LAOLU SENBANJO
“Everything is my canvas” says Laolu Senbanjo also known as Laolu NYC, the Nigerian artist who is putting Yoruba and Nigeria on the Map one canvas at a time. Laolu is a visual artist, musician, a human rights lawyer, and activist. Born and bred in Ilorin, his roots are constantly present in his works from canvas to shoes, to walls and buildings, to clothing and even the body with his Sacred Art of the Ori. Laolu is a graduate of law from the University of Ilorin.
As a visual artist, Laolu has collaborated with and designed several highly rated celebrities, brands, and products including Nike’s Air Max, Beyoncé’s album Lemonade, the Grammy Museum, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Equinox Fitness, Starbucks, Belvedere, Bvlgari, TED, the Smithsonian Institution and many more. He has also partnered with Danielle Brooks, Angelique Kidjo, Kenneth Cole, Alicia Keys, Usher, and Lupita Nyongo, as well as features on several international newspapers such as NY Times, Vogue, BBC.
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Laolu Senbanjo created the Afromysterics genre, which means the mystery of the African thought pattern. According to him, every pattern is a storyline with a message in it. Laolu is all about spreading the gospel of his arts and patterns. He is super proud of his Yoruba roots and uses his visuals to demonstrate his journey and worldview.
Laolu’s art integrates African themes and traditions; he is an advocate of “holding onto your culture and spreading its glory. Thus, he uses charcoal and distinct patterns to create complex, story-rich art designs that draw heavily on his Yoruba heritage and features ancient Nigerian symbols and patterns.
However, as a musician, Laolu draws his inspirations from Fela Kuti, Sade Adu, Bob Marley, and King Sunny Adé. His musical style is enshrined in the traditions of Afrobeat and High Life, mixed with Afro-Soul and Reggae. His music imbibes the Yoruba language and often translates Yoruba folks’ songs, proverbs, and oriki into English.
Evidently, as an activist and human rights lawyer, Laolu uses art to convey his activism. Prior to converting fully to an artist, he worked as a human rights lawyer for five years, spending his final three years working at the National Human Rights Commission as a senior legal officer focusing on women and children’s rights.
Laolu Senbanjo is an inspiration and we are so proud. Keep rising Laolu.