In talks with 7 Emerging Nigerian Creatives in their Element

With Christmas dinners done and the impending expectations of what the New Year will bring, we wanted to get you started early on who to look out for. While in quarantine we decided to reach out to Nigerian creatives around the world and see what everyone was cooking up or working on, with Nigeria becoming more and more centered and a hub of an endless source of creative people.

1. Victoria ( @feli.monii)

‘Documenting as I go’

‘If I like it, I’m taking a picture!’ / ‘if it speaks to me, I’m taking a picture’!

Meet the Lagos based photographer and visualist using her unique flair to capture the essence and beauty in every element of life from interesting writings on walls around the streets of Lagos and the everyday life amongst all the bustling; to perfectly curated fashion photoshoots, music videos and the physicality of life on set.

As a creative what do you want your work to stand for , what do you try to convey through your art?

I think for me, it’s important that my work reflect my current state of mind. Art for me is a medium for emotional expression more than anything else. So when I create my art, if I feel happy, I want that to be reflected in my work and if I don’t, I also want that to show. I think it’s important for me to capture and convey the dynamics and range of human emotion through my art. Whether, it’s apparent or not.

What’s the most fun part of what you do?

For me, it’s the editing process. When I’m editing pictures, I’m all feels. There are no right or wrong answers and a lot of my decisions are based around how I want things to feel or the vibe I want it to give off. As a very logical person, I feel like with editing, that’s the only time, I’m just *no thoughts all vibes*. And it feels good.

How has the pandemic affected or impacted your art?

During the lockdown, I had several breakdowns and eventually breakthroughs. I’ve always been into photography but being in months of solitude with my thoughts pushed me to take active steps to improve on my art and to put out content into the world. I’m still what I call a “baby photographer” and I’m still very picky about the work I showcase but the panny, pushed me out of my comfort zone and for me it’s been a good thing.

In your spare time when you are not creating what can we find you doing?

Unfortunately I don’t have hobbies. I just do the basic things everyone in Lagos does lol. But I want to take up a sport next year. Does anyone have a volley ball club, can I join?

What is next for you or what should we look out for ?

I’m not sure what’s “next” for me but I’m simply hoping that my work continues to improve and I gain the confidence to put out more of my work. I want my work to speak for me and be the major factor/driving force in whatever I do next.

Le.Merj (@le.merj)

‘Synonymous to exquisite’

‘Where streetwear meets sophistication’

Meet the London based designer creating a lane for himself with collections of sophisticated quality pieces within the streetwear paradigm, that automatically veers one in . A one man show with exhibitions of detailed processes and a consistent look book of designs. There’s more to come!

As a creative what do you want your work to stand for , what do you try to convey through your art?

Honestly, it’s the name, that’s what has birthed such a distinctive identity for the brand, “le merj” is what I’m constantly trying to convey within all projects, the act of “merging” different aspects of design together; art, furniture, architecture, interiors, clothing and accessories, to me there are no rules, I tend to just use my intuition.

What’s the most fun part of what you do?

Just the limitless time I feel like I have, like I said to me there’s no rules, like when I design a collection I could start from anything, a lounge pant or a painting, it’s the freedom. Like as a designer you want to design the way you think, and the way you think things should be designed. It’s like as long as my fresh ideas are fresh ideas I’ll continue to have fun.

How has the pandemic affected or impacted your art?

Yeah it’s been interesting, especially making my debut within the whole pandemic has taught me a lot about patience and not taking ideas and creativity for granted, it’s not really affected my art in a negative manner though, if anything it’s helped me gain more understanding within what I’m attempting to achieve.

In your spare time when you are not creating what can we find you doing?

I watch a lot of movies, I like cinematography a lot, apart from that, I’m mainly just sat replying to emails, on walks or just with friends or family.

What is next for you or what should we look out for?

To be honest, more of what you’ve seen already just multiply the taste. More problem solving, more silhouettes that speak, definitely more everyday needs and wants; I feel like that’s almost the perfect balance, more art work, furniture and footwear and just making sure the “why” to why I’m doing what I’m doing is understood, because I feel the vision is bigger than what I am.

UNL (Universe Never Lies) (@universeneverlies)

‘Made in Space’

Meet the London based creative. The brain behind the ‘Universe Never Lies’ , a lifestyle brand which started out with just documenting intimate moments with friends, a moment unrecognized and unknown as what would be the foundational grounds for what we see today. Now morphed into an identity of its own. Reserved only for the curious and authentically interested with a private page on Instagram that adds to the mysticism of the brand.

