Category Archives: Events

-Introduce yourself-

My name is Kelo Okeke and I’m the founder and a creative director for an online streetwear store called Giddimint.

What has been your favorite moment growing up in Nigeria?

I’ve lived my whole life in Nigeria and there’s been a lot of favorite moments. If I had to choose one, it would be when the Atlanta ’96 Nigerian football team won the gold medal. It must have been about 1am in the morning but people poured into the streets in jubilation. That gave me a glimpse of what a united Nigeria would look like.

What is Nigeria to you and what does it mean to be Nigerian?

Nigeria is strength. Nigeria is resilience. Nigeria is creativity. To be Nigerian is to possess these qualities.

We have been following your work with giddimint for some time now. What is your primary motivation for creating giddimint?

I created Giddimint to fill a void I stumbled upon while I was an undergrad and trying to get distribution for a t-shirt line I’d created called Lo. I couldn’t get any store to stock my tees so I made a mental note to create a platform in the near future when I had the funds. A few years later, I had the funds and Giddimint was born.

How did you find your voice / confidence in your decision to leave your previous employ and focus on giddimint?

I felt it was time. The stars never REALLY align in our favour, but when you feel they are close enough, you’ve got to make your move.

What has been the most challenging experience you had setting up and sustaining Giddimint?

On some days it’s infrastructure and on some other days, it’s finding the right people to work with. The street wear industry in Nigeria is just starting to grow and running an online street wear store requires staff with unique skill sets which aren’t very common in Nigeria at the moment. Still in all, we push on.

Tell us about a significant turning point in your life.

I lost my dad on boxing day 2011 and I remember visiting the morgue and seeing all these corpses! It hit me that I was going to be chilling on those slabs at some point too and I didn’t want to lay there with the regret of not following my heart.

What keeps you going?

Little victories keep me going. Everyday. I don’t wait for the big ones.

In your opinion what are the key ingredients a successful entrepreneur needs.

Honesty, integrity, hard work, resilience, creativity and a lot of balls.

Do you have any role models. If yes,who and why?

My grandfather is one of my role models because he created a whole industry. Jay Z is also a role model for his effortless style and his uncanny ability to create trends.

KELO SEEN IN CCTV SAVE THE QUEEN TEE BY LITERATI CLOTHING

If you could go to the past and give your younger self advice what would it be?

Spend more time with your father. Tap from his wisdom and wealth of experience.

Of all the places in the world to visit, where would you like to be/visit at this very moment and why?

China. Their manufacturing prowess will open your mind in ways you never expected.

What would you rather, the front of Time magazine or forbes? Why?

If I play my cards right, then I should be on the cover of both. I’d like to be on Forbes for creating a juggernaut of a company and on Time for affecting people’s lives positively using the wealth accrued.

Favorite hip-hop lyric /music lyric / song lyric / movie quote?

“I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man!” – Jay Z.

  share your thoughts on THE african renaissance

We need to tell our stories ourselves. Africans have a rich heritage but they’ve been buried by centuries of the white man telling their versions of our stories. I believe one of the biggest wrongs we can do the next generation is maintaining the status quo. We’re hoping to tell some of these stories through street wear and we will continue till there is no breathe in our lungs anymore.

Imagine your child is reading this 15yrs from now, say something to them.

You can.

Introduce yourself

Well my name is Wana Udobang but I have become better known on the radio as WanaWana or on social media as MissWanaWana. I am a broadcaster, writer, poet, culture fanatic, vintage/ pinup obsessed lover of pretty things. I’m also an awesome cook, make killer smoothies, and I try to be a good friend, moody sometimes but all round happy bunny. I am frugal and very street smart and I posses a bad habit of impersonating people. I am super animated and as a result a friend once described me as a wind up doll who can talk you to sleep. I burst out into sporadic song and dance  quite a bit and the soundtracks to my existence are ‘pink panther’ and ‘Big Spender’. I have my own choreography too.

What has been your favorite/defining moment since moving back to Nigeria ?

I have no idea. Im hit with so many interesting things daily sadly I can’t decide.

What is Nigeria to you and what does it mean to be Nigerian?

Nigeria is an engine to me. I can dream and make things happen. I also see Nigeria as an abyss of contradiction as well as an aso-ebi boutique. It beams of freedom and possibility but its easy to feel imprisoned by the uniform aesthetic. It’s that thing of you must be the same or it won’t work. Being Nigerian on the other hand is like a spirit. It’s a spirit that pushes you to be more and do more.

How did you find your voice / confidence in your decision to pursue your chosen profession / how did you know you wanted to do what you do?

My background is in Journalism and that came from a lot of personal experiences. I’ve always had a strong inkling towards exposing things and ideals of what was wrong and right though as you grow older you discover the world is infinitely more complex and there are forever shifting shades of grey.

I think who I am and what I do and want to do is constantly evolving. Primarily if I was forced to put all that I do into a box, I would say I am a story teller whether its telling stories my self or helping people tell their stories but I just work in diverse mediums. Those mediums range from radio, and short fiction to poetry and performance.

As for confidence, I think I have been very lucky to have people that believe in me even more than I believe in myself so that always gives me courage to experiment. Then my family has always been a factor. There were no expectations placed on me and I think I was incredibly lucky as a result. All they wanted was just for me to be able to get through life and take care of myself. This essentially means there is no bounty on your head to become anything other than you.You can just be.

Tell us about a significant turning point in your life.

Going to an Arts University . I had never been surrounded by that level of innovation and creativity in that sort of way and it had a huge impact on my life and altered the way I see the world. I always say my University was one of the best things that happened to me. So shout out to UCA(University for the Creative Arts)

What keeps you going?

I am very much driven by purpose. I have a strong belief that I am here for a reason and I have many things to do. I am part of this massive nucleus and I have role to play. I believe the things we do and who I am is just a vehicle to carrying out that mission

We know words are very close to your heart, If your words could change peoples attitudes on one particular issue / topic, what would it be? and what change would you wish to see.

I would like for people to be appreciative of difference and diversity. I suppose that comes from always feeling like someone who hangs on the fringes of everything so in a way it is personal. I think the common thread that connects us all is our humanity and that should come first.

We would all be so boring if we were all the same. I strongly dislike the word ‘tolerate’ because I think it means to put up with something. I much rather appreciate.

If you could go to the past and give your younger self advice what would it be?

Oh that’s easy. Don’t be too insecure, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, people will judge you anyway, just laugh, dance, cry, and relax. Don’t take yourself or life too seriously. Some things will change, some will stay the same and we will all die someday so have a bit of fun and make your time here count. Let the choices you make mean something.

Of all the places in the world to visit, where would you like to be/visit at this very moment and why?

I have always wanted to go to Cape Verde . I suppose I know very little about the place and the only thing familiar to me is Cesaria Evora’s music.

What would you rather, the front of Time magazine or forbes? Why?

I don’t know that I care too much. Recognition is great especially if it gives you and your work wider reach or enables you impact more people but I’m a bit careful with the kind of importance attached to these things so it doesn’t become a tool of validation. But honestly I will take any. I’m pretty indifferent.

Favorite hip-hop/music / song lyric?

This is hard. I really loved Common’s ‘I used to love here’ when he was still Common Sense. I love Jill Scott quite a lot and I was obsessed with the lyrics to Incubus’s ‘Wish you were here’ for a long time, I think it’s a beautiful love song. But at the moment it is Florence and the machine. Her lyrics get me.

Imagine your child is reading this 15yrs from now, say something to them

Your mum has crushes on weird dudes just thought you should know

Introduce yourself

My name is Bolaji Kekere-Ekun and i am a filmmaker/entrepreneur living in Lagos city.

 What is Nigeria to you and what does it mean to be Nigerian?

Nigeria is where i am from. It is the largest black nation in the world. It is a place filled with potential. It is a hard place to live and as a result of this, it is a place that creates some of the most resourceful and ambitious people in the world.

 To be Nigerian means to carry the burden of a great contradiction. This contradiction is that one has been blessed with a history rich in influential culture, tradition & knowledge but is identified by a more recent history of corruption. To be Nigerian has to mean to rise above.

We have been following your work with the 37th state for some time now. What is your primary motivation for curating the 37th state blog?

