ZAMA Creative
ZAMA Creative is all about the solo projects. represents the creative wing of my work. All of these projects whether they are personally sourced or collaboratively made, They are the projects that matter because they matter to me. I separate them thusly from the body of work for Upobound Media Group.
Finding Space for Self in Service
The word Zama, in both Zulu and Xhosa, translates loosely to “to endeavor,” “to attempt,” or “to try.” It’s a simple yet profound term that resonates deeply with me. Beyond its linguistic beauty, the word encapsulates the perseverance I’ve needed throughout my life.
During the pandemic, as my family faced immense challenges—my father’s health crises, the weight of caregiving, and personal traumas—the concept of Zama became more than a verb. It became a mantra, a gerund that embodied our fight to persevere through hardships while staying true to ourselves.
The Ethos of ZAMA
This ethos of endeavoring defines Zama Creative, a space where my family and I produce personal projects born from passion, resilience, and pure creative expression. Unlike Upbound Media Group LLC, which focuses on media solutions and services for others, Zama Creative is dedicated to internal projects of artistic venture.
From my mother rekindling her musical journey to my own unfiltered creative pursuits, Zama Creative is our platform for presenting work that is uncompromised and unapologetic.
The Ethos of ZAMA
This ethos of endeavoring defines Zama Creative, a space where my family and I produce personal projects born from passion, resilience, and pure creative expression. Unlike Upbound Media Group LLC, which focuses on media solutions and services for others, Zama Creative is dedicated to internal projects of artistic venture.
From my mother rekindling her musical journey to my own unfiltered creative pursuits, Zama Creative is our platform for presenting work that is uncompromised and unapologetic.
Wisdom from Many
To me, creativity is not siloed. My work in education, caregiving, and community engagement informs my media artistry just as much as my experience in photography, videography, and consulting. These intersecting modalities converge into a singular vision, driven by my commitment to justice and authenticity in every endeavor.
As Zama the Creative, I endeavor to be.
Blerd Speak • Speaking Blerdily
An online space exploring the eclectic interests of a proud Black nerd, featuring thoughtful video essays, gaming streams, and discussions that celebrate the intersection of identity, fandom, and creativity.
Quiet Care • Honor Account
A heartfelt chronicle of my journey as a caregiver for my father, documenting the challenges, joys, and reflections that come with supporting a loved one battling neurological degenerative conditions. An honorific to the online community of care blazers which helped me feel not alone and provided so many resources & reassurances.
SAS • An Artist Reveal • UpMG Production
A creative endeavor capturing the soulful artistry of my mother’s musical journey, blending her lifelong passion for music with a renewed focus on self-expression and legacy-building.
Fringe Glass • Video Essays of Optics
An exploration of vintage and obscure camera lenses from the past century, blending technical insights with creative experimentation to uncover the unique character and potential of these hidden optical gems.
Trek Realist • Star Trek Video Essays
A reflective dive into the cultural and personal impact of Star Trek, examining its themes, fan discourse, and how it continues to inspire through its idealism and storytelling.
Don OS • Life & Process Vlog
A window into my meticulous routines and eccentric processes, showcasing my unique approach to everyday carry, productivity, and creative problem-solving, all through the lens of my personal “operating system.”
Once I Trot • ZC Photo Series
A travel-inspired photo series capturing vibrant and intimate moments across my journeys, blending documentary style with personal reflections on culture, place, and memory.
SATO • Starfleet Archive of Tactical Operations
An imaginative exploration of Star Trek’s tactical and technical lore, curating analyses of historic battles, overlooked skirmishes, and beta-canon doctrines within the Federation’s storied history.
In-an-Instant • ZC Photo Series
A visual celebration of fleeting moments, captured using instant film to preserve the raw, analog beauty of candid memories and spontaneous storytelling.
ZAMA Anthology • In Development Film Series
A collection of short soft sci-fi films in development, uniting themes of humanity, connection, and introspection through narratives that seek to resonate deeply with the times we live in.
ZAMA Photo Series • As It Was (Formerly Fade to Black)
An introspective photography series focused on capturing sectors of New York City, as they were, As some of us may remember before changes of modern times.
This One Soul (Formerly Legacy) • Docu-Series
A documentary series exploring the legacies of everyday individuals whose lives and work may otherwise go unsung, celebrating the enduring impact of their passions and pursuits on their journeys in their community.
Zama’s College Series Micro Shorts
Everyone starts somewhere. While I work on my first short film anthology series, I invite you to take a trip down memory lane. Below are select micro short films I created during my undergraduate Filmmaking 101 class or for online filmmaking challenges in the years that followed. These represent the foundation of my journey into narrative storytelling.
Double Vision
Here
War Torn
Double Vision • One minute Film Riot Challenge • Director’s Cut
“Double Vision” was created as part of a one-minute short film challenge hosted by the YouTube channel Film Riot. The challenge required us to include three elements: a point-of-view follow shot inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, a plunger, and the phrase “It’s not mine”—all within 60 seconds. With limited resources but abundant creativity, I collaborated with friends to bring this concept to life.
Here • Independent Micro Short Film
This micro short emerged from a serendipitous moment during my senior year at Trinity College. I stumbled upon the chapel bathed in golden sunset light, its grand piano beckoning near the entrance. The campus was quiet ahead of the students’ arrival, and the space felt almost sacred. I asked two friends to help me capture a fleeting story: a brief reflection on loss, framed by the tranquility of the moment.
War Torn • Roly Polis War Asset Challenge
“War Torn” explores a veteran’s struggle with PTSD and pharmaceutically induced depression. While this topic is not one I have personally experienced, it presented a unique challenge from another Film Riot competition. The task was to incorporate war sound effects and assets into a short film. Instead of leaning into a classic backyard Super 8-style World War II homage, I aimed for a more introspective narrative, one focused on human overwhelm.