Never-Say-Never Anwar Has Seen It All In Motorsport
By Mwambazi Lawrence
Few events combine the drama, emotion, and awe-inspiring skill of motorsport, but few experience it quite like the legendary photojournalist, Anwar Sidi. Born in May 1960 in Meru, Kenya, Anwar has dedicated his life to capturing the heart-pounding action of motorsport. A Kenyan by nationality, he has been a fixture in rally photography for over four decades, witnessing the evolution of the sport and its technology. His career as a photojournalist, specializing in motorsports, has made him a living legend in the industry. For over 40 years, Anwar’s lens has been at the heart of some of the most iconic moments in the sport, from the rough terrain of the Safari Rally to the thrilling stages of the WRC, making him one of the most recognized figures in rally photography.
Known affectionately as “Anu” in racing circles, Anwar’s career in motorsport photography has spanned the evolution of rallying, from film cameras to digital technology, and he’s been there to witness it all. One event that stands out in his extraordinary journey is the Safari Rally, where he has been a constant presence since 1981. His involvement in the rally is unparalleled he is the only journalist to have covered all 24 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally events, making him a living legend in the region.
“It’s a record that speaks for itself,” Anwar reflects. “I’ve witnessed 14 rollovers and crashes something no one else has done. My portfolio, dating back to 1983, is proof to that history.”
But Anwar’s story isn’t just about records. It’s also about overcoming the odds. In the early years, rally coverage came with its fair share of struggles. In 1983, Anwar earned a meagre salary of just Ksh. 4,000, which didn’t leave much for the essentials. Accommodation was often a challenge, forcing him to sleep in the back of a Datsun pick-up truck, surviving on a packet of chips and a Coke. Yet his dedication to the sport and photography never wavered.
“My budget at the time was tight,” he recalls. “Two rolls of black-and-white film, 12 AA batteries for the flash, and enough for a snack and fuel. It was tough, but we loved the rally. It was a lifestyle, not just a job.”
Despite the hardships, Anwar’s passion for motorsport photography grew, and so did his reputation. Over the years, he captured some of the most iconic moments in the sport, earning recognition from international publications such as Autosport, Rallysport, Motoring News, and Rally Course. His long-standing relationship with The Nation newspaper remains a defining feature of his career.
Anwar’s proudest moment came in 1985 when his photo of a dramatic crash during the Marlboro Safari Rally shot him to fame. A Nissan 240RS, driven by Hans Schuller and Wolfgang Stiller, lost control and rolled in the Taita Hills, and Anwar was there to capture every moment. His photos made front-page headlines in Kenya and were quickly picked up by international agencies like Reuters and Associated Press.
“It was a turning point in my career,” he says with nostalgia. “I didn’t know it at the time, but that moment changed everything. I was no longer just another photographer I had arrived.”
Anwar’s contributions to motorsport extend beyond his work as a photographer. In 2019, he served as the Media Safety and Route Liaison Officer for the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC), further cementing his reputation as a trusted figure in the motorsport community. He is also a member of the Rallies Commission of the Kenya Motor Sports Federation (KMSF), a position that allows him to shape the future of motorsport in the region.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s best drivers,” he says. “From Tommi Mäkinen to Sébastien Loeb, I’ve seen them all. It’s humbling to know that they considered me a part of their world.”
Despite his fame and accolades, Anwar remains humble, always putting the sport and his craft first. He’s never been motivated by money, and his dedication to the rally community is evident in his free publications like the Anwar Sidi Rally Bulletin, which he distributes to fans, drivers, and sponsors before every event. He also publishes an annual 100-page magazine and a motorsport calendar, both highly regarded by fans around the world.
“Motorsport has been my life,” he says, “but my family comes first. They understand my passion, even when I’m thousands of kilometers away from home.”
Through the years, Anwar has seen it all from the golden age of rallying to the technological advancements of the digital era. Yet, his love for the sport remains undiminished. “I vowed never to give up my camera until the day my Maker decrees otherwise,” he says with a smile.
Anwar’s journey from a boy growing up in Chuka, Meru, with a fascination for racing cars to becoming one of the most respected motorsport photographers in the world is nothing short of extraordinary. His story is a proof to the power of passion, persistence, and the drive to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
Anwar’s journey continues, and with each rally, he remains a true witness to the passion and thrill of motorsport. His legacy, captured in photographs, will inspire future generations of photographers and rally fans alike.
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