Thanks! The primary motive for the blog is to showcase urban and African culture and lifestyle in a way that is empowering, enlightening, accessible but most of all, ordinary. Ordinary in the sense that it should be able to be seen side by side with other content from other parts of the world and fit into the global conversation seamlessly. We are just trying to show that Africa is indeed a part of the global conversation on culture in any of its forms and also a major influencer. There’s another blog doing fantastic work called Dynamic Africa on tumblr. There’s also the big international website Shadow and Act that focuses on African and African American film. Check them out for a bit more of ‘ordinary’.

How did you find your voice / confidence in your decision to pursue your chosen profession / how did you know you wanted to do what you do?

I heard at some point that you should look to your passions when deciding your profession. I enjoy writing, watching films and writing music and thought film making would unify these interests of mine, so i applied to the best film schools in the world and somehow got into one of them.

 My personal view is that finding your passion is only the first step. The second step is sitting down and thinking very hard about how to make money from your passion. Third, work hard, stay focused, follow your instincts.

Tell us about a significant turning point in your life.

I’ve just had one. Currently reading Ayn Rands ‘Atlas Shrugged’. A philosophical thriller. It’s changing my perspective on how to live my life. Also showing me the kinds of films i might make in the future. Today it made me remember The Matrix and how that film is deeply philosophical but is one of the best action films of all time. Hmmm…

What keeps you going?

The need to create. In work and in life.

If you could go to t he past and give your younger self advice what would it be?

Learn everything you can now! Pay more attention in class. Have more fun. When you’re older you’ll be too busy trying to make a living to learn new things.

Of all the places in the world to visit, where would you like to be/visit at this very moment and why?

A resort i stayed at in Abraka, Warri? Why? Because i can hear myself think there. It’s an idyllic place. I need to make plans for 2014!

Favorite hip-hop lyric /music lyric / song lyric / movie quote?

‘women thrive on emotions men refuse to acknowledge/so when we arguing nobody wins’- Talib Kweli, Love Language

As a film maker, if you could write the script for a new nigeria…. what would be the words on the back cover?

This is not a comedy.

 Imagine your child is reading this 15yrs from now, say something to them.

 Eeey what up? Your mom is amazing. And you’re not too bad yourself. You’re doing great, keep it up!

click to shop featured items

ankara samurai tee

The watson laptop bag

Literati linen

Tanko loafers

Introduce yourself

 My name is Ijeoma Aniebo, some people call me Declectic (the eclectic). I am an actress and TV presenter amongst other things.

What is Nigeria to you and what does it mean to be Nigerian?

 Nigeria is home. To me being Nigerian stands for an indefatigable hope, that even in the face of adversity, things will get better. Let me use the fuel subsidy riot of 2012 as an example. It was the first time in this democratic dispensation that I have seen Nigerians agree and implement the power that we all know lies with the people. I was so proud of my country and even more so of the young people that were involved.

How did you find your voice / confidence in your decision to pursue your chosen profession / how did you know you wanted to do what you do?

 I started performing in my parent’s living room at the age of 4. As I grew older, other kids were settling into more ‘serious’ professions and I couldn’t decide which one to pick. I wanted to be all of them at once. When I turned 12, I said to myself “I might as well find a profession that allows me be all the other things I wanted to be.” I always knew I would perform, I just never thought it would be my first calling. As for the confidence, I have to keep finding that everyday. Some days are easier than others.

Walking the road less traveled is always glorious once you get to your destination, what do you find are the challenges walking that path especially doing so in Nigeria.

 Where do I begin? The constant need for acceptance, the lack of adequate financial compensation, infrastructure, etc. We are at a pivotal point in Nigeria where the film and entertainment industry is changing and in order to do that, everyone is really sacrificing. Back breaking work, literally, for almost little or no pay or recognition. The quick money avenues of the past aren’t available to us anymore so as an actor, you have to have multiple income streams to survive the overhaul. One day, I hope we can all make a comfortable living out of what we’re creating right now.

Tell us about a significant turning point in your life.

 My first professional stage performance in 2009. It was the first time that I could breathe in and take cognizance of what happened to me when I performed and I knew I was on the right path. I have never looked back since.

