Nigeria is a country where artworks and photography are not seen as a big deal like in other developed countries.
In fact, in a typical Naija family, if a child says he wants to study photography or art at the University, such a child is deemed unserious. However, with more awareness, innovation, and enlightenment, Nigerians are beginning to embrace and value the arts. One of such foremost photographers and artists who have shaped the Nigerian art scene over the past years is Kelechi Amadi-Obi.
This name will ring a bell among many, for his works are masterpieces everywhere. Kelechi Amadi-Obi is a multi-talented artist who has significantly contributed to photography, fashion, and publishing. His work celebrates African beauty, culture, and identity, challenging stereotypes and redefining the global perception of Africa. He is a pioneer in the African fashion industry, using his photography to document its rise and showcase the artistry of African designers.
Kelechi Amadi-Obi is a vocal advocate for social change, using his art to address important issues and inspire positive action. He is a role model and inspiration to aspiring artists and creatives worldwide. Amadi-Obi’s legacy is one of artistic excellence, cultural awareness, and social responsibility. He is a true icon of the African creative movement whose work continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
In this article from Naijassador, we will dive into the life, achievements, and future endeavors of Nigeria’s foremost photographer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi.
Early Life
Born in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, on December 29, 1969, Kelechi Amadi-Obi is a photographer, painter, publisher, and artist whose vibrant creativity has left an indelible mark on the African visual landscape. His artistic journey began at a young age, nurtured by an artistic family environment. His father, Justice Sylvester Amadi-Obi, was a high court judge, and his mother, Theresa Amadi-Obi, was an educationist who instilled in him a love for learning and beauty. Amadi-Obi is the fifth child of seven siblings.
Education and Early Discovery of Photography Passion
Kelechi Amadi-Obi attended the Library Avenue Primary School in Umuahia, Abia State. Upon completing his primary studies, Amadi-Obi went to the Government College Umuahia for his secondary school education. He attended the University of Nigeria Nsukka for his university education, where he obtained a degree in law in 1992. Amadi-Obi was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993. Amadi-Obi’s passion for photography blossomed while studying at the Government College Umuahia. He honed his skills, capturing the essence of his surroundings and developing a keen eye for detail.
Career
Amadi-Obi’s artistic vision transcends traditional boundaries. He sees photography as a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural expression. His lens captures the beauty of the African landscape and people and delves into the complexities of fashion and identity. He believes fashion is more than just clothing; it reflects culture, history, and personal expression.
Kelechi Amadi-Obi once retorted in an interview with Vanguard about his early beginnings in photography. He recalls leaving the Nigerian Bar after he served at his aunt’s in Surulere Lagos. He began painting in his third year at the University but took it more seriously after graduating. Kelechi explained that he had some paintings that he had done on the balcony of his aunt’s house and took them to be framed. While at it, a man saw the paintings and asked if he could buy them. Kelechi was stunned when the man asked for the price of the paintings. He suggested a price, and the man paid; that was the genesis of his full-time career as an artist and photographer. He also mentioned that he had never attended any art school at that time.
Depth of Field
Kelechi Amadi-Obi is the co-founder of Depth of Field, which was created in 2001 alongside five other notable photographers and artists like Uche James Iroha, TY Bello, Amaize Ojeikere, Emeka Okereke, and Zainab Balogun. The foundation focuses on the collective of Nigerian photographers, artists, and painters. The initiative was birthed when the six artists met at an art exhibition in Memories Intimes D’un Nouveau Milleanaire Ives Rencontres de la Photo in Bamako, Mali. The group’s main aim is to act as checkmates and serve as critics of each other’s work. Depth of Field has also organized several art and photography exhibitions of their works within Nigeria and beyond.
Style Mania Magazine
In 2005, Amadi-Obi launched Mania Magazine, a groundbreaking publication showcasing African fashion, art, and lifestyle. This bold venture provided a platform for emerging and established African creatives to share their work with a global audience. Mania Magazine quickly gained recognition for its stunning visuals, insightful articles, and innovative approach to storytelling. The magazine has featured notable Nigerians on its covers like Tiwa Savage, P-Square, TY Bello, Agbani Darego, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Stephanie Okereke, Bassey Ikpi, Mo’ Cheddah, among others, all of whose photos were taken by Amadi-Obi.
Discovery of ‘Bukola’
Bukola is a Nigerian model. She was discovered in 2016 by Kelechi Amadi-Obi. The iconic photographer saw Bukola for the first time while doing a photoshoot for singer and hip-hop artist Jidenna on Broad Street, Lagos. Bukola, a pillow seller, was busy going about her business when Kelechi Amadi-Obi approached her. He told her about his interest in making her his potential model, and she agreed, which led to a scheduled shoot in his studio. Bukola transformed from an ordinary pillow seller into a modeling success overnight due to the photographs taken by Amadi-Obi going viral.
Throughout his career, Amadi-Obi has collaborated with renowned brands and individuals, including Nike, Heineken, and Vogue Italia. He has also exhibited his work in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including the International Center of Photography in New York, the South London Gallery, and the African Center in London.
Amadi-Obi’s photography has played a pivotal role in documenting the rise of African fashion on the international stage. He has captured the artistry and craftsmanship of emerging and established designers, showcasing the unique aesthetics and cultural influences that define African fashion. His work has helped to challenge stereotypes and redefine the global perception of African creativity.
Amadi-Obi’s artistic vision extends beyond the realm of fashion. He uses his work to address social and political issues, advocating for human rights, environmental sustainability, and social justice. His photography serves as a platform for raising awareness and inspiring positive change.
