Gbemisola street in Ikeja is very much like any residential street in Lagos. Left and right, houses stand loosely together, interrupted here and there by wooden shops selling a multitude of wares. Then you arrive. Kalakuta Museum. Home to the legendary Fela Anikulapo for 31 years, now a museum, kalakuta shares with the public carefully curated snippets of Fela's … [Read more...]
The Castles Of Cape Coast
I couldnt take my eyes off the horizon. Blue and magnificent, the Atlantic stretched leisurely in the distance. Fishing boats rested, quiet and aloof under the coconut trees. … [Read more...]
Gbolade Omidiran
His paintings adorn the walls of art collectors and galleries all over the world. His work is admired by statesmen and enthusiasts far and wide. On a perfect day in August, I found myself in the company of Gbolade Omidiran- artist of great talent and extraordinary success. … [Read more...]
Akire Temple
Much has been written about the sacred status of Ile -ife; "the cradle" of the Yoruba race.There are myths and legends, there is history and folklore, there is a cultural earnestness which permeates every day living in this ancient city. I was drawn to Akire Temple at Ilare compound. In the summer of 2017, the University of African Art brought its GownTown initiative … [Read more...]
The Art of Tunde Odunlade
Everyday there are worlds waiting to be found. If you are persistent and with a bit of luck, you may find a few exceptional ones. In a quiet corner of Ibadan, I found Tunde Odunlade. Criss-crossing the sprawling city, It took a while to find him, but we did. We were swept into the hands of an artist totally involved with the idea of " art with a purpose in … [Read more...]