A budding photographer from KZN is behind the photos that captured a nation and the world—’Miss Albany’. The pictures have surpassed viral status at over a million views, but this was no commercial campaign. Here’s the special story behind the project:
South Africa (13 July, 2023) — By now most people with social media access have seen a dose of pure joy pop up on their screens thanks to the viral ‘Miss Albany’, AKA the ‘Albany Bread Girl’.
Photo Credit: Lungisa Mjaji
You’d be forgiven for thinking this was some kind of campaign paid for by Albany, but the full story behind the viral photos and video is worlds away from corporate photography.
Its story begins with a budding photography student, Lungisa Mjaji who hails from KwaZulu-Natal. As a recently enrolled photography student at the Tshwane University of Technology, Mjaji was tasked with a university assignment which led him to a life-changing idea.
His project, ‘My Footprint’ aimed to capture elements of rural South Africa in a different, joyful light.
Mjaji’s mother was fully behind his creative journey, funding the bread for the shoot as the photographer shared.
Miss Albany is the photographer’s 3-year-old niece who happily agreed to be the model for the project. Anointed with a proudly South African prop, little Lethukukhanya Mjaji quickly became the face of a South African moment everyone can relate to—the joy of simplicity.
With a beaming smile like hers against the backdrop of muddy waters, it wasn’t long until the photos and videos blew up and captured South Africans as well as global onlookers, receiving millions of views.
Something about the pureness of her smile against a backdrop that is far from glossy reminded South Africans of our nation’s spirit.
Since the photos broke the internet in the best way, people have demanded billboards and for Lethukukhanya to become the face of the brand.
In fact, she has resonated so much with people that artists have even dedicated creations to her.
This has to one of the best story to unfold of a series of pictures captured buy Lungisani Mjaji. Realistic and true reflection of daily realities 💙
The girl with a Albany loaf of bread. pic.twitter.com/C2ACRosMRW
— Ennock Mlangeni (@ennockmartZA) July 11, 2023
Thanks to Mjaji and the magic his photography created, both he and his niece now have better opportunities in life. Albany has reportedly even given them both gifts, and the next step we’re all rooting for is a billboard!
by 