Mike Kirkland & Dave Haworth - Mohamed Amin

Car 22 Mike Kirkland & Dave Haworth Datsun Violet 710 CS21 along Kabarnet-Kipkorian road in Kenya. Kenya’s renowned photojournalist Mohamed Amin, one of his favourite jobs, was the East African Safari Rally. During the five-day, 3,500-mile event, Mo (also known as ‘Six Camera Mo’) and his Camerapix crew would work flat out to deliver on time. Often they slept out in their battered Land Cruiser, miles from the beaten track, in order to claim the best position for filming. Mo covered this gruelling test of endurance for more than 25 years, and his film reports of the rally achieved legendary status. Sometimes in his desire to get as close as possible to the action, he made the news himself. In March 1978 he parked his vehicle next to a flooded track and, together with his new partner, Duncan Willetts, set up his tripod and camera on the roof to capture the cars as they sped past at 80 mph, spewing sheets of water on either side. For Willetts it was a dramatic introduction to his first Safari Rally. Suddenly Japanese driver Yoshio Iwashita arrived on the scene and broadsided out of control. The careering car hurtled off the road, rammed into the Land Cruiser, and pitched Mo and Willetts into a mud-filled ditch. The incident left Mo with a broken wrist, but typically he kept his cameras running throughout to provide the evening television bulletins with some spectacular footage. His professionalism led to Iwashita receiving an anxious phone call from his wife in Tokyo. Not wanting to worry his wife Iwashha had not told her about the crash, but thanks to Mo and Visnews film of the incident had been screened in Japan. Sometimes in his enthusiasm to be first or to get a saleable shot, Mo would stretch the rules.

• Subject Matter: The image encapsulates the exhilarating spirit of motorsport—specifically, the East African Safari Rally—celebrating victory amidst challenging conditions. Two figures atop a Datsun Violet 710 represent triumph and camaraderie, framed against the backdrop of a bustling rally event.
• Composition: Dynamic framing dominates the scene, with Kirkland & Haworth positioned centrally as focal points. Strategic signage (Omega, Kenya Airways) and the KICC building contribute depth to the composition, grounding the image in its Kenyan location. The expansive crowd adds visual interest and reinforces the atmosphere of excitement.
• Color Palette: Presented in monochrome, the photograph leverages tonal variation—ranging from deep blacks to brilliant whites—to heighten contrast and emphasize key elements within the frame. This deliberate choice underscores the documentary nature of the artwork.
• Technique & Materials: Captured using a traditional camera with film, the image exemplifies meticulous photographic craftsmanship. Careful attention was paid to exposure settings to ensure optimal detail capture in both highlights and shadows, resulting in a timeless aesthetic.

Historical Context – The Safari Rally Legacy

The photograph commemorates a pivotal moment in Kenyan motorsport history—the East African Safari Rally, an annual endurance test of vehicles and drivers that cemented Mo Amin’s reputation as one of Africa's foremost photojournalists. For over two decades, Amin relentlessly pursued exceptional images documenting this grueling event, achieving legendary status within the photographic community. The incident involving Iwashita serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in pursuing journalistic excellence—a testament to Amin’s unwavering dedication and commitment to capturing the essence of adventure.

Symbolism – Triumph Amidst Adversity

The positioning of Kirkland & Haworth atop the car symbolizes victory against formidable obstacles—the flooded track, the chaotic rally environment, and ultimately, Mo Amin's personal injury. The photograph’s stark monochrome palette reinforces this theme of resilience and perseverance, conveying a sense of solemn grandeur. Furthermore, the inclusion of the KICC building represents Kenya’s ambition for progress and international recognition during the 1970s—a visual anchor connecting the individual achievement to broader societal aspirations.

Emotional Impact – Capturing Raw Emotion

The photograph evokes feelings of exhilaration, triumph, and profound respect for Amin's unwavering professionalism. It encapsulates a frozen moment in time—a snapshot of daring journalistic pursuit—inspiring viewers with its depiction of courage and determination. The image’s understated elegance speaks to the enduring power of documentary photography to convey emotion and capture the spirit of an unforgettable event.