Interview with a Photographer: Jtimdal on Photo Naija

Friend of the African Renaissance and all-round great guy Timothy Aideloje had an interview with Photo Naija. So, what did he have to say about his passion – photography?

PROFILE

Company Name / Trade Name
Jtimdal Photography

Name of Interviewed Photographer
Timothy Aideloje

Photographer’s Website
http://www.kaine.pro/test (site under construction)

Photographer’s Phone Number
+2347031806932

Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/jtimdalphotography

Twitter Handle
@jtimdal

Photography Specialty and background
Landscape, Portrait, Weddings, Events, Theater, Travel, Fashion etc.

Your Location and Coverage Area as A Photographer?
Lagos and Abuja

How long have you been a Photographer?
3 years

When did you first become interested in photography?
From a Young age I’ve always been fascinated by Cameras and Photography.

Who were the first artists who inspired you?
Kelechi Amadi Obi and Shola Animashaun.

What do you love most about being a photographer, and what do you find to be the most challenging aspect of the job
Being a Photographer has been a wonderful experience for me as it has taken me to places and made me meet people of different tribes and most of all made me understand and appreciate the values attached to various cultures. The most challenging part of Photography for me is the ever growing need to buy gear and equipment which in most cases are very expensive and sometimes not so easy to lay hands on, another challenging aspect and I believe most Photographers can relate to this and which is trying to strike a balance with a client to pay for your services.

Do you think about Photography in todays society, and what do you think the Industry’s near future looks like?
Photography in today’s society creates an atmosphere for Photographers to express themselves through their works in terms of how they portray their immediate environment. The Industry’s near future looks very bright for the present and future generation to come due to the rapid rise in demand for photography coverage in the everyday aspect of life and style.

Any words of wisdom for the up-and-comers?
Never limit yourself, Explore all options.

Would you like to take up a Photography Apprentice?
Yes

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A.R.T’S INTERVIEW WITH CATHERINE LABIRAN

So we threw some questions at Catherine Labiran and the always delightful poet, author and activist shared thoughts on her new book of poetry titled Ayisat and her life as an artist. Check out the interview below.

Give us an insight into the creative journey of Ayisat.
The poems in Ayisat were written across my teenager years, so each poem gives the reader an insight to my experiences and what I was going through at that particular time. I have been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit and this reflects in different cultural references documented in the book. When I put this book together, I told myself that I was going to be as free as I could possibly be. At first, I was nervous to talk about certain topics because of how I would be perceived. However, I then came to the conclusion that my story is more powerful than my fear of perception. I then progressed to write and collate poems with a free and unchained spirit.

In what ways did you grow upon completing the poetry collection? And did this change or expand when the book got published?
Completing the collection helped me grow up a lot because it propelled me to put myself out there. Sometimes I can be really reserved with my art. Sometimes, I fall into the trap of being a perfectionist, which is a loser’s game. Making Ayisat taught me that imperfections can be beautiful. I included poems that I wrote when I was 16 to demonstrate my journey, not what the perfect poem could be. When the book was published, I grew once again because I had to make myself vulnerable to criticism and open to love. Once a book is out there, there is no taking it back. This process freed me from the restraints I put on myself creatively.

What can poetry lovers who haven’t read Ayisat be excited about?
If you know me, prepare to learn something new about me. If you do not know me, then here I am. Even though all the poems are not directly about me, they all show my thinking process.

Ayisat is dedicated to your mother and all mothers. How does that maternal mind state impact or reflect in the book?
Ayisat is my baby. I birthed this book, I have seen it grow up and go across the world. When I hand over copies of the book to people it is as if I am giving my child away to get married. The book is a collection of poems I wrote when I was experiencing the upside-down-inside-out-crazy-normal-quiet-loudness of being a teenager. This book is my journey in text.

Are there any poems or themes you’d love to revisit when you become a mother?
Definitely, when I am a mother I want to revisit the topic and idea of love. I have experienced love but never the love that a mother has for a child. I can only imagine how intense such a love is. Also, depending on the state of the world when I give birth, I am sure I will have to revisit my poems on politics. It’s bad enough living a corrupt world, but it is even worse knowing that your offspring is suffering at the cost of greed and evil.

How does your written poetry differ from your spoken word pieces?
I do not really think there is much of a difference between both forms. The only difference I can immediately think of is structure. When I write poems for the page, I have to pay attention to the structure, where I want words and the punctuation. However, when I write a Spoken Word piece, I do not really structure the poem or add punctuation because I know my mind would do that naturally.

