Culture

Nollywood evolution boosts Nigerian culture globally

Published

1 year ago

June 18, 2025

Actress Ayo Ewebiyi praises Nollywood’s growth and cultural impact, urging filmmakers to collaborate and prioritise storytelling over competition

Nollywood evolution boosts Nigerian culture, according to celebrated actress and cultural ambassador Mrs Ayo Ewebiyi. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, she praised the growing global recognition of Nigerian heritage and the country’s vibrant film industry.

Also read: Nigeria to host inaugural Road Safety Film Festival, harnessing Nollywood for safer roads

She pointed to recent cultural events, such as the Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, as examples of how traditional fashion and festivities are gaining global attention.

“Our cultural heritage is advancing steadily,” she said, describing the event as a colourful showcase of Nigerian identity. She believes these developments will soon turn Nigeria into a major tourist destination.

Ewebiyi, popularly known as Mama Oriki, urged filmmakers to embrace quality storytelling in their work. She called for stronger collaboration across the industry, especially among those seeking to promote Yoruba culture.

In her view, many filmmakers are too focused on competition rather than the artistic and cultural power of a well-told story.

“I want them to come together. Instead of saying, ‘I want to do my own thing’, they should collaborate to make a meaningful impact in the industry,” she said. According to her, such unity would yield better-quality productions and amplify the global reach of Nigerian cinema.

The actress, widely respected for her mastery of traditional Ewi poetry and chants, also advised filmmakers to consider the value of their reputation when creating content. She warned against the temptation to rush productions or chase popularity at the cost of substance.

“These days, it seems like many filmmakers are more interested in competing than in paying attention to the strength of the storyline,” she observed, adding that lasting cultural value should take precedence.

Ewebiyi’s remarks reinforce a growing conversation about the direction of Nollywood and its role in shaping Nigeria’s image abroad. As both a performer and a promoter of Yoruba traditions, she represents a generation of artists determined to blend cultural preservation with cinematic excellence.

Also read: Nollywood’s ‘Phoenix Fury’ wins best film at 2024 African Film Festival

Her call for collaboration and cultural integrity arrives at a time when Nollywood continues to expand its international footprint. For Ewebiyi and many others, this moment offers a rare opportunity to harness storytelling as a powerful tool for tourism, national pride, and global recognition.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”