The Southwest of Nigeria is renowned for its creativity, with talented artists and artisans producing some of the country’s most notable works of art and entertainment. From music to film, the region has made significant contributions to Nigerian culture, reflecting its rich history and diverse traditions. Some of the most successful artists and directors hail from the Southwest, including Funke Akindele, Tunde Kilani, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Kunle Afolayan, and many others.
These individuals have not only made a name for themselves within Nigeria, but they have also gained international recognition, bringing their unique brand of Nigerian culture to the world stage.
Recently, Reno Omokri, a Nigerian author, Lawyer and Human rights activist, made a post about the Nigerian culture and talent where he made it known that the Southwest of Nigeria must be commended for their cinematic storytelling prowess.
He wrote, “Almost 100% of the top ten highest-grossing Nigerian movies have been delivered by directors of Southwest origin. Not only do they dominate in Nollywood, but they also are the cream of Nigeria’s music industry, having produced all of Nigeria’s Grammy Award winners, including:
Sade Adu (1986), Babatunde Olatunji (1991), Sikiru Adepoju (1991) and Seal (1996), Burna Boy (2021), Wizkid (2021), Temilade Openiyi AKA Tems (2023), and Burna Boy (2021).
The above are either wholly or partially Yoruba.
“This vindicates my 2023 post where I said that if the rest of Black Africa can be as true to their indigenous culture as the Yorubas of Nigeria are, their culture will help them dominate the global creative industry.
“Let me also congratulate Funke Akindele for smashing the record of not just the highest-grossing Nigerian movie but also establishing a new record as the first movie of Nigerian origin to achieve the two billion Naira box office mark. Well done, and may you achieve even more positive historical firsts!
“I also call on ivory towers around the world to study Yoruba Omoluabi Lukumi culture to understand why it has such a dominance in the arts and provide lessons on how the cultural practices which led to such creative successes can be replicated in other cultures.”