Ugonna-Ora Owoh

Nigeria

Lagos Correspondent at It's Nice That

Poet| Journalist| Researcher. Columnist: @Essence, Lagos Correspondent @itsnicethat. Contributor: @Nytimes, @Voguemagazine, @Archdigest, @Teenvogue, @Dazed

Articles

The unique design influence of Nollywood movie poster nostalgia

2 months ago | itsnicethat.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

The View From... is a column on It’s Nice That written by a team of international correspondents in major creative cities around the world. Every two weeks we report on the design scene in these cities, exploring the topics that are making an impact on the local creative community there. This week, Ugonna-Ora Owoh is reporting from Lagos. A little while between the 90s and the aughts, the Nigerian film industry (or what is now known as Nollywood) was quietly burgeoning.
The View From Lagos: inside Nigeria’s blooming skateboard communities

Sep 4, 2024 | itsnicethat.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

The View From... is a column on It’s Nice That written by a team of international correspondents in major creative cities around the world. Every two weeks we report on the design scene in these cities, exploring the topics that are making an impact on the local creative community there. This week, Ugonna-Ora Owoh is reporting from Lagos. Dencity founder Blessing Ewona has always been fascinated by skate culture.
Don’t say ‘gay’ - Ugonna-Ora Owoh, 2024

Aug 14, 2024 | journals.sagepub.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

Identifying as LGBT+ could soon become an imprisonable offence in Ghana, and the uncertainty is creating a dangerous landscape, writes UGONNA-ORA OWOHTHE LGBT+ COMMUNITY in Ghana was gripped by fear on 28 February, when parliament passed a bill that would not only criminalise sexual practices but also punish anyone who identified as part of the LGBT+ community with three years in jail - or five years for anyone forming an LGBT+ group.
Celebrating James Barnor, the photographer who captured pre- and post-colonial Ghana

Jul 24, 2024 | wallpaper.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

There are many things to know about James Barnor: but first and foremost is the fact he is Ghana's most influential photographer and photojournalist. Secondly, he spent six decades crafting a beautiful body of work that stretches beyond documenting Ghana’s pre- and post-colonial viewpoint to explore the exuberance and liberal enthusiasms of London.
Nigeria meets Spain: Nifemi Marcus-Bello unveils the Selah lamp 2.0 in a new collaboration with Caliper

Jul 3, 2024 | wallpaper.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

Lagos-based Nifemi Marcus-Bello of NMBello studio just launched the Selah Lamp 2.0 as a collaboration with the Madrid-based fabrication studio Caliper. The design indulges the fusion of two different cultural standpoint, creating a quintessential Nigeria meets Spain design moment.
The View From Lagos: The queer Nigerian artists risking everything to amplify LGBTQ+ voices

May 14, 2024 | itsnicethat.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

The View From... is a new column on It’s Nice That written by a team of international correspondents in major creative cities around the world. Every two weeks we’ll report on the design scene in these cities, exploring the topics that are making an impact on the local creative community there. This week, Ugonna-Ora Owoh is reporting from Lagos.
Aindrea Emelife on bringing the Nigerian Pavilion to life at the Venice Biennale 2024

Apr 18, 2024 | wallpaper.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

Aindrea Emelife is the British-Nigerian curator spearheading a new wave of contemporary artists, and presently also the curator behind the second-ever Nigerian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024. When we get on a call ahead of the event’s opening (on 20 April), she’s in Venice, working with a team on the installation. As she speaks, I can sense the excitement in her voice: ‘We are working towards the installation’s completion and it's been going really well.
How Andrea Iyamah’s Eponymous Brand Is Redefining Feminine Elegance

Apr 2, 2024 | essence.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

Getty Images Andrea Dumebi Iyamah is very much one of the most inspiring fashion designers in the industry. With a career that has spanned more than a decade, she leads a wave of designers who make womenswear designs that exude immense feminine power and make bold sartorial statements that are beyond stylish and elegant.
Rich Mnisi’s furniture exhibition brings culture, mythology and movement to life

Mar 9, 2024 | wallpaper.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

Inside Cape Town’s Southern Guild gallery is the exhibition of renowned South African designer Rich Mnisi. Titled ‘Dzuvula’, the exhibition is an extension of ‘Nyoka’, Mnisi’s debut into furniture design, and comprises 3 installations: sculptural bronze furniture and lighting, as well as a hand-woven limited-edition rug. 'Dzuvula is an expansion on the cosmology of duality that emerged with my debut collectible design collection,' says Mnisi.
African jewellery designers marrying heritage with sharp design codes

Feb 20, 2024 | wallpaper.com | Ugonna-Ora Owoh

African jewellery designers are ensuring the local industry is alive and well. On a continent with so many raw materials and elements, and known for its export of gold and diamonds, the African jewellery market value is rising. It is thanks to the increasing interest in and appreciation of Africa’s locally produced luxury items, but also to several industry players who are continuously on their game, trying to get the market moving – and this is especially true of the jewellery designers.