Is there a dominant approach to your creative process or is each piece developed uniquely?
I think I approach every piece in its own unique way. When I create poems in my mind, I flip reality on its head. My mind births the abstract, filters dreams into reality and makes the reader question if there is a difference between the two. The world is a mysterious place, beyond what you and I know, and my poetry wants to demonstrate that. Also, in order to write I like there to be silence and I like to be alone.

What life experiences thus far have shaped you as a poet?
The biggest experience that shaped me as a poet was moving from the U.K to the U.S to pursue my degree. My transition made me a fish out of water. At first, I spent weeks, months, even, trying to work out how to breathe. The awkwardness of not knowing anyone, having an ocean separate you and your loved ones, drove me to pick up my pen in a way I have never done before. I have gone through isolation in the past, but this time I was not afraid of it. I connected with all that was lonely inside of me, all the little torn up pieces. I introduced my fragments to each other and then they weren’t so lonely after all. My best work has been produced ever since.

Literature lovers can get their hands on Ayisat at Lulu.com. So if you don’t have a copy click the link to see how you can get one, and if you do have a copy go ahead and get another for a friend.

In Conversation with Mc Bluetooth: Resurrection Laughter

Artist: Mc Bluetooth
Real name: Momoh Pius Oshogwemoh Valentine Peter Lawroo etcetera
Talent: Stand-up comedy, acting, and going loco.
Event: Resurrection Laughter, an Easter Event (Details here)

A.R.T
How long have you been doing stand up comedy?

Mc Bluetooth
Well it’s relative. Though I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh I wouldn’t claim to have been cracking comprehensive jokes in form of stand up comedy since birth, as musicians would claim to have been singing from the womb. But I’ve been a compère and a Master of Ceremony since my secondary school days in Federal Government Boys College, Apo boys, as we were called. Officially I began stand up comedy in the University (University of Abuja) where I anchored a lot of programs then realized humor was something I could greatly explore. And solo artistry is one of its basic forms so I guess it just stuck on me. Aside comedy I also act and it was through that medium (acting) that I also realized that this “mumuing” don dey blood since.

A.R.T
What inspired you to do the Resurrection Laughter show?

Mc Bluetooth
Hmmm! Resurrection Laughter, as the name implies, signifies the rejuvenation of joy, of excitement, and fun. It’s a pet project of mine under the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) in the Pro-Cathedral Abuja. It’s all about fun and joy that entertainment brings. The event is scheduled to take place every Easter, and, just as Easter signifies Christ’s Resurrection, we also want to use the opportunity to bring back joy through humor.

A.R.T
Nigerian stand-up comedy has seen a decline of sorts, do you think the new generation of comics can bring it back?

Mc Bluetooth
Well I wouldn’t say stand-up comedy is on a decline, I’d rather say it isn’t greatly appreciated as a form of art that can stand the test of time in Nigeria, and perhaps Africa as a whole. A mistake that I hope we correct in time. Nigeria is full of great minds and talents ready to explode and this young generation is the major catalyst to ignite that flame. One reason we might note a decline is the fact that events of this nature aren’t so often organized in Abuja, and in the event that they are, it receives little or no patronage. This has always been the biggest challenge mostly in Abuja, but I sincerely hope and pray that given the caliber of talent the city has to offer, the status quo will change for the better. Resurrection Laughter is a name that has come to stay and we’re aiming to reinvent and reignite the comedy scene not just in Abuja and Nigeria, but Africa as a whole.

A.R.T
Looking at the upcoming show itself, tell us a bit about the other young talent that will be performing.

Mc Bluetooth
In one word – crazy! Resurrection Laughter will feature the hottest, sickest talents to grace any event. I’m talking of outstanding solo performers in comedy, breathtaking musical acts and spectacular dancers all performing on one stage! We’ve got mad comedians like: D2, Orolee, M.O.G, Washington, Mc Kogi, as well as my humble self Mc Bluetooth. Bursting the sound waves musically we have prolific acts like FO, Gullyryda, 6Foot+, Mac P, I-sick, Dj X on the wheels of steel and more. Amongst the earth benders, as I like to call dancers, we’ve got The Magic Steppers, Elevator and G-next. Believe me you’ll be amazed the energy these guys will be bringing on stage. Also to make an appearance are juggernauts in the Abuja entertainment scene. Big shots of comedy like Fred Bright, Onome Di Saint, Wahala, Stainless and a few other surprises. Not to be left out are other hot shot celebrities such as Willy-willy and Yaks Man of Wazobia fm. So its a fully loaded package.

