Art, culture and tradition took centre stage in Kampala as Nigerian visual artist Olakunle Bolawa opened his solo exhibition, Ojude Oba Series: Tradition in Motion, at Nommo Gallery, drawing artists, creatives and art enthusiasts to a celebration of Yoruba identity expressed through fine art photography.
The exhibition, which runs from July 10 to 27, 2024, presents a visual exploration inspired by the iconic Ojude Oba Festival, a centuries-old Yoruba cultural celebration known for its colourful regalia, equestrian displays, music and strong communal pride.
The exhibition curated by Nommo Gallery is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering Kampala audiences an immersive encounter with Nigerian cultural heritage interpreted through modern visual storytelling.
The photographs on display capture the energy and symbolism of the festival, featuring ornately dressed horse riders, richly layered textiles, ceremonial posture and densely packed crowds. Through careful use of colour and composition, Bolawa presents scenes that feel both intimate and monumental, reflecting the enduring relevance of tradition in contemporary African life.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the series, Bolawa described Ojude Oba as more than a cultural event.
“Ojude Oba is a living expression of identity, unity and continuity,” he said. “This work is about honouring where we come from and showing how tradition continues to move with us, even as times change.”
According to the artist, the series explores how cultural memory is carried through repeated gestures, symbols and communal participation. Horses, which appear prominently in the images, serve as symbols of prestige, leadership and strength, while decorative motifs and coordinated attire reference lineage and collective belonging.
Visitors to the exhibition noted the strong emotional pull of the photographs, particularly their ability to communicate heritage without relying on written explanation. The images invite viewers to reflect on how culture is performed, preserved and passed on across generations.
The exhibition also marks an important cultural exchange between West and East Africa, bringing Yoruba traditions into dialogue with Kampala’s growing contemporary art scene. Artists, curators, collectors and students in attendance described the show as both educational and visually compelling.
Presented in partnership with the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC), Ojude Oba Series: Tradition in Motion aligns with Nommo Gallery’s ongoing efforts to showcase contemporary African artists and encourage cross-cultural engagement.
As Kampala continues to establish itself as a regional hub for visual arts, Bolawa’s exhibition stands as a reminder of the power of art to carry memory, reinforce identity and connect cultures across borders.
