On this episode of The PHYS Podcast, Tyson Martin sits down with Joseph “Sagonige Yanasi” Pekara, an internationally recognized photographer whose work has left a lasting mark on both the music industry and Indigenous fashion photography.

Throughout an award-winning career, Joseph has photographed some of the most influential names in music, creating powerful visual narratives for artists including Nappy Roots, Erica Banks, Red Berry Woman, Rihanna, Wale, Nicki Minaj, Wu-Tang Clan, Hieroglyphics, DJ Snake, and 50 Cent. His images have become more than promotional photographs—they serve as cultural documents that preserve moments, movements, and stories for future generations.

Yet Joseph's work extends far beyond celebrity portraiture and music photography.

Deeply rooted in his Indigenous heritage, Joseph approaches photography as a tool for cultural preservation, education, empowerment, and community building. Through every image he creates, he seeks to honor the generations who came before him while helping create opportunities for those who will follow.

His photography exists at the intersection of art, culture, identity, and storytelling, demonstrating how powerful visual narratives can strengthen communities and inspire meaningful change.

In this episode, Tyson and Joseph explore the responsibility that comes with documenting culture, the importance of Indigenous representation in the arts, and how photography can become a bridge between history, tradition, and contemporary life.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Joseph “Sagonige Yanasi” Pekara's journey as an award-winning photographer
• How music photography helped shape his creative career
• Stories from working with artists including Wu-Tang Clan, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Wale, DJ Snake, and 50 Cent
• The influence of Indigenous culture on his artistic vision and storytelling approach
• Why representation and cultural preservation matter in photography
• The role photography plays in empowering communities and inspiring future generations
• Lessons learned from decades of documenting music, fashion, and culture
• How visual storytelling can preserve history while shaping the future
• A look ahead at future collaborations celebrating Indigenous culture and creativity

This episode is a powerful conversation about creativity, identity, culture, and the responsibility artists have to tell stories that matter.

Joseph's work reminds us that photography is more than image-making. It is a way of preserving memory, celebrating culture, creating visibility, and building connections across generations.

Whether photographing world-renowned musicians or documenting Indigenous communities, his mission remains the same: to create images that carry meaning, honor people, and tell stories that deserve to be remembered.

Whether you're a photographer, artist, musician, storyteller, educator, or someone interested in culture and community, this conversation offers valuable insight into using creativity as a force for empowerment and positive change.

The most meaningful photographs do more than capture a moment—they preserve a legacy.

Follow Joseph “Sagonige Yanasi” Pekara
Instagram: @pharaoh171photography