A few weeks back I had the pleasure of interviewing one of London's budding talents. A former next-street neighbour and close family friend, the infamous yet stealthy Mr Jide Alakija, the London based photographer who's roots lie in Lagos, Nigeria. As a matter of fact his father was the doctor in charge at my delivery into this world some 19 years ago [*you know you are getting old the second you start lying about your age*] Anyhow, Jide may not know this, but from a tender age I always looked up to him - so much so that [according to mother]my favorite three words as a toddler were "Where Jide at!?" whenever he was out of sight.
Time has made no difference to my childish attachment to Mr A. I still look up to Jide, not only as ruthlessly talented photographer but as a man with a rare and unique altruistic outlook of our world. So join me as I journey with Mr Alakija bridging the divide between his past, the present and his visions for the future...
Time has made no difference to my childish attachment to Mr A. I still look up to Jide, not only as ruthlessly talented photographer but as a man with a rare and unique altruistic outlook of our world. So join me as I journey with Mr Alakija bridging the divide between his past, the present and his visions for the future...
When you were a child what were your aspirations and how have your aspirations changed since then?
Jide Alakija
I wanted to be an architect- but now, I just want to command respect by being a disruptively positive influence on the future.
"Disruptively positive influence" I like that - I'm going to steal it.
What was your earliest photographic memory and how has it influenced your philosophical outlook on life. Also has this memory influenced your photographic visual style!?
Jide Alakija
My earliest photographic memory was at age 10. I was home, in the back garden taking photos of everything I came across that was of peculiar interest. It's funny you ask how this would have influenced my style today, because I still very much find myself walking around various locations, much the same way I did when I was 10 scouring the terrain for images to capture. Philosophically, I guess, it just translates to the fact that I am curious about everything. You can never know too much about anything.
Give us one of your favorite shots and choose a song as a musical representation of your photo.
["Come Fly With Me" - Frank Sinatra]
She looks like a what Frankie would call a "Tomato".
Tomato as in "a ripe tomato" - it's a lady ready for seduction or even marriage...
Talk us through three of your best shots from your personal archive.
Jide Alakija
["What are they looking at!?"]
This picture captures the intimate interaction that I had with two complete strangers in a very hostile and raw environment. They are the focus of my attention and I am the focus of theirs. I think, they were wondering why anyone would be interested in taking photos of them. It was taken outside a market stall in Ajegunle, Lagos. The image illustrates the raw 'on the edge expression' of two vulnerable subjects in their unforgiving environment. This is everyday life for a lot of people on our planet.
[Micheal Jackson aka Eric]
[Taken For Granted]
I took this picture over the Christmas period in 2006 and posted it on my photo blog on New Years day. I did this because I have a huge problem with the gap between the rich and the poor. We all think we are aware of it but most of us don't know the true extent of poverty. I think the "West" needs a reality check. I just wanted to explicitly reiterate the point that the privileged of the world take everything for granted. Poverty should not be an issue in this day and age.
Deep!
All those pictures say a million and one things. Personally "What are they looking at?" is numero uno.
Do you ever feel vulnerable and unsafe when you are in these harsh environments taking pictures? how do the subjects react?
Do you ever feel vulnerable and unsafe when you are in these harsh environments taking pictures? how do the subjects react?
Jide Alakija
To be honest - initially i do feel apprehensive because, essentially I am invading peoples space, when I arrive at a location unannounced with no prior warning. Most of the time people warm to me and are supportive of what I do. Most people are friendly especially children.
As you may know - its is routine for us to ask our interviewees to share something with the world - so - which photographers inspire you the most with respect to their visual style? and please share an unfamiliar/educative website that you visit regularly.
Jide Alakija
Website wise, I'm going to get all grown up on you, its all about Ted.com and with respect to my photographic heroes, Sebastio Salgado and the Godfather of portraiture Arnold Newman. Their work is flawless, timeless etcetera etcetera. If you don't know, get in the know.
[Images via Alakija.com]
words by DanFodio
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words by DanFodio
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