Here is the interview with The Sunday Sun newspaper, published on May 6 where Bolaji Alonge narrates his growth so far in his chosen career, republished on eyesofalagosboy.com
Agatha Emeadi digs into what makes the man Bolaji Alonge has become, right from childhood, family life, his evolution as an artist and the Eyes of a Lagos Boy brand.
Q How did you get interested in your chosen career now… photojournalism, actor, artiste, writer and around entertainer?
Bolaji – I got interested in my chosen career, which has now manifested in three folds, photography, journalism and acting thanks to my family, my dad was a photographer. So for me, I picked the interest from when I was a kid, 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.
Rise to stardom? I don’t know about that o… I believe in the power of consistency, to continue doing what you love and to make sure you share your skills with your environment while constantly being ready to learn. Constructive use of the internet is important. We can now share how we feel with the planet, just a fingertip away. If your message resonates with people, they will celebrate and highlight your contributions to humanity.
As an actor, I started with theater at UNILAG and have featured in several television shows until today. That has given me visibility and supported me in propelling my Eyes of a Lagos Boy brand. My first 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.
Who are your targeted audience and what message are you conveying to them?
My target audience is everyone alive today, the incoming generations and those coming after. I use my art to speak about my society and vice versa. My work is about documenting the history of an African from Lagos, Nigeria. Some of my pictures went viral in the last few months and it is exciting to see the positive response of people of all ages celebrating the city, some people even use these pictures as wallpapers on their phones. It’s great to be one of the artists who remind us of some of the forgotten beauties around us.
How have you been coping with the rise?
It is what selling artists go through. One of the questions you is always “What’s the next project?” and you’re 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’s 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. The challenges – one of them is getting my society to accept photography as an art fully. From some quarters, the attitude is “it’s photography, anybody can do it”, since we now all have camera phones, but that’s 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. Of course there is also the technical side to our work – you need to have a deep understanding of how to play with the light and angles – in that sense photography is playing with what our eyes can perceive.
Also, the equipment required for professional photography is not cheap and it’s 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’ve been surrounded by area boys asking for money while on the outer Marina bridge to photograph the famous Cathedral Church of Christ 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 Dr Lawyer, 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. 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 Unilag. We were brought up to share everything and to support one another. 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 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. These kids are wonderful creators and it is fulfilling to show them new things that will always stay with them. Young people apply consistent practice of whatever they like to do. We grow through doing things repeatedly. Do not be afraid of failures as it is a part of life. Understand the history of your country and your environment. Pay more attention to the positives 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 profession? 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 – 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 more investment in academics, tourism and the experience in the profession generally.
Yes indeed, we need a photography institute where artists an 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 afrobeats. 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 in Lagos and around Nigeria, there is a story to tell. My work involves a lot of traveling, which I enjoy. It is exhilarating to take the African story out there and also bring stories back from abroad home. Photography comes with a lot to experience in the course of work. It gives me great joy when I see people‘s smiles when showing them a picture I took of them.
Culled from The Sunday Sun
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