Stephen Tayo: Lagos is a Runway

Hailing from Ikere-Ekiti State and raised in Lagos, fashion photographer Stephen Tayo has gained the attention of fashion fans and editors around the world for his unique vision of African style and those who wear it best.

The New York Times, Dazed, and Vogue have all tapped Tayo for his unique eye, one which the self-taught photographer has trained to view the streets of Lagos like a runway. Tayo often focuses his lens on the beauty of the everyday, as seen in his photo series ‘Ibeji’, meaning ‘twins’.

Here Stephen Tayo tells us why Lagos is so exciting.

How did your career as a photographer begin?
My creative journey as a documentary and fashion photographer began out of curiosity. I’m carefully trying to create experiences I grew up with in line with discovery that are relevant to me and my culture. I honestly can’t say one moment really stood out. My career is very unbelievable to me and I’m grateful for every moment and opportunity that comes my way.

What is your photographic series "Ibeji" about?
In Yoruba culture and spirituality, twins are believed to be magical, and are granted protection by the Orisha Shango. Ibeji is the name of an Orisha (spirit in human form) representing a pair of twins in the religion of the Yoruba people.

Why do you think the international spotlight is on Lagos right now?
The eyes and attention on Lagos I would say is from all the amazing showcases of great sounds, and the efforts of communities that are involved in different parts of the creative sector. They are bringing change to things in a positive light, and this definitely, organically creates attention.

Lagos is filled with amazingly talented creatives – for example right now I really love the ​Abba T. Makama film ‘The Lost Okoroshi’, and I love Lakin Ogunbanwo’s simplistic portrait photography. ​Ajibola Kolajo ​has a delivery food company ​Oru ​that caters for midnight food, and Joseph Obanubi ​is an amazing visual artist.

Where would you take a friend who is visiting Lagos for the first time?
I would take them on a trip to my former university, University of Lagos, which I think has one of the best architectural buildings. Also the Fela Shrine, the beach, art galleries like Art Twenty One, Angel and Muse, Rele Gallery and African Art Foundation, the concept store Alara, the Lekki Art Market and definitely the Idumota Market. And I’m always looking forward to the festivals Homecoming, Art X, Lagos Photo Festival, and Art Summit.

What have you learnt from growing up in Lagos, and similarly what can the world learn from Nigeria?
Growing up in Lagos definitely has a great impact on me and navigating and learning from so many people has shaped me positively. I get inspired by so many different instances, especially the colours around Lagos. I would say living and working from Nigeria has taught me how to be resilient and that should be a lesson for the world.

Describe Lagos in three words?
Colourful, vibrant and busy.