Daijiworld Media Network – Colaba

Colaba, Sep 10: Long before contemporary photographers captured Zambia’s vibrant life, Prabhubhai Vilas, a Bombay-trained hand-tinting artist, quietly transformed how Zambians saw themselves. Migrating to Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in the early 20th century, Vilas set up Fine Art Studios in 1954 on Lusaka’s Livingstone Road, welcoming Black Zambians at a time when photography was largely reserved for white clientele.

“The studio became a site of self-affirmation in colonial times,” says Lusaka-based artist Sana Ginwalla. Vilas’ portraits, often hand-tinted, captured Black Zambians as protagonists of their own stories—dressed in their best, choosing how they wanted to be remembered. Ginwalla, who discovered Vilas’ attic archive decades later, found rare portraits of future president Kenneth Kaunda alongside Mahatma Gandhi, as well as images of everyday life, freedom fighters, and notable figures like Edward Mukuka Nkoloso, founder of Zambia’s space programme.

Vilas also mentored a new generation of photographers, including Alick Phiri, who recalls learning not only the craft but also business skills and respect for clients from his mentor. “Once photos were developed, clients would forget all their prejudices,” Phiri said.

Fine Art Studios, strategically located near the United National Independence Party headquarters, played a subtle political role as well, even witnessing independence day celebrations in 1964. Vilas’ legacy—bridging artistic excellence, social empowerment, and political symbolism—remains alive through archives, exhibitions, and the stories of those he mentored.