As the year draws to a close, we’re delighted to highlight the talented group of Creative Minds we had the privilege of interviewing in 2024.
Emmanuel Nnayelugo, a native of Anambra State, Nigeria, is a talented sculptor and wood carver who sees potential in tree stumps, transforming them into functional art pieces such as chairs, tables, and desks. Nnayelugo’s passion for sculpting began at a young age, and he honed his skills by studying Fine Arts at the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu. He aims to create art that not only is beautiful but also serves a purpose, solving problems and being useful to mankind.
Esther Ufot Ubak is a 25-year-old Nigerian artist and founder of Audrey’s Unique Craft and Signature, who turned her passion for upcycled art into a successful business, using social media to showcase her creative pieces made from waste materials, with a goal to become a leading voice in the upcycling movement and promote sustainability.
Samuel Oruh, a 19-year-old Nigerian artist, gained widespread recognition on social media after drawing a pen sketch of Cristiano Ronaldo, which went viral and earned him thousands of followers, and has since become known for his realistic pencil artworks, leveraging social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, to build his client base and reputation, while also sharing his artistic journey and offering free tutorials on YouTube.
Danladi Bamaiyi, a 28-year-old street artist from Nigeria, has been making waves with his thought-provoking murals and paintings that address societal issues such as disunity, insecurity, and corruption. He started street art professionally in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, using his art to spread positive messages and promote peace and tolerance. Bamaiyi’s artwork has gained recognition on social media, and he has received commissioned jobs and features in national newspapers.
Egheosa Joseph Ifada is a 26-year-old visual artist from Edo State, Nigeria, who creates thought-provoking artworks that inspire, preach possibilities, and showcase unbreakable tenacity. Ifada’s journey into the arts began at a young age, and he honed his skills through self-study, dedication, and consistency. He draws inspiration from everyday problems, African culture, and mental health issues, using his art to spark reflection, self-awareness, and positivity. Ifada’s notable works include “IN-SANITY” and “Suicide (the stingy Man’s exit),” which address mental health awareness and the importance of seeking help. Ifada’s goal is to showcase his art in galleries worldwide, inspiring change and touching hearts through his creative platform.
Nathaniel Bivan, a seasoned journalist and debut author, discussed his novel “Boys, Girls and Beasts”, a speculative fiction set in 2068 and beyond. Bivan drew inspiration from Nigeria’s terrorist situation, particularly Boko Haram’s atrocities, and explores themes of evil, hope, and redemption. He shared his writing journey, which began in 2018, and the challenges he faced, including reworking the manuscript and overcoming self-doubt. Bivan hopes readers will take away the message that everyone has a dose of evil inside and that crushing it requires a journey beyond human capabilities. Bivan is already working on his next writing project, which he plans to reveal in due time.
Young Creative Minds Who Graced THE WHISTLER’s Art Page In 2024 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper