind that colour, rhythm and pride,” he said.

A Mountain Divides, which was released this month, documents the Kaapse Klopse as historians, cultural guardians, and carriers of deep intergenerational memory, not as subjects of pity or stereotype.

“A core intention of the book is to portray our communities in a way that is rare in contemporary photography, where Black and marginalised subjects are often framed through a 'poverty porn' lens,” he said. 

Mr Lula said this book will portray the community as he knows them, which is joyful, resilient, dignified, creative, proud, and powerful. In this book, he shares stories and photographs from District Six, Bo-Kaap, Elsies River, Hanover Park, and Lentegeur.

“The book explores belonging and identity, cultural inheritance, Goema musical tradition, the scars of forced removals, and the extraordinary joy that persists despite hardship,” he said.

Mr Lula is also using his debut book to raise funds for #shoot4purpose, a Cape Town-based initiative using photography to empower women who have experienced trauma, especially gender based violence. “Through mentorship, photo walks and storytelling, participants regain confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging,” he said.

Mr Lula said all proceeds raised from A Mountain Divides will be donated to #shoot4purpose, and will also support a university scholarship for a girl child from the Klopse community.

Mr Lula said it has been an “emotional” and “meaningful” experience releasing his first book. “This book represents three years of work, many hundreds of hours, and the trust of families, musicians, seamstresses and community leaders,” he said. 

He said releasing this book is not only honouring a tradition, but also the people who carry it forward with pride and resilience.

To purchase a copy of this book, email Mr Lula at  ajay@lalu.co.za 

You can also follow Mr Lula on his social media pages at  @ajay_lalu_photography on Instagram and on his website at www.lalu.co.za