The infamous Nokia ring tone sounded in my purse. “Mum” flashed on the caller ID.
“Hello, Titilayo, where are you? There is someone at the house who I want you to meet.”
My host mom knows me well and wouldn’t go out of her way to introduce me to just anyone. I knew this mystery person must be interesting. Nawow–I was correct.
I walked into my parlor to find a young man, maybe in his late 20’s–there’s no telling with a Nigerian man–sitting at the table looking suave in a trendy newsboy cap and button down shirt. I sat down next to him and extended my hand, “Hi, I’m Titilayo.” He chuckled in disbelief the way most people do when they meet me for the first time and hear my name is Titilayo. “I’m Andrew,” he said.
Andrew (I found out later, it’s Andrew Esiebo) is an emerging photographer/film maker and overall multimedia enthusiast based in Nigeria. His work takes him all over the world–South Africa, Italy. France, Brazil– to name a few countries, but he has a base in Lagos and Ibadan. He is from the Urhobo tribe of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and speaks mad Pidgin. He takes stunning pictures and you will be doing yourselves a favor by spending some time on his site: http://www.lightstalkers.org/andrew-. Click on any of the galleries, particularly Travel Nigeria. In my opinion, (and I happen to be the daughter of a professional photographer myself) Andrew has exquisite perspective and a real desire to tell stories through photos. He covered the World Cup in South Africa. Governments in Nigeria commission him for all sorts of things and he is currently elbows deep in different film projects. He is focusing mostly on video now, sporadically incorporating stills for emphasis. His photos are just stunning.
I think the world will be seeing more and more beautiful things from Andrew Esiebo very soon.
Oh wow. That is amazing that you met him. I am learning photography here in the US (though I am a Bio major) and I happened to come across Andrew Eseibo’s pictures. His pictures are amazing.
Thanks for sharing photos from Andrews galleries. even the 2 above are beautiful capturing the essence within them.
This is really pretty! My Dad was actually from there. It’s very refreshing to read a blog like this ❤
Beautiful, thank you for the info Cara, I always like to learn about Nigerian culture.
My dear husband is in Ibadan this week, will come back to Belgium on Friday, so coming here and read your blog make me feel closer to Nigeria 🙂
Take care
Gene,
You should tell your husband to come to UI and meet me! That would be so fun. I am so glad my blog makes you feel a bit closer to him and the country. 🙂
Staggeringly beautiful, Cara! Andrew is SO talented. Glad you were able to make his acquaintance.
How are you, sweet girl? Keep me posted.
Hugs and loves,
Michele
I know! I am soooo happy I had the chance to meet him. I’m doing just great. No complaints at all. I’ll give you a big update soon. Hugs and soo much love!
Is it possible to purchase one of his photos? I’d like to buy “the Funali Girl from Adamawa” in large format. Let me know. Love Mom
His work is fantastic. Maybe he’ll let me show some of his photographs when I open my West African Contemporary Art Gallery in Chicago. Can’t wait to visit you in April. Love your Mom