…Says he preferred I read only my textbooks and solved mathematical equations
By Agatha Emeadi
Bolaji Alonge is a seasoned photographer and the brain behind “Eyes of the Lagos boy.”
He is everything entertainment rolled into one. A photographer, artists, actor, writer, and others.
He graduated from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, but Alonge roaring like a lion discovered his path in life.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, he revealled how his father preferred seeing him read his textbooks, and solve mathematical questions.
But while growing up, his passion for the art world and experience garnered while studying Mass Communication led him to discover his path well early in life. Excerpt:
How did you get interested in your chosen career, now photojournalism, actor, artiste, writer and all-round entertainer?
I got interested in my chosen career, which has manifested in three folds. They include photography, journalism and acting. Many thanks to my family where all these sprouted from. My father was a photographer from where I picked the interest from a tender age. I could operate cameras since adolescence. I also grew up with a lot of music, loud music -Nigerian classics and non-Nigerian music. My aunts and cousins supported my art as I always wanted to draw and I could make toys from newspapers (origami arts). What I am today was supported by the people who understood where my brain leaned. Thanks to my family and friends who created an enabling environment and tools for me to grow and choose my path.
How did you rise to stardom? Share the experience that blew you up with us?
Rise to stardom? I don’t know about that o… I believe in the power of consistency. I also believe in continuity, doing what one love to do, while sharing ones skills within your environment, and while constantly being ready to learn. Constructive use of the Internet is important for all. We can now share how we feel with the planet, with just a fingertip away. If your message resonates with people, they will celebrate and highlight your contributions to humanity. As an actor, I started from the department of Theater Arts at the University of Lagos. I have featured in several television shows till date and that have given me visibility and support in propelling my brand “Eyes of a Lagos Boy.” My first ever photography exhibition took place in May 2017 and my trajectory as an exhibiting artist has pushed me to come up with new projects, collaborations and using innovative strategies to get my message out there. Each exhibition has added another layer to my identity as an artist.
How have you been coping with the rise?
It is what selling artists go through. One of the questions one always ask is “what’s the next project?” And as an artist, one is expected to rise to the occasion. In the last seven years, ‘Eyes of a Lagos Boy’ has held about nine photo/art exhibitions in and outside Nigeria. It is exciting to tell these stories using my camera, write-ups, acting and collaborating with other creators. The response from viewers, art collectors and fans has been super encouraging and you will see more of us. My different photo exhibitions have been received with great enthusiasm. My ongoing Photo of the Week series, which started last year already has a huge following. There are so many great things to share about our country and it is a call to service for me.
What opportunities has the rise brought to you? And what have been the challenges?
I have been able to take the African story around the world and more projects are still coming. I have been able to learn from, and work with the people who were in this profession before me. Kelechi Amadi Obi is a good friend and a mentor that I can reach out to at any time concerning the art. The legendary photographer, George Osodi is a huge inspiration, Dayo Adedayo and many others alive or gone, paved the way for us today. For the challenges, getting my society to accept photography as an art fully has not been encouraging. From some quarters, the attitude is “it is photography, anybody can do it since we all have Android phones with camera,” but that is not the case. Making photos is about creating images that support or counter a narrative, tell a story that people can identify with or respond to emotionally. There is also the technical side to our work which means that one needs to have a deep understanding of how to play with the light and angles. Simply put, photography means playing with what our eyes can perceive. Also, the equipment required for professional photography is not cheap and it is a passion-driven profession. Photographers sometimes go through uncomfortable situations to get that shot that you like. Taking photos of some historical parts of Lagos could be a challenge – I have been surrounded by area boys asking for money while on the outer Marina bridge to photograph the famous Cathedral Church of Christ at CMS. Some people feel intimidated once they see a camera. But generally, people are friendly and ask you to take pictures of them as they pose.
What about the feelings of your parents then and now because most parents wanted professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc?
As I said earlier, I was fortunate to be exposed to much of what I do today from home. But what caused some disagreement between my dad and I, was my wanting to draw and do things with my hands more than to study. For my late father, you can be whatever you want and you have to study hard to achieve it. He preferred I read only my textbooks and solve mathematical equations. In my teen years, he came round and was supportive of my Bohemian ways.
How was growing up generally? Talk about your parents, siblings and family generally?
Growing up was fun in Lagos. We were a family of seven and quite close. There was a lot of laughter and playing, not much fighting. I went on to the University of Lagos to study Mass Communication. My two other siblings also attended the same university. We were brought up to share everything and to support each other. We lost my younger sister, Omolola, just a month ago. We are still in grief from her passing and currently trying to stay strong. We have had our highs and lows just like every other family.
What advice do you have for the young ones trying to build their career like you?
Many young people are fascinated by the magic of photography. I have visited several schools in Lagos and in the UK to teach young people photography. For their rapt attention and creativity, it became fulfilling to show them new skills which would be part of them for life. I realized that young people apply consistent practice to whatever they like to do. I reminded them that we grew through doing things repeatedly and advised them not to be afraid of failures as it is part of life. Understand the history of your country and environment. Pay more attention to the positivity of life. Make sure you read far beyond what you are taught in class and believe more in yourself.
How has the society treated you in your various skills? Are there experiences to share?
Since I started the ‘Eyes of a Lagos Boy’ project, all I have received from society has been acceptance and love from home and abroad. I have collectors of my work around the globe, I have worked and still working with numerous artists, with satisfying results and feedback from the audience. My wife, Sandra, has been of tremendous support because she is my producer. I am not saying it›s been perfect all the way, but I am happy about the experience. I am thankful to everyone.
Talk about your investment in academics, tourism and experience in the profession generally?
Yes, indeed, we need a photography institute where artists can go and learn, archive and exchange with others. The efforts have been mostly individual. Just like Nollywood, it took the efforts of individuals coming together and working for decades to create this brand that has become world-renowned. The same goes for the story of afrobeat. The support from our government is important and we hope we will get there someday, but in the interim, we will continue to work and share. Every time I step out within Lagos and around Nigeria, there is a story to tell.
My work involves a lot of travelling, which I enjoy. It is exhilarating to take the African story out there and also bring back stories from abroad. Photography comes with a lot to experience in the course of work. It gives me great joy when I see people smiles when showing them a picture I took of them.