EDITOR'S FOREWORD
On Demas Nwoko
Our latest issue, Demas Nwoko’s Natural Synthesis, celebrates Nwoko’s artistic and architectural impact and the rise of African architecture.
COVER INTERVIEW
The Necessity of Demas Nwoko’s Natural Synthesis
At 89, Demas Nwoko invites us to prioritize local community impact over international glamour and to rethink the trajectory of African art and architecture.
COVER ESSAY
The Great Mosque of Djenné And the Social Utility of History
Africans are no strangers to conservationists, preservationists and all manner of experts who call into question Africa’s internal capabilities to safeguard sites and objects of historical value. The Great Mosque of Djenné, its mud-brick walls annually restored by the community, poses a challenge to a Western approach to history which sees preservation as an end in itself, rather than a means to social cohesion.
COVER ESSAY
We Need New African Architecture
With 600 million people expected to migrate to African cities by 2050, Africa must rethink its architecture as existing approaches have proven inadequate.
THE MINISTRY OF ARTS / MUSIC DEPT.
Sonny Okosun and the Paradox of Nigerian Greatness
Sonny Okosun was one of the most beloved artists of his time. However, the singer’s gentle perspective has not always favoured his legacy, hinting at a deeper cultural and societal disconnect.
THE MINISTRY OF ARTS / THEATRE DEPT.
Towards a True Nigerian Theatre
As the production and consumption of theatre in Nigeria declines, experts weigh in on its current status and what the future holds.
THE MINISTRY OF ARTS / LITERATURE DEPT.
A Woman among Women
Flora Nwapa dedicated her life to writing in a period where women writing and publishing were not accorded the same respect as men. This resistance is reflected in her characters, especially Efuru.
THE MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE X THE ENVIRONMENT
Francis Kéré’s Revolutionary Slingshot Towards Architectural Sustainability
Community engagement is central to the work of Burkinabé-German architect, Diébédo Francis Kéré, as he champions the use of local materials to build sustainable housing.
THE MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE X THE ENVIRONMENT
The Luxury Apartment Complex in Lagos
In recent years, Lagos has witnessed a surge in waterfront developments, mirroring the urban landscapes of cities like Miami and Los Angeles. Rather than fostering inclusive growth, these developments have intensified socio-spatial inequality while increasing climate vulnerabilities, such as rising sea levels and increased inner-city flooding.
THE MINISTRY OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Wrappers of Rivers
In documenting and displaying the intricate cultures of wrapper tying and wrapper wearing in Rivers State, Aleruchi Kinika, the photographer behind the series, ‘Wrappers of Rivers’, says she ‘wanted to tell the story of the wrappers and Rivers people as one.’
THE MINISTRY OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
The Expressive Dimensions of Yoruba Architecture
While the form of Yoruba architecture has changed, the idea of the agbo ilé has not gone away.
THE MINISTRY OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS / FIRST DRAFT INTERVIEWS
‘We Must Rethink Architecture’ Tosin Oshinowo’s First Draft
Nigerian architect and designer, Tosin Oshinowo, believes that, now more than ever, the growing awareness of the climate crisis makes it imperative for architects to rethink building practices: ‘The next generation of practitioners will likely be better equipped than mine, as sustainability is now a fundamental part of their training and practice. With the right encouragement, we can expect to see meaningful change.’
THE MINISTRY OF GENDER X SEXUALITY
The Woman Who Married a Woman in Igboland
In a culture that reveres procreation, and where boys are considered more valuable than girls, what happens when a woman marries another woman to fulfil her societal obligation of childbearing?
THE MINISTRY OF MEMORIES
The Yorubas of Ghana
The historic migration of the Yoruba people from Ile-Ife has shaped Ghana’s Yoruba community through trade, faith and family ties. At the heart of this connection is Chief Brimah, an Ilorin merchant, whose leadership and entrepreneurial spirit forged enduring bonds with the Ga people and deeply influenced Accra’s Zongo communities.
THE MINISTRY OF WORLD AFFAIRS
Odanga Is Still Fighting
My maternal great-grandfathers were both directly affected by the First World War. Only one of them lived to tell his story.
THE MINISTRY OF WORLD AFFAIRS
Kampala by Design
Demas Nwoko’s design philosophy stressed the importance of beauty and significant sustainability, a message that travelled beyond Nigeria to Kampala, Uganda.
the cover
‘Natural Synthesis,’ by Diana Ejaita
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SPECIAL THANKS
Illustrators: Ekundayo R. Baiyegunhi, Sheed Sorple Cecil, Sarah N. Kanu, Kevwe Ogini, Shalom Ojo, Charles Owen, and Dami Mojid.
Issue Design: Wale Lawal and Dami Mojid
Editors: Wale Lawal, Yusuf Omotayo, Peace Onafuye and Ada Nnadi
Partners: The French Embassy in Nigeria and StoryMi Academy.