As a creative what do you want your work to stand for , what do you try to convey through your art?

We want our work to be relatable but to also offer a new perspective. We try and achieve this through interviews from anyone who is passionate and active in their desired field. We understand that cameras are time travel machines and we try and capture the ‘now’ and intimate moments through our photographs, but also making it aesthetically pleasing for the eye. Visual representation is very important to us at UNL.

What’s the most fun part of what you do?

The fun part is the documentation of life itself and highlighting other aspects of life that is different to our own. Travelling and changing location is important to us in pursuit of new discoveries and meeting all types of different people that live a way of life different to ours.

How has the pandemic affected or impacted your art?

The pandemic has limited the amount of shoots we can engage with. Charity/Vintage shops are closed so we cannot source clothing for themed shoots. However, it has given us and everyone affected the time to forcefully reflect and plan for the future with the consideration that nothing is guaranteed.

In your spare time when you are not creating what can we find you doing?

Personally, I am either smoking, watching movies, eating, listening to music or having sex.

What is next for you or what should we look out for?

More merchandise. UNL clothing, products and more themed shoots!

Chidera ( @chideraagoha_)

‘I like to talk’ ‘I like to have meaningful conversations’

Meet the Canadian based creative. The ever busy multidisciplinary who started several different hubs all with the motives of dispersing information and building an audience. From a YouTube channel, to a blog and to a podcast .

As a creative what do you want your work to stand for , what do you try to convey through your art?

I want my work to represent me and everything I am passionate about. It’s one thing to work just for profit or some sort of gain and another to truly love the work that you’re doing. There’s a difference: the latter is pleasing because you’re doing it for yourself before anyone else. I hope to inspire people in whatever way I can and if my work (art) so happens to be the means in which I provide that inspiration then so be it.

What’s the most fun part of what you do?

Interaction I guess. I am somewhat of a people person and in the creative space and platform I am in there’s several opportunities to meet people and collaborate (which is also good for any brand).So getting ideas and inspiration from others as well as connecting with them is interesting.

How has the pandemic affected or impacted your art?

If anything the pandemic has helped me and my brand. I haven’t gotten to the stage where I am being paid for content, however, I’ve had more space and time to create. Content consistency has improved and the limitations caused by the pandemic have made me more ambitious about my branding. I am more intentional in planning ahead without losing focus on the now.

In your spare time when you are not creating what can we find you doing?

Netflix or reading a book. It’s been more Netflix for the past month though. I can’t really go out and buy a book these days.

What is next for you or what should we look out for ?

What’s next? I really can’t say. I’ve learned to be intentional about when I say things, especially my "future plans". What I’ll say though is that I will always do what I am passionate about (so far my spirit leads me). I will also always strive to be a better me. That’s what you can look forward to, a better Chidera.

1. Farky ( @farkunlee)

‘The poster boy for good vibes’

‘Here to spread love’

Meet the Houston based artiste with the mellow vibrational voice that immediately puts one in a good mood. With his peculiar sound, he constantly takes us on a journey as he dissects emotions and love with complete openness whilst shuffling in and out of the reality of life.

As a creative what do you want your work to stand for , what do you try to convey through your art?

I don’t know yet to be honest. Right now, I just want to share my talent with the world and make as much good music as I can because I know good music will always make people happy. I think I am more of a storyteller and my music will eventually cut across many genres. Every song is just another story told through music.

What’s the most fun part of what you do?

The most fun part for me is listening to a song or verse I just recorded. I love my voice so much and I would listen to my vocals for hours without getting bored. I am always happy when I record something new and I am satisfied with it.

How has the pandemic affected or impacted your art?

I don’t think the pandemic has directly affected or impacted my music in any negative way. Things were a bit tough trying to put my mind together at some point especially when I was sick. And because I had to still go to school online life was just how I wanted it to be but I was still recording every day in my room and I made a lot of good songs.

In your spare time when you are not creating what can we find you doing?

In my spare time if I am not creating you will find me playing COD or FIFA or sleeping, that’s really all I do, I don’t like to go out hear noise. Most of the time, I am by myself or my friends are at my place.

What is next for you or what should we look out for ?

