In the world of Tuareg, three colors dominate: ocher, beige and blue. The arid landscapes fill the space with this clay-like tone, giving the illusion of having been modeled by an invisible god. Near the water point, humans and animals coexist, some in the tent, others in front of the entrance such as guard dogs that a magic wand would have enlarged to ideal dimensions. Women go about their business. Mistresses of this nomad dwellings must provide for all needs. They are the soul of the camp and their role has nothing to envy comparing to that of men: they also struggle to preserve their nomadic way of life, which became more and more fragile because of artificial borders drawn by other men – the settlers.

At all times, the Tuareg people have recognized women as eminent, making them the sole owner of the tent, a symbol of nomadic life. Broadly preceding Western societies, which still tend to regard their feminine elements as accessories, the Tuaregs, men and women, are concerned with equality and claim equal rights and duties.

Despite the difficulties that accumulate, the Tuaregs are still traveling. They welcomed Moja with the simplicity that characterizes them, during one of the stages of their journey. While everyone is resting, Moja photographs his models dressed in colorful dresses. Near the stream, all the living drink to this precious and rare nature, some even play the undines to better withstand the sun’s rays.

The desert calls humility; here, from the delicate step of the model to the wide foot of the camel, all footprint disappears very quickly. The sand is master of the place. The so-called “blue men” are well aware of this, who have always lived in symbiosis with that nature which cannot be tamed, but which welcomes and provides what is necessary to whom, as the philosopher says, “have enough of what is enough”.

The on-board photo equipment for this expedition has been painstakingly selected so as not to be ostentatious, but effective and practical for the project.

The broncolor MOVE battery power pack, this little beauty has it all, featuring 1200ws of power and a range of up to 9 f-stops whilst delivering absolute color stability and consistency across the entire power range. What else!

Two broncolor MOVE with four MobiLEDs got all the jobs done. So handy and light to travel through the desert. So strong despite the desert dust, despite the oasis’ water drops, despite the bumpy roads of uncharted, despite the searing heat of the sun during the day and the coldness of desert nights. Four Softboxes, two P70 reflectors with grids, and my beloved broncolor PARA 133 made my life so easy at every stage of the day throughout the amazing journey across Mauritania.

MOJA is a photographer who has gathered around him a team of professionals who are passionate about aesthetics, fashion, performing arts, graphic design and plastic arts, architecture and decoration.

Find out more about MOJA on awamumoja.com/

Instagram: @awamumoja