Location: United Kingdom
Omotayo is a Sunderland-based photographer originally from Nigeria, with a background in Economics (BSC) and Business Management (MA). My work focuses on cultural documentation and storytelling through photography, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of diaspora communities. •Since 2024,I have been photographing the Igbo Nigerian community in Sunderland, capturing cultural events, and traditions. My photography has been featured in the Igbo Community Magazine for two consecutive years, highlighting my role in preserving and celebrating heritage within the UK. •My ongoing photography practice explores themes of identity, heritage, and belonging within African diaspora communities Sunderland, UK. I am now expanding my work to include projects such as ‘African Women in Sunderland,’ which celebrates women’s leadership, resilience, and cultural contribution. My aim is to preserve these narratives while sharing them with wider audiences through exhibitions, publications, and collaborations." •Through my work, I aims to bridge and promote cultures between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, using photography as a medium to explore Documenting African Heritage in Sunderland, UK identity, belonging, and multiculturalism.
“Kola Nut – A Symbol of Unity and Respect”
In Igbo tradition, the kola nut is more than food: it embodies peace, hospitality, and friendship. It is offered at gatherings to welcome guests, seal bonds, and bless the occasion. For communities in the diaspora, the kola nut remains a powerful reminder of cultural identity and continuity.
The drum in your photo is called an Igba (or traditional Igbo drum). It’s widely used in cultural festivals, storytelling, and community ceremonies. The drumbeat often symbolises communication, rhythm of life, and unity in Igbo tradition.
“The igbo cultural exhibition ”
Drummers of the New Yam – Reimagined Tradition”
Captured at the Igbo New Yam Festival in 2025, this image has been transformed into an artistic painting. The vibrant green and orange attire, the rhythm of the drums, and the presence of masquerade embody the essence of Igbo cultural celebration. By reinterpreting the photograph as a painting, the work bridges documentary truth with abstract expression, highlighting how heritage can be both preserved and creatively reimagined in the diaspora.
“Owanbe Celebration – Nigeria”
Owanbe parties are a hallmark of Nigerian social life, marked by vibrant attire, aso-ebi (coordinated fabrics), and the iconic gele headwraps. These gatherings go beyond celebration; they represent community, identity, and shared joy, where family and friends come together to honour milestones with music, dance, and fashion. This image reflects the richness of Nigerian culture and the importance of tradition as a unifying force.
A powerful monochrome portrait captured at the heart of the Igbo Nigerian Community Cultural Event in Sunderland. This image transcends mere documentation, employing a distinctive dramatic lighting and textured aesthetic to elevate a moment of quiet connection into a timeless work of fine art.
The work not only celebrates the resilience and vitality of the Igbo heritage in the North East of England but serves as a crucial visual record of the UK's diverse and evolving cultural landscape. It is a testament to the artist's ability to create profound emotional resonance within a high-profile cultural setting.
“Kolanut”
“The drum”
“Owanbe”
“The African man”