A.R.T
What is your most memorable moment on stage?

Mc Bluetooth
All moments are memorable, but I can never forget events such as Warri Conneqshun with Otota Live & Naked, back then in the University of Abuja; also Fellows Night of the National Institute of Chartered Economist of Nigeria, where I was given recognition by the special guest of honor in his remarks – though I wouldn’t want to name drop. Lots and lots of memorable times. But one which always reminds me that “talent pays” is an end of year party and send forth of corps members held at a Federal ministry. I was given a standing ovation for my performance and the DG personally doubled my original commission for that event. It was inspiring.

A.R.T
It’s great to see the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF) involved with the show, what do you hope to achieve through that partnership?

Mc Bluetooth
Normally I feel the best way to organize an event is to have a general theme every one can relate to, something that would have a positive impact on the environment. Sickle cell awareness is something that has been pushed to the sidelines when it comes to general health care and by partnering with SCAF, we hope to re-conscientize the public on genotype awareness and sickle cell anemia. One way SCAF will be doing this is by providing free genotype tests for all present at the event. So Resurrection Laughter is a bumper package of entertainment and health awareness. As time goes by we’ll be looking to infuse other areas where we can make our impact felt.

A.R.T
Aside from SCAF, are there other partners or sponsors involved with the event?

Mc Bluetooth
Of course there are. The Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) our Lady Queen of Nigeria is the umbrella body under whose social and entertainment programs Resurrection Laughter is a pet project. They are also providing the arena for the event. The red carpet coverage will be undertaken by Urban Reality TV, the graphic designer Justus Eselebor (@Justnation5) has done great work on the graphic materials. Hypnotics Sound has supported immensely in the area of sound production. Also, very importantly, Resurrection Laughter is the first comedy show to have it’s tickets and publicity materials sold and advertised on Nigeria’s top E-retailing company, Jumia. So people can visit Jumia Nigeria’s website to book tickets and find out more about the event. From that angle Jumia Nigeria has been a great partner. And not to be left out, you guys, A.R.T your contribution has been awesome as well. We’re still looking forward to having more individuals and corporations key into our brainchild.

A.R.T
Nigerians love humour. We laugh at everything. At ourselves, our friends, our leaders. Sometimes with positive intents, other times not so. What do you think gives us such affinity to humour?

Mc Bluetooth
Nigerians are peace loving people. I can beat my chest to say that, in creation, God gave us very large funny bones. Comedy and humor is our second nature. Our environment also contributes a great deal. With our different tribes, languages and ethnicity I’d say comedy was and is made for Nigerians.

A.R.T
Whose your favourite comedian, whether home based or foreign?

Mc Bluetooth
It’s hard to say, because I have so many favourites. But definitely a few instantly come to mind. For the foreign acts I’d say Rowan Atkinson aka Mr Bean. The guy cracks me up even in my sleep. He is a legend when it comes to facial expressions, and even in his solo performances he nails it every given time and with every audience. To me the guy is the Godfather of British comedy, be it stand up or pantomime. Then in the Nigerian comedy scene I’d say Bovi aka Akpos. That guy is from a species out of this world! His timing and delivery are awe. And his performances are so spontaneous. If I were Dr Frankenstein I would merge these two guys into one and plant them into my brain.

A.R.T
If you could have one super power what would it be?

Mc Bluetooth
(Laughs)Chai! Very tricky question. Make I no lie ehn, I’d rather have a genie offer me one wish, then I’ll use that one wish to wish for ten extra wishes and when I’m down to my last wish I’ll use it to wish for ten more. (He laughs mischievously.) For the super powers I’d say Superman, but without all that “kryptonite allergy palaver”. Super strength combined with super speed, the ability to fly, super hearing, x-ray vision, that’s just awesome.

A.R.T
Now finally, this Bluetooth! Bluetooth! I dey look your mouth since I no see any bluetooth.

Mc Bluetooth
(Laughing) People always ask this same question. It’s kind of a coincidence that a device is named after me (Sniggers.)Actually I realized that I always have had a way of connecting to the audience and taking advantage of the fact that I have very conspicuous dentition – although not blue oh – I realized its best to yab myself first and get it over with before some one scores a cheap joke on me.

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Find out details about the Resurrection Laughter show here. Visit Jumia Nigeria to book or purchase tickets.

Marty Major on BBC Radio

British Nigerian talent Marty Major, whom we once featured on our site, had an interesting interview and showcased the diversity of her talent on BBC radio. Check it out: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21373506