The Ibadan Raised, NYC Made exhibition is a multi-sensory experience that explores the journey of identity, heritage, and transformation. It tells the story of how Ibadan’s essence shaped me, and how NYC refined my creative expression.
This exhibition fuses fashion, photography, film, and installation art to create an immersive narrative that connects past and present, tradition and modernity, Africa and the diaspora.
At its core, the exhibition challenges the idea of displacement—showing how one can be deeply rooted in their origins while evolving in new spaces.
Ibadan Raised, NYC Made stands as a checkpoint — a milestone marking 5 years of my career. This exhibition was never meant to be just another showcase of my work; it was my way of telling my story of origin. Instead of simply presenting visuals, I wanted to deliver an eulogy to the place that raised me, Ibadan — the city that instilled discipline, rooted me in culture, and shaped the foudation of the artist and storyteller I’ve become.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
DEEDS EDITORIAL
PANEL MEMBER TRACKSUIT
A key work is the “Ibadan Raised, NYC Made” tracksuit, designed with Akama and Orisha Temi. “The green and yellow colourway is a reference to my school AFCS (Air Force Comprehensive School) school team colourway that earned the tracksuit its name, AFCS 18th Legacy Set.” A hidden “Flying Colours” wing structure is embedded in the sleeves, and the wings unfurl when the wearer spreads their arms, a subtle symbol of ambition and rise. Elsewhere, an “O Gbona” vignette, rooted in a bread seller’s morning call, folds childhood memories into contemporary set pieces and styling. A short film connects these moments and brings the exhibition’s sonic and emotional palette to life.
CAMPAIGN
EXIHIBITION TEAM
Location: @pleasespace
Curated and Directed by @ceojay___
Creative director @iimnohippie
Production manager @alfredgyansah @age.co_
Set design director @___bongik
Lead set designer and builder @takafromends
Set design assist @sobynt @orisha_co @olayinkaehi @jmckenz1e @dddenzellll
Load in captain @bytunde @kabiruloya
Catering @____golden____child @areceeart @mariamskitchennyc
PR @official_vivi1
Talent Manager @jessicaamaka_
CEOJAY stylist @thefreestyller
DJ/Entertainment @djbolima
Lead Drummer @ola_kush3
Sound designer @shayo.aluko
Lighting director @69.views
Lighting lead and designer @yangshitt
Host @joylola_
Palm wine Talents: @vesselday @_akindeyah_
Head loaders @jessicaamaka_ @africasgoldengirl
Models @adedejii_ @waleyagami
School boys @pchykee @kels_the_animal
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