He has photographed some of the biggest celebrities in Nigeria including past presidents and had his works exhibited home and abroad. In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, he speaks about his career and the challenges plaguing his industry.Kelechi: Oh yes, it has. In the last 20 years, I have watched the world change and think the introduction of the digital world has helped the industry in terms of demand. We now have more demands for imagery.
Kelechi: Yes, we still do not have proper institutions that can train budding photographers. I think the advent of Instagram and YouTube have advanced the industry. You know, 20 years ago people won’t be asked to be photographed on their birthday and then frame it. They only did it on their wedding day but today people contract photographers to shoot them on their 20th, 30th 40th 50th or 60th birthday. I mean 20 years ago I didn’t even know there was anything like a professional makeup artist.
Kelechi: Somebody once took my painting exhibition brochure, reprinted everything and then rented a shop somewhere where they displayed all my artworks. I was startled, to say the least. Again they also took the cover of my photography magazine and used it as a billboard in a shop. I can’t keep reporting them to the police every time else I will appear frustrated and wicked.Kelechi: I don’t think so. Everything is so transient right now, people are just looking for the next thing.