Artmosphere Nigeria, the nation’s premier monthly arts, culture, and social conversation event, will host and honour acclaimed actor, film producer, author, and storyteller Kanayo O. Kanayo on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Aramide Hub in Surulere, Lagos. The event, themed Open Mic with Kanayo O. Kanayo, will feature thought-provoking conversations, poetry performances, and music by alternative musician Edez.
Speaking on the event, Babatunde Odubanwo, Curatorial Director of Artmosphere, noted that the Artmosphere Lifetime Achievement Award has been central to the vision of its founder since 2011.
“It serves as a platform to critically evaluate and celebrate the contributions of Nigerian artists, creatives, and social advocates who have leveraged their crafts for the nation’s development,” he stated.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, born Anayo Modestus Onyekwere on March 1, 1962, is a distinguished Nigerian actor, lawyer, and cultural icon. He rose to prominence with his unforgettable role as Chief Omego in the 1992 classic Living in Bondage, a film credited with heralding the birth of modern Nollywood. Over his illustrious career, Kanayo has featured in over 100 films, including Blood Money, Rituals, and Family Battle, earning widespread acclaim for his ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity. In 2020, he achieved another milestone by becoming a lawyer, underscoring his dedication to personal and professional growth.
Kanayo has received numerous accolades, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2014 for his contributions to the arts.
Beyond acting, he is a mentor and youth advocate, inspiring aspiring talents through initiatives like the Kanayo O. Kanayo Mentoring Academy. His recent foray into national discourse through social media has sparked meaningful conversations on critical societal issues. Additionally, he co-authored The Executor, a compelling novel exploring legal intrigues in cosmopolitan Lagos. With a career spanning three decades, Kanayo remains a pivotal figure in African cinema and culture.
Founded by Femi Morgan in 2011, Artmosphere is a distinguished arts, culture, and social conversation platform that bridges the gap between creatives and their audiences.
The event blends book readings, poetry performances, