Almost six years have passed since Vanessa Bryant’s world changed forever on January 26, 2020, when her husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant were tragically killed in a helicopter crash.
The grief, of course, has been immeasurable. But now, Vanessa is channeling that heartbreak into a lasting tribute with the release of 'Mamba & Mambacita Forever,' a photo book that captures murals and memories celebrating the lives and legacies of her late family members.
"As difficult as it was to work on this book due to the painful reminder it represents, I’m glad I did it," Vanessa told People. She explained that the murals captured in the book are vulnerable to fading and damage from the elements.
"The murals of Kobe and Gianna are all so beautiful but the majority of them are outside and will unfortunately fade or get damaged by the elements like most murals do over time. I wanted to make sure we preserved them."
The book pairs more than 100 murals from around the world with stories that highlight both Kobe and Gianna’s impact. "Taken together, what emerges is the story of a man who became even more than he himself could have imagined, an avatar of determination, discipline and competitiveness," the official synopsis reads.
Beyond athletic achievement, Vanessa emphasizes Kobe’s role as a devoted father. "He was also a worldwide icon, one of the greatest athletes of our time, a man committed to his family and to fatherhood. Kobe was a figure of transformation and hope."
While 'Mamba & Mambacita Forever 'is a celebration, it also provides a deeply personal glimpse into the bond between father and daughter. One mural in particular stands out to Vanessa. The image of Kobe and Gianna looking at each other after a championship win, Gigi’s hand resting on her dad’s cheek. "It’s such a sweet moment between Gigi and her daddy. Not Kobe Bryant, but daddy. A GIRL DAD," Vanessa said.
"In that moment, Kobe wasn’t focused on the happy celebratory roars of the arena after winning a championship, something he worked so hard for. His focus was on Gianna’s face beaming with pride after he won. He looks like he’s soaking in how proud Gigi is of him. Such a sweet moment between the two of them."
The murals appear across the globe. "The murals of Kobe and Gianna aren’t just in Los Angeles, they’re not just across the United States, they’re all over the world," Vanessa explained. "People don’t just put murals up of anyone — Kobe and Gianna are truly special."
Beyond preserving memories, Vanessa hopes the book serves as a reminder of the values Kobe championed, both on and off the court. The "Mamba Mentality," a term synonymous with his drive and focus, is also the guiding principle of the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Founded in honor of Kobe and Gianna, the nonprofit is "dedicated to creating positive impact for underserved athletes and boys and girls in sports," aiming to "create a world where young boys and girls had equal opportunity to pursue their dreams through sports and life."