Curating Creativity: Embracing Creative Expressions with Sayo the Artist

Tell us about yourself and your journey as an artist.

My name is Sayotheartist. I am a curator, singer-songwriter, and artist from Nigeria. I have a multi-disciplinary practice. When people hear the word “artist,” they often think of visual art, but I have always been interested in other aspects of art, such as music, and how it intersects with other creative expressions.

What sparked your interest and led you to pursue your artistic outlets?

I have always been interested in music and grew up in an environment that encouraged creative expressions like performance. This gave me many opportunities in school and at home to express myself. My interest in curatorial studies began after completing my undergraduate degree. I worked in an art gallery for several months and became curious about a career in the field, so I pursued it. I enjoy public programs and working with communities. I believe art galleries should reflect the people who live in or around them.

Who or what influences your artistry the most?

Many different things inspire me. In terms of music, I love Asa, Sade, Curtis Mayfield, Gladys Knight and The Pips. I also enjoy Black and African photographers and filmmakers. I strive to be a fan of good music, food, history, and photographs, hoping that I can create from that inspiration.

How would you describe the unique style and themes in your art?

I have been thinking about this question a lot. I don’t know if I have a specific word to describe my art, but I see curation as my medium. I am fascinated by storytelling through different creative expressions or art mediums. Every project is different, and that’s the sweet spot for me.

Can you share your most cherished project or piece and what makes it unique?

My recent project, “25 Ifedola Street,” is a project I cherish. It is an EP, a short film co-written and directed by Rete Poki, and a catalogue (still in the works). “Ifedola” is a Yoruba name that translates to “love becomes wealth” in English. So, 25 Ifedola Street is where love becomes wealth. The project reflects on family, memory, and love from my Nigerian Yoruba perspective. It is a personal story that people with similar backgrounds might relate to. The EP draws from my experiences at home and in the diaspora, and how those dynamics change or evolve. For the film and catalogue, I wanted to give people a visual attachment to the project, so it was filmed in Lagos, Nigeria. The story starts with the EP and expands into the film and catalogue. I love that each part stands independently but also feeds into one another. I’m also interested in the conversations that emerge from the project and how they change depending on the viewer’s background and where they’ve settled.

Reflecting on your journey, what obstacles have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

I am still on that journey, but I think embracing the outcome of my creative interests has been key. The fact that what I produce is different every time initially threw me off because I didn’t have a “signature” style. However, I have learned to embrace my creative expressions, and 25 Ifedola Street is a result of that.

How do you approach continuous growth and evolution in your artistic endeavors?

Growth is not as straightforward as we often think. I focus on stepping out of my comfort zone and continuing to create. I never want to reach a point where I force a project. I want to be excited about potential ideas and see them come to life. For me, the chance to do that is growth because each project will be different and have its own challenges.

Walk us through your typical creative process.

It’s not always a set process, but it always starts with lots of notes. I think and process through writing. So, I always start with words, ideas, or themes that I find myself returning to in conversations. Eventually, this evolves into a project, whether it’s a melody for a song or something else for another art project.

Do any specific rituals or routines help you maintain a creative mindset? If yes, what are they?

I’ll refer back to what I said earlier about wanting to be a fan of the good things in life. Prioritizing being a good listener and enjoying what others have created just for the sake of enjoyment goes a long way for me.

Have you had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow local artists or organizations? If yes, could you share some highlights?

I have. Working in public programming allowed me to meet and collaborate with various artists and organizations. I have enjoyed seeing how the Black diasporic art community continues to produce art. Engaging with this community, from visual artists to DJs, musicians, and performance artists, has been a big highlight for me, especially within the art gallery. There’s so much to discuss, engage with, and document, and I had the chance to do all those things.

In your opinion, how crucial is collaboration within the local artistic community?

It is extremely important. I come from a culture where knowledge production has always happened in the community. Being able to continue learning and producing within a community opens up much more for its members. It brings the community closer.

How do you connect with the local community through your arts?

My curatorial work facilitates this connection. Events have been a big part of this, and I am starting to explore how this can extend to other aspects of my art. Hopefully, in a few years, I will have a more developed answer to this question.

What are your short-term and long-term aspirations as an artist?

I want to spend more time making music and exploring the full extent of my sound. I also want to continue working within the African art community, both on the continent and in the diaspora. I know that is a broad goal, but pursuing opportunities in line with that is a key interest of mine.

Are there dream projects or collaborations you want to pursue in the future?

I want to write songs for films. That is a big dream of mine.

What valuable advice would you give to aspiring artists in your community?

Give new opportunities a try; you never know where they might lead you.

How do you manage the delicate balance between pursuing your passion and meeting practical needs in your artistic journey?

I am still finding that balance. In my case, my passions have worked in a way where one can support the other, but ultimately, it is a journey. I don’t think I have a definite answer yet.