Exhibitions
Kelechi Amadi-Obi’s portfolio and exhibitions transcend a variety of circles, and he has worked with notable artists, government officials, brands within the country and beyond. Some of the notable brands he has worked with include Guinness Nigeria Plc, MTN Nigeria Plc, PZ Nigeria Plc, British American Tobacco, The Ford Foundation, PrimaGarnet Ogilvy, SO&U, InsightGrey, Nigerian Flour Mills, and Orange Drugs Nigeria Ltd.
Notable photographs by Amadi-Obi include Agbani Derego, a supermodel and former Miss World; former president of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari for his 2015 presidential campaign; Tiwa Savage; Psquare (popular music duo); Aliko Dangote for his 59th birthday party in 2017 and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde in 2018 for her 40th birthday party on a private jet. His works include street photos, documentaries, elites and government officials’ profiles, and many more. Kelechi Amadi-Obi is a continental photographer who has gone far and wide to showcase his talents for all to see and admire.
Other exhibitions by Kelechi Amadi-Obi include the following:
Solo exhibitions
- 1996 Morning Light. Surulere, Lagos.
- 1997 Man and Nature. The Russian Cultural Center, Lagos.
- 1998 New Works, American Guest Quarters, Lagos.
- 1999 New Works, Embassy of Lebanon, Lagos.
Group exhibitions
- 1997 UNESCO Exhibition World Environmental Day, Lagos.
- 1997 Vision 2010: Contemporary Nigeria Art, Nicon Noga Hilton, Abuja.
- 1998 Women. Hour Glass Gallery, Lagos.
- 2000 Behind the Wall. Galleria Romana, Lagos.
- 2000 Nigerian Art. Elf Club Port-Harcourt.
- 2001 Photography and the Mega City. The Goethe Institute, Lagos.
- 2001 The 4th African Photography Encounter. Bamako, Mali.
- 2002 Made in Africa Photography. Spazio Oberden, Milan, Italy.
- 2003 Jigida. The Governor’s House, London, UK.
- 2003 Lagos Inside. Photo Exhibition, Maison De France, Lagos.
- 2003 Transferts. Brussels, Belgium.
- 2004, “Lagos” Ifa Gallery, Stuttgart, Germany
- 2005 “Depth of Field” South London Gallery, UK
- 2006 “Snap Judgement” – New Position in Contemporary African Photography, International Centre of Photography, New York City
Commissions
- The Vatican Collection, Vatican City.
- The Ford Foundation, Lagos.
- Guinness Nigeria 2004 corporate calendar.
- British American Tobacco, Lagos.
- The Aso Villa Collection, Abuja.
- Powertron (Nig.) calendar 1997
- Central Insurance
- So&U Advertising
- Industrial and General Insurance
Collections
- Professor Jubril Aminu.
- Pascal Dozie.
- Peter Theodolou.
- H’agannakis.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Awards and Recognition
Amadi-Obi’s contributions to the arts have been recognized internationally. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Young Achievers Award for Photography in 2006 and the Future Awards Africa Prize for Creative Artist of the Year in 2011. Amadi-Obi won the prestigious St.Moritz Style Award for Photography in 2004.
In 2022, the French government awarded Amadi-Obi the prestigious Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres for his contributions to the cultural exchange between France and Africa.
In 2023, Amadi-Obi’s work was showcased in several prestigious exhibitions, including “Africa Fashion” at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and “The Art of Photography” at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Amadi-Obi continues to collaborate with renowned brands and individuals, recently partnering with UNESCO to launch a campaign promoting cultural heritage preservation in Africa.
In addition to photography, Amadi-Obi continues to be actively involved in the publishing world. He recently launched a new online platform dedicated to showcasing the work of emerging African artists and writers.
While Amadi-Obi’s recent achievements are impressive, what truly sets him apart is his unwavering passion and dedication to his craft. He continues to push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and explore new creative avenues. He believes in the power of art to educate, inspire, and create positive change in the world.
Looking ahead, Amadi-Obi envisions a future where African art and culture are recognized and celebrated on a global stage. He hopes to continue using his platform to empower young artists, promote diversity and inclusion in the creative industries, and contribute to the development and sustainability of Africa’s cultural heritage.
Personal life
While Kelechi Amadi-Obi’s artistic achievements are widely celebrated, his personal life and recent accomplishments are also noteworthy. Kelechi Amadi-Obi is married to his beautiful wife, Julia, an interior designer. The couple has spent over two decades together in marriage. Kelechi and his wife share four children, two boys and two girls. In January 2022, Amadi-Obi posted a photo of his family on Instagram, where they recreated an old photo of the family.
Beyond photography and art, Amadi-Obi enjoys several hobbies, like music, writing, and traveling. He also finds his inspiration for photography and painting in exploring different cultures and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. No wonder he is well-traveled, and his artworks are masterpieces. He is a pacesetter who contributed immensely to the Nigerian photography and art scene.
Kelechi Amadi-Obi is not only a photographer but also committed to social responsibility and giving back to the community. He has supported various charitable organizations within Nigeria and beyond through his works. He also actively participates in various initiatives that promote education, healthcare and environmental sustainability in Africa.
Kelechi Amadi-Obi is a true visionary who has dedicated his life to enriching the cultural landscape of Africa. He continues to inspire generations of artists, photographers, and storytellers with his innovative approach, unwavering dedication, and unwavering commitment to celebrating African creativity on the world stage. Kelechi Amadi-Obi’s journey is not simply defined by his artistic achievements but also by his values and aspirations. He embodies the essence of a true artist – a visionary with a deep appreciation for beauty, a commitment to social responsibility, and a constant desire to inspire and leave a positive mark on the world.
Things you should know about Kelechi Amadi-Obi, a Nigerian photographer.
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Written by Sarah Aboje
