00:00Founded in 2009 by Nigerian textile artist Nikkei Okundaye, this is West Africa's most extensive art gallery.
00:11I've always wanted to come here and today we have the unique opportunity of speaking with Nikkei
00:15and some young people who will tell us what art in Africa means to them.
00:20Housed in a five-story building, it boasts a collection of about 8,000 predominantly Nigerian artworks
00:27from various artists, including Chief Josephine Oboe-McLeod.
00:32The gallery aims to positively transform the long-neglected arts and culture industry in Nigeria
00:37and encourage the growth of African cultural heritage.
00:41This gallery is a well-known cultural spot and tourist destination in West Africa,
00:46especially among young people, many of whom discovered it on social media.
00:51I've seen it on Instagram and everywhere about the art in Nikkei Art Gallery, so I was very keen on coming here.
00:58We as Nigerians, the different ethnic groups, as you already see here, the different tribes,
01:04you have Igbo, you have Hausa, you have Yoruba as well, and all of these people make for our identity.
01:12Nikkei's dream is to bridge the age gap in art appreciation.
01:16She provides training to young artists in visual, musical and performing arts.
01:21These artists then showcase their skills to guests, demonstrating their traditions while earning a living.
01:28And this artist is like a son to me.
01:32You see, what he's showing here, he's showing how families love each other.
01:36These are two sisters from different mothers, and they still love each other.
01:42The space is open to art enthusiasts of all ages,
01:45offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with their roots and foster a sense of community and pride.
01:51Nikkei wants to show how art transcends family, tradition, community and love.
01:57www.nikkei.org
Comments