• Shooting J. Cole, Drake, Viola Davis, Jaden Smith, Johnny Venus.
• Low-light venues creating a style
• Career defining shoot
• Working with Dreamville Records

Maverick Seizure has emerged as a definitive talent in documenting culture on a global scale. He has been at the centre of culture, touring with Multi-award nominated rapper and producer, J.Cole, and Grammy nominated rapper, Bas, as well as photographing hip Hop super star, Drake,  multi-award winning actress, Viola Davis, actor Jaden Smith, and Grammy nominated artist, Johnny Venus. Remember this: Maverick’s talent is immediate and is set to become important in the canon of South African photographic art. In an era where technology has converged with access, creating an image only requires a click, and everyone is a photographer. Over 100 million photos and videos are uploaded to Instagram daily. But not everyone can capture the essence of the moment, subdue time, narrate an identity and, above all, imbue that very instance with soul, transforming it into high art. The Wire exclusively speaks to Maverick Seizure about his creative journey.

The WIRE: From Zone 6 in Soweto to touring with global icons such as J. Cole and Drake, your journey is nothing short of remarkable. How did the challenges of shooting in low-light venues shape your signature style, and how has that evolution impacted your international career?

Maverick Seizure: When I was shooting low light I knew that I could get to certain colours that people couldn’t get to, and there’s a certain kind of the power that I get from that. Also finding texture that people ended up feeling was my signature look, opened so many doors for me. My work was recognized by Bas and I started traveling with him which created an opportunity for me because my images looked so different from anything else. My look is one-of-a-kind.

TW: Your ability to turn dimly lit scenes into luminous masterpieces has become your defining touch. What are the artistic inspirations behind this unique approach, and how do you balance technical expertise with creative vision in your photography?

MS: First and foremost, before I even think about an image, I think about the composition, making sure that it is amazing. Then, from what I’m seeing in my head, it translates to the feeling that I get from taking it and it all comes together. For me that is an art in itself. When I take those pictures in dimly lit spaces and bump up the ISO or bring down the aperture, it helps me  create those deep vivid colours, alive with shadowy depths. It is also my artistic vision. Sometimes when I take a picture I know it’s going to be black and white or I’m going to be able to add a grading that will be out of this world, that probably won’t even look like the real moment, but will make the image come alive.

TW: Every photographer has a shoot that stands out as career-defining. What has been the most significant photoshoot of your career to date, and why does it hold such importance in your creative journey?

MS: I think one of my favourites is joining Grammy nominated rapper Johnny Venus when we were in Ghana. He just asked me to take pictures of him while we’re out there, and I decided that I wanted to shoot by the beach.  When we got there, there were horses. Luckily these guys from Atlanta ride horses, so him being able to even stand on the horse was so amazing. That’s one of my favourite pictures of him, standing on the horse, because it’s so powerful. And I believe it really explains who we are as people of colour.

TW: Dreamville Records was a pivotal moment in your career, opening doors to international recognition. What did you learn from working with acclaimed artists such as Bass, JID and J Cole, and how did those experiences influence your perspective, creativity and collaboration.

MS: Grammy nominated rapper Bas loved my work ethic – being able to send out the images on the same night after a gig for instance. Most of the pictures that I take just happen in an organic way; they are not posed. With those images you have to be a fly on the wall, be humble and  silent, so that people forget that you there,  and you are able to capture the moment.

TW: Having photographed global superstars such as Drake and  multi-award winning actress Viola Davis, is there a particular celebrity or artist you haven’t yet worked with but would love to shoot? And what draws you to them?

MS: I would love to shoot Kendrick Lamar and Doja Cat. Kendrick is an artist whose music really looks at the philosophy of life. Most of my work touches on the same notion, so I would love to see what I could create out of that. Doja Cat is always interesting with the beautiful different characters that she brings forth. In that creative process, I know I will be engaged.

TW: Your photography often captures intimate moments that seem to resonate deeply with audiences. Can you take us through your creative process—how do you connect with your subjects and ensure those powerful emotions translate through the lens?

MS: It starts with listening intently in conversation with subjects I’ll be shooting. I pay attention to what they say about life and their experiences and this gives me a window into who they are. Very often I get a sense of their strengths, which gives rise to the emotions that are laid bare when they are photographed.

TW: As the first South African photographer to constantly work with such diverse range of world renowned artists, what are your thoughts on the current photography scene in South Africa and how do you see the role of inspiring the next generation of photographers?

MS: I definitely love where the industry of photography is going. Just being able to see my brothers and sisters creating the most beautiful work in the world and tapping into working with international brands. It’s a beautiful thing to see. Working in my lane, I believe that I’m opening many doors for South African as well as the rest of African creatives to be recognized for their talents.

TW: Looking ahead, what are your future ambitions and upcoming projects? Are there any new directions or creative challenges you’re excited to explore in your ongoing evolution as an artist on the global stage?

MS: My goal is to get into the Art world and sell my pictures, see them in galleries around the world. I’d like to also see myself as an artist, more than an Instagram photographer or creator. With that also comes presenting myself professionally in the art world, understanding the business of art and being on the other side of the lens.