Capturing Jozi with Leon Krige
Leon Krige isn’t your average photographer. He’s a lecturer in architectural and environmental design, and passionate about capturing its ever-changing Jozi’s soul through photography. Despite Johannesburg’s struggles, Leon sees a city brimming with resilience, a “mining town empty of gold but we’re all still digging.”
A true JoziStyler, Leon embodies the city’s hustle and heart. Weekends are a delightful mix of self-care (roasting exquisite African coffee and indulging in delicious brunches), design exploration (checking out the latest from Diesel), and artistic appreciation (cupping rare coffees, listening to vinyl on a vintage sound system, and enjoying live jazz with friends).
Leon’s enthusiasm for Johannesburg is infectious, whether it’s the perfect weather, the captivating live music scene, or the hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, of course, we had to interview him!
What do you love about Jozi?
It’s the most resilient city I’ve ever been in, despite the constant decay there’s a sense of survival at every level. The mining town is empty of gold but we’re all still digging.
What do you do in Jozi?
Lecture in architectural and environmental design at the University of Johannesburg, previously taught at Wits & UP, photograph cities in transformation for research and exhibitions.
Are you a morning or evening person?
I survive mornings only because of fine African coffee, deep thoughts start in the afternoons and are explored and developed at night.
Describe a typical or ideal day in your life.
Mornings are for work, admin and keeping my home organized, fueled by home-roasted African coffee in an Alessi mocha pot, the critical start of the day. (Prospect)
Afternoons are for revising thoughts, while driving, going for coffee at Father and meditation during a gym workout, it reminds me of a Roman Agora. (Concept)
Evenings are for greeting my 2 cats, my most faithful companions, matching fine wine in different glass shapes with simple food, and then long hours of photographic work. (Affect)
Getting access to a rooftop in the city about 15 to 30 storeys high for long night rooftop shoots, both analogue (home processed b & w film and digital for panoramic stitch.
Checking digital files for sharpness and exposure with a test stitch or processing analogue film from long exposures on my old 6 x 9cm Linhof, I love the processing part.
What makes someone a JoziStyler?
The will to hustle, right here in the city of empty gold, not to run away from its hard beauty.
How do you spend your weekends in Jozi?
Roasting fresh coffee from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya or other African regions, making brunch with croissants, fine cheese with fruit, basil and the best coffee.
Checking out the latest designs by Diesel, my favourite design company, sometimes online or at any Diesel outlets while trying not to buy anything, (that’s impossible I know)
Going for cupping or rare African coffee at Father Coffee in Kramerville or Rosebank & gelato at Minikuro or La Cremosa.
Listening to vinyl on a very good old analogue system with an air-driven tonearm, the whole system dates from 1984/5 before digital music started.
Meeting with family or a good friend to share fine Italian or French wine.. gym late afternoon always clears the mind before chill time.
What’s your favourite season in Jozi?
Spring and Autumn
Your number one reason for people to visit Jozi?
Good weather and great live jazz musicians
Your favourite hotel in Jozi for a #Staycation?
I’m a home person, maybe somewhere intimate in Westcliff with a great view.
Your favourite holiday spot outside Jozi?
Magoebaskloof & Coromandel farm in Mpumalanga and Roma or Northern Italy.
Your favourite restaurant in Jozi?
O’Vicente or 1920, Portuguese steak is great with big red, and prawns are great with grower champagne.
Describe yourself as a cocktail.
Kenya kikuru single origin as a double espresso before sunset or Henri Giraud Blanc de Blanc organic grower champagne after sunset.
Favourite spot for sundowners?
Walk on Linksfield Ridge
Describe your ideal date night in Jozi?
Watching Dune Part 1 & Part 2 in a good movie house or going to live jazz with the best musicians in Mzansi.
Follow www.instagram.com/leon.krige.