What keeps you going?

God. It has to be him because there is no logical explanation. That being said, he’s surrounded me with the best people, friends and family alike and reminds me constantly that people, not money, make the world go round.

If you could go to the past and give your younger self advice what would it be?

 Pick another career. Just joking. Seriously I would probably remind myself of one of my favourite motto: ‘Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game’.

Of all the places in the world to visit, where would you like to be/visit at this very moment and why?

 South Africa. Because I didn’t get the chance to meet Madiba Mandela alive, I’d like to be able to say goodbye in person.

What would you rather, the front of Time magazine or Forbes? Why?

 Time Magazine. I always imagine Time subjects to be people who have done something very impactful in the world. Money isn’t everything and as I said before, it is people that make the world go round. Money comes and it goes. It is the relationships we form in life that nourish us.

Favorite hip-hop lyric /music lyric / movie or play quote

It’s from a Jay-Z’ Blueprint album, a song featuring Eminem. ‘Renegade, never been afraid to say what’s on my mind at any given time or day.’ I think the song title actually has a double meaning for me because Renegades was the name of a dance group I formed way back in my college days.

Imagine your child is reading this 15yrs from now, say something to them.

 I love you so much and just like my parents are there for me, I will be there for you every step of the way.

LitBlack Ankara Samurai

Literati Holdall bag

Introduce yourself

Olumide Ayeni aka Ghost of showdemcamp (sdc)

What has been your favorite/defining moment since moving back to Nigeria?

I have daily trials, victories and defeats which I would interpret as self defining. Too difficult to categorize it into a single moment. They all mean something to me.

What is Nigeria to you and what does it mean to be Nigerian?

I call Nigeria a “beautiful mess”. In my opinion Nigeria is the product of the overall collective thought process of its people so to be Nigerian Is to be connected to that thought process in one way or another.

How did you find your voice / confidence in your decision to pursue your chosen profession / how did you know you wanted to do what you do?

The voice has always been there but it took practice, time and dedication to express. The confidence comes from faith in God. Honestly I have wanted to do so much as long as it allows me to be creative. So you could say music is a creative backbone for other things to come.

Tell us about a significant turning point in your life.

When my daughter was born it most definitely changed my life. My sleeping habits for starters.

What keeps you going?

God, family, real friends and personal conviction.

If you could go to the past and give your younger self advice what would it be?

I would advise the younger Jedi to pray more, think positively and surround himself with people who are trying to do the same.

Of all the places in the world to visit, where would you like to be/visit at this very moment and why?

Apart from actually traveling round Nigeria and Certain places in Africa, i have always been fascinated with Asian culture. East Africa, Japan & China are definitely places I would like to visit.

What would you rather, the front of Time magazine or forbes? Why?

Personally I would not like to be on the cover of either. I shy away from fame but welcome fortune.

 Favorite song lyric?

Andre 3K- ” The common denominator/ The n#gga numerator/ never know who the hater n#ggas cater to your ego “

 Imagine your child is reading this 15yrs from now, say something to them.

LISTEN TO YOUR FATHER. Find your purpose in life and pursue it with every fiber of your being. Keep your faith in God, your thoughts positive and your heart pure. Life is what you make it as well as how you take. Live, Love and laugh.

Editors Note : It was epic to see Styles P Annihilated in the video below ( From 3:30)

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Ghost is seen in the Hopeful Nigerian futuristic (Lit black)

Zombie 

Literati Art piece

Introduce yourself

My names Tec,/ birth name Wale Davies/ Group name SDC Show Dem Camp

What has been your favorite/defining moment since moving back to Nigeria?

There have been a few defining moments but I think the most important one was when I decided to forge my own path and accept my gifts as a creative. That was in 2009 and is especially significant to me in an environment that does not support creativity.

What is Nigeria to you and what does it mean to be Nigerian?

