Meet Penjo Baba: a Photographer Making the Difference
When it comes to photography, one could safely say that there are two photographers in Cameroon; Penjo Baba and others. Tall, dark and handsome Peter Njodzeka commonly referred to as “Penjo Baba” has used his cameras to tell stories, defy stereotypes and inspire change. In this interview, he tells us about his exploits as a photographer, philanthropist and his hilarious appearance in a movie. Enjoy!
It is great to meet you Penjo. Your real name is Peter Njodzeka so where did the name ‘Penjo Baba’ stem from?
Penjo is a combination that came from our two names. Pe comes from Peter and Njo comes from Njodzeka so Pe-Njo. ‘Baba’ is the name we got from Nigeria in 2012 while working at the Miss University Africa competition. We were taking pictures everyday and because of the quality of our work the Nigerians developed respect for us and started calling us ‘Baba’.
You are very passionate about what you do. What led to this love for photography?
Initially, we had not considered getting into photography or cinematography. However, while doing ICT we stumbled on a US based NGO called Engineers Without Borders. That was in 2005. After studying what they do, we communicated with them and we eventually became partners working together on a water project in Nkuv, Cameroon. After that, we started work with another US based NGO called Thirst Relief International. While we did this community service, we were required to send pictures to complement our monthly reports. We had no camera then. So we would borrow an analog camera from a friend and take these pictures which we would send to them. The chairperson of the NGO Jim Hicks, who was equally a photographer greatly loved our photography. This is how our interest in photography was born. We began studying more on how to improve our talent. Eventually we saved some money and got a professional camera for myself and also created our brand, ‘Penjo Entertainment’.
Tell us more about ‘Penjo Entertainment’. What sort of work do you do under this brand?
Penjo Entertainment is a production house that handles everything pertaining to entertainment and showbiz. We founded it in 2007. We do movie production, music video shoots, professional photography, talent shows, beauty and fashion shows and others.
What were the challenges you faced at your debut?
In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. We had to teach myself. Thank God for the internet tutorials that helped us. Right now, our major challenge is marketing our works.
It is interesting to see how you metamorphosed from a wannabe actor to an entrepreneur. Tell us about the role you played in the Cameroonian/Nigerian movie, ‘Peace Offering’.
(Laughs) Peace Offering! Wow, those are the days we will never forget. Although we were just doing it just with passion and no direction. We really wanted to be behind the cameras but at that moment there were so many people occupying that position. So we decided to try acting. We featured as one of the village warriors… when we watch that movie now we laugh at myself throughout. It was a great time though!
That is quite hilarious! By the way, someone told us you now have the best cameras for shooting movies in the country. Would you say that yourself?
Our passion for our work is linked to making sure we get the best quality of everything we do and that’s the reason why we have always invested in good cameras for almost 8 years today since Penjo Entertainment has been in existence. It is our believe that branding involves sacrifices before you can stand out. We keep moving on, doing the most we can.
You have worked on short films, documentaries, fashion shows and other projects. Which of these is your favourite?
All our projects are our best. This is because we do all of them with a lot of passion. All of them have to do with changing people’s lives and because of that, we see all our projects as the same in many ways.
Your passion for philantropic work seems to be unending. Why is that?
Even though photography and cinematography pay the bills, charity work is what satisfies our heart. It is where we started and we have always wanted to give back to the community.
What advice do you have for those who desire to be like you?
They should set their goals higher and work towards them everyday like they have never had any other dreams before. Focus and hardwork are important, but humility, respect, consistency and love come first.
Where do you see Penjo Baba in five years?
In five years we see myself owning more professional equipment. We will equally continue to improve communities through charity and entertainment projects.
What are your hobbies?
We are addicted to cameras! We love traveling, working and eating.
So what is your favourite meal?
Ndole and Yam
Thank you Penjo Baba for taking this time out to talk about yourself!
Thank you too Precious! We enjoyed talking about our work.
