Exploring Lusaka Through a Retro Lens: Photography and Style
Lusaka, the vibrant capital of Zambia, is often viewed through the lens of modernity — malls, fast-paced growth, and rising towers. But tucked between its bustling avenues and winding side streets lies a soulful nostalgia waiting to be uncovered. In a time where everything is instant, curated, and sleek, there’s something profoundly refreshing about slowing down and exploring Lusaka through a retro lens — one filled with film grain, vintage fashion, and a deep appreciation for timeless charm.
This article invites you to rediscover Lusaka, not through the latest trends, but by embracing vintage aesthetics, retro photography, and the enduring beauty of classic style. Whether you’re a photographer, a fashion lover, or simply someone with a soft spot for the past, this journey through Lusaka will inspire you to look at the city with new (old) eyes.
Rediscovering Lusaka Through the Camera
Photography is one of the most powerful ways to capture a city’s essence. While digital photography dominates today, there’s a growing subculture in Lusaka embracing film cameras, disposable cameras, and editing styles that evoke the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Retro photography isn’t just about the tools — it’s about the mood: light leaks, warm tones, natural textures, and candid moments.
Best Retro-Inspired Photo Spots in Lusaka:
The Lusaka National Museum: With its colonial-era architecture and art-deco inspired structure, the museum is a great backdrop for retro photo shoots. Capture it at golden hour for warm vintage tones.
Chilenje House 394: Once the residence of Zambia’s first president, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, this preserved house offers a time capsule into Zambia’s post-independence era. The furniture, radios, and wall art make it a perfect site for storytelling through a nostalgic lens.
Freedom Statue: Monumental and powerful, the statue resonates with historical significance. Snap it from a low angle, grain filter on, and you’ve got yourself a retro postcard.
The Rise of Vintage Style in the Capital
Lusaka’s fashion scene is buzzing with individuality — and lately, that means a revival of retro trends. Young creatives are mixing vintage clothing with modern flair: flared trousers, oversized denim jackets, silk blouses, bold prints, and platform shoes are making a comeback.
Vintage isn’t just a style — it’s a lifestyle rooted in sustainability, creativity, and personal expression. Local markets, family closets, and secondhand stores are goldmines for fashion finds that tell a story.
Where to Find Retro Fashion in Lusaka:
Dapp Stores: With a sharp eye and a bit of patience, you can uncover vintage coats, high-waisted jeans, 90s shirts, and even old-school sneakers. Stallholders are always rotating stock, so every visit feels like a treasure hunt.
Salaula Markets: Found in multiple parts of the city like Kamwala and city market, salaula (meaning “to rummage through”) offers everything from old Levi’s to vintage handbags. Look for pieces with character — embroidery, textures, or prints from another era.
Local Vintage Curators on Instagram: These often curate the best pieces from secondhand finds, styled for the modern creative. They offer delivery and sometimes pop-up events for shopping in-person.
Style Tip: Pair your retro finds with natural makeup, minimal accessories, and a vintage camera slung over your shoulder. You’re not just wearing clothes — you’re telling a story.
Retro Cafés and Hangouts
Once you’re styled and camera-ready, you’ll want the perfect spot to hang out, sip something nostalgic, and feel the rhythm of Lusaka’s slow charm. Luckily, several places in the city offer just the right vibe. Restaurants like Petite Paris, 1903 A Harley Davidson cafe and Brew me Cafe , feel like a step back in time, with rotating exhibits, wooden interiors, and a refined quietness, design-forward coffee with a minimalist, old-soul ambience. The vinyl player sometimes hums jazz in the background, and their aesthetic is perfect for portraits and flatlays.
Bonus Tip: Order tea or a classic drink — something you imagine your grandparents sipping on. Earl Grey with a slice of lemon, or a cold soda in a glass bottle, completes the mood.
A Retro Day Itinerary in Lusaka
Here’s how you can plan your own retro day in Lusaka:
Morning:
Wake up and dress in your vintage best — flare jeans, linen shirt, and a silk scarf.
Grab your camera (film, digital, or even a smartphone with a retro editing app like Huji or Dazz Cam).
Head to Chilenje House 394 for a quiet, introspective photo session.
Afternoon:
Grab lunch at Brew me Café. Read an old book, sketch, or journal between sips of tea.
Wander through Kamwala Market or City Market, capturing everyday life: vendors selling chitenge fabric, kids playing by the roadside, tailors sewing beneath tin roofs.
Evening:
Watch the sunset at Longacres Roundabout or Independence Avenue, where old cars pass slowly and the sky burns orange.
End your day at home or a friend’s place, sharing film scans, creating mood boards, or editing your photos to match the vibe of the day.
Final Thoughts: Slow Living in a Fast City
Lusaka may be fast-paced, but its spirit is deeply rooted in storytelling, culture, and the preservation of memory. Exploring the city through a retro lens isn’t about rejecting the present — it’s about honouring the beauty of what came before. From the quiet echoes of old houses to the vibrant chaos of secondhand markets, Lusaka offers plenty for those willing to pause, look closely, and feel deeply.
So the next time you step out, do so in retro style. Let the old soul of Lusaka speak to you — through the click of a shutter, the rustle of vintage fabric, or the hum of an old tune playing in a market. You’ll find that the past isn’t gone — it’s all around, just waiting to be seen. When we can embrace where we have come from, maybe we can even preserve the retro that still exists in the city.
Every good plan begins with the calendar. See what’s on in Lusaka!