Being Nigerian to me points at a higher calling. I feel change is vital for this country to progress. Change as well as enlightenment. Its a gift and a curse, yet whilst people may look at the curse part ie the stresses, the corrupt systems in place,  the injustices that go on daily. I look at it as an opportunity to be agents for change and enlightenment.  Due to the relative infancy of this country ( and by that I mean our de-colonization and adoption of the current global systems ie democracy, capitalism) there is an opportunity to really make a mark and be a trailblazer in your chosen field and this to me is an intriguing prospect.

How did you find your voice / confidence in your decision to pursue your chosen profession / how did you know you wanted to do what you do?

This has been a difficult battle and one I truly came to grips with in 2013. I have been creating music for a while yet did not understand that whilst I was using thoughts to create art, I could also use thoughts to create and manifest life. So doubts have always been a part of my make up. Yet with growth you understand the importance of faith and conviction in whatever you do and this year was when I was fortunate enough to truly make this realization.

Tell us about a significant turning point in your life.

A significant turning point for me, was leaving the corporate world in Europe to return to Nigeria/Africa.  I think that decision significantly altered the direction of my life. I’m the only one of four siblings who lives here and its been crazy, frustrating, fun, insane yet an ultimately fulfilling experience

What keeps you going?

What keeps me going is the belief that I can change and enlighten people through music and ultimately media. With the key message i am eager to spread being how to see and actualize abundance when lack and limitation have been deeply ingrained in our psyche as a race and a continent. I believe in creating opportunity and platforms for the younger generation to express their creativity so ultimately music is just one step in my journey up the ladder.  Lord willing

If you could go to the past and give your younger self advice what would it be?

I would go back and talk to my younger self about confidence,  believing and having total conviction in God and in yourself as we are made in His image. I would also tell him it is possible to be vocal about your talents without being arrogant or crass, which is something I’ve battled with over the years.

Of all the places in the world to visit, where would you like to be/visit at this very moment and why?

Despite the craziness in that region, I would really like to visit Egypt, the pyramids, the river nile and also Ethiopia

What would you rather, the front of Time magazine or forbes? Why?

I understand this question to mean legacy or wealth. I would choose legacy any day so Time. Legacy lives on…although don’t get me wrong o I want my wealth to be part of my legacy.

Favorite hip-hop song lyric?

Nas is like: freedom of jail clips inserted/ a baby’s being born/ the same time a man is murdered /the beginning and end

Nas Hate me now: People fear what they don’t understand/hate what they cant conquer/guess that’s just a theory how man became a monster

Imagine your child is reading this 15yrs from now, say something to them

That life is filled with ups and downs and only God and the God given gifts we possess as humans can get us through it. Prayer is key, Positive thoughts, determination and conviction will get you far and whenever you are experiencing low points always know tomorrow will be better and with that knowledge, you can dig yourself out of any hole.

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Naija Vendetta

Literati classic polo

CCTV Save The Queen

Introduce yourself.

I am Lynda Dunkwu. I belong to a family of four from Delta State Nigeria. I am also a young female practicing lawyer, specializing in the field of civil litigation and entertainment law.

What has been your favorite/defining moment living in Nigeria?

My favorite moment is definitely my child hood. I grew up in Festac Town of Lagos State; a small neighborhood where everyone was bound by friendship and love. As a child, I could say all I looked forward to was waking up to eat a different meal, play, and play some more. There was no fear of terrorism or criminality. Living was fun, relaxed and something to continually look forward to.

What is Nigeria to you and what does it mean to be Nigerian?

Nigeria to me is a home of diversity. The good, the bad and the ugly. A home that wakes me up with so much anxiety, frustration and concern, howbeit, a home that I cannot get enough of and I would much rather be in.

Being a Nigerian to me is the most exciting asset one can have. As a Nigerian, I believe one is naturally street smart, an extreme optimist, a diehard survivor and always motivated to achieve. Being a Nigerian is the exact opposite of being indolent or slow. It is being a self-motivated hard worker.

How did you find your voice / confidence in your decision to pursue your chosen profession / how did you know you wanted to do what you do?

As I stated earlier, I am a legal practitioner. Like many, I was not always very certain of what I wanted to be or what career path to tread. I was thrust into the University to study law by my parents. However, unlike many, I acquired a great liking to the profession. For me what was most thrilling is the ability to take a theoretical framework and transform same into the practical daily lives of people and produce a solution. Law became very intriguing to me as I realized that it formed part of our daily life and was something that was impossible to avoid in human interactions. It was at this point I knew that the legal practice was something I personally wanted to do and this informed my confidence to own it, pursue it and fulfill it.