New music in 2021 for sure and maybe more visuals from me. I am trying hard to become an Engineer right now, so music is actually on the side for now, but once I get my degree which is really soon, Its full-time music and content after content from me and team.

Thank you very much for having me

Yetunde of @falseyestudios ( @nottherealye)

‘If you want something, pull up’

Meet the very grounded and focused fashion stylist from Alabama making ways and creating opportunities for herself from an area almost obtuse from the fashion scene. Constantly blending her surrounding into her art beautifully, she is able to present a new perspective in a resourceful manner.

As a creative what do you want your work to stand for , what do you try to convey through your art?

I always want my work to stand for strength, attitude and grace. It’s an aesthetic that I would like to always convey through my work. Through my art form I want to evoke emotion through the style of clothing especially when I style women. All women (all beings) have a very unique quality to themselves as individuals and I always try to highlight that through my work.

What’s the most fun part of what you do?

When I create my ideas I love how the possibilities are endless. I can create ideas that develop into new concepts which overall expands my perception of my original thought. It really allows me to marinate and process all of my ideas. After curating my ideas the most stressful part is turning them into a reality (within budget lol). This process really tests my limits to see what I can actually do. Watching my ideas ‘grow and deflate’ really taught me how to persevere under pressure and if something does not work out exactly how you want it, then it was not meant for you. This taught me to always see the better through the back door when the front door closes.

How has the pandemic affected or impacted your art?

The pandemic has affected my art in many ways. Usually most of my inspiration translates from my physical scenes. I love to actually go out and examine things for myself. It also has also kept me physically completing my styling work, but as long as everyone is safe I am fine with that for the time being. But since the pandemic, I started to be more in tune via the internet. It has helped me in many ways to continue my creative processes and research, even styling remotely was pretty fun! Overall this pandemic has shown me that I can continue what I normally do as long as I am innovative with my resources. Hence the INTERNET (it’s an amazing tool).

In your spare time when you are not creating what can we find you doing?

I will most likely be eating or making something to eat! HAHA! I love creating mood boards on Pinterest. Besides style and photo boards, I use them as my own small manifestation tool for my future. Whether it is for my dream home, destinations, clients etc. I really enjoy running and working out because it is a major de-stresser for me. Also I am trying to get into more physical creative things such as painting and sewing.

What is next for you or what should we look out for ?

MORE WORK! I feel like my mentality has changed tremendously within myself. Personally I feel like I am awakening and expanding my potential to what I can really do and who I can really be. So I’m really excited and looking forward to translating that physically into my work and showing people who I really am and what I am really about.

Seddy ( @sgawd01)

‘Seddy is coming’

Meet the Miami based , sultry sirene like singer and rapper who embodies both bad bitch energy and emotional vulnerability simultaneously in a unique way whilst infusing her music with efik ( her traditional language) on occasion accompanied by an air of sensuality . A burning passion which all started from the four walls of her high school classroom and school events such as graduations.

As a creative what do you want your work to stand for , what do you try to convey through your art?

As a creative I want my work to reflect Truth . I want my art to be unadulterated and unfiltered . I want to be proud of my work because I want my work to be an embodiment of my self , my womanhood , my spirituality and every part of my journey including my mistakes and my growth from them

I want my work to just stand for truth and malleability. Everyone is so caught up in directing creativity for artists I for guessing that artists are people as well and they’re allowed to bend and change I don’t want to be rigid with my art because I am not rigid with myself. So I try to convey that , basically I want people to appreciate the many layers to Seddy , how complex I am for a lack of a better word , and my lack of fear to share and own that through my music .

What’s the most fun part of what you do?

The most fun part of what I do is everything I can’t pick , but I think executing ideas with my team . Cause everything is so raw so seeing these ideas come to life for example when we are rolling out a new project . Seeing these baby ideas or convos turn into a full project will always be exciting

How has the pandemic affected or impacted your art?

Mannn I try to see the pandemic as a blessing . It has definitely changed the way that people consume music and art. I am blessed to see good in it and see ways in which I can build a community of people with it

In your spare time when you are not creating what can we find you doing?

Cooking , sleeping , reading a book , at the beach , sleeping , cooking , sleeping again sleeping Lmaoo

What is next for you or what should we look out for ?

I have been putting in a lot of work into visual . So visuals also calling to Directors and Cinematographers cause I wanna be in a short film . I’m also excited to share more music . I can’t wait

By Adesuwa Odiase