Tell us about a significant turning point in your life.

A significant turning point in my life would be when I began my charity organization called project red focused at creating HIV awareness and championing the cause of preventing stigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS. This project brought me face to face with the reality of the disease and the continued discrimination and pain people living with HIV face. It was a significant point in my life because I believed it was a way to give my input into the society and make it a better place.

What keeps you going?

Hope. Hope keeps me going. The hope of a better life, the hope of having my own children, the hope of becoming a distinguishing professional, the hope of a better world, the hope of everything good to come keeps me going.

If you could go to the past and give your younger self advice what would it be?

The advice would be to learn to be true to oneself and not live life to please anybody else.

Of all the places in the world to visit, where would you like to be/visit at this very moment and why?

I would say Seychelles. Because it is a beautiful island and I am certain it is a good place to have an amazing vacation.

What would you rather, the front of Time magazine or forbes? Why?

This is a really tough question. I would say both. I do not want to be in Times magazine for my achievements alone, I would also want to be known for prosperity. However, if I must choose, I will go with forbes. Being there alone is an achievement. Hehehehe.

Favorite hip-hop/music / song lyric?

Stay by John Legend. Beautiful!

Imagine your child is reading this 15yrs from now, say something to them.

Hello Child. (Smiles). If u are reading this, it means, I have done a good job raising you for fifteen (15) years. Now, there are many more years ahead to come, you have to do a better job than I did, achieve a million times more, so some day, your 15 year old child can be much more proud. Focus, self-determination and persistence is key

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Literati Ankara Samurai,

Zombie tee,

Literati Moon man,

Naija vendetta ,

The Hopeful Nigerian

‘Meet the Literati’ is a feature that aims to highlight  and feature inspiring people and stories which happen to have the ” literati persona’ acquired not by riches and material possession but by wealth of knowledge combined with a curiosity to attain, understand and appreciate things inspired by words as well as a healthy dose of substance.

With that introduction meet DJ OBI.

Introduce yourself

Hey everyone, I’m Obinna Ajuonuma aka  DJ OBI

What has been your favorite/defining moment since moving back to Nigeria?

Just being able to play along side my syndik8 family and recently djing for ice prince. Those have been major memorable moments.

 What is Nigeria to you and what does it mean to be Nigerian?

Nigeria means hustle hard to me, you work hard and make your world what it is. being nigerian means you can’t carry last, you can’t be at the bottom and not know how to survive . Always hustling, that’s the nigerian way.

 How did you find your voice / confidence in your decision to pursue your chosen profession / how did you know you wanted to do what you do?

I’ve always wanted to be a media person, i feel like it was something i was born with, being a dj is a stepping stone into that. it all just feels natural to me.

 Tell us about a significant turning point in your life.

A major turning point in my life happened june 3rd 2012, when i lost my dad in the dana air crash. it was a tough time, i had to become a full man overnight. It was a sad situation but God knows best,

What keeps you going?

The drive and the passion, the motivation to succeed is what keeps me going.

If you could go to the past and give your younger self advice what would it be?

LOL. that’s a good question. I don’t know, i actually don’t know how to answer that.

 Of all the places in the world to visit, where would you like to be/visit at this very moment and why?

TRINIDAD!!! i love the vibe on that island, it’s just a happy place.

 What would you rather, the front of Time magazine or forbes? Why?

Time magazine, for being the dj that was able to break the african music scene to the world.

 Favorite hip-hop/music / song lyric?

I don’t have any

 Imagine your child is reading this 15yrs from now, say something to him/her.

  Hey kiddo, daddy loves you, always remember you were born great so don”t stop chasing your dreams, you are destined to be blessed and favor shall always follow you. I love you forever and some more forever.

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DJ Obi seen in the Ankara samurai by literati clothing

Rat race revolution by literati clothing

The Hopeful Nigerian , Literati Linen Shorts and Literati Alhaji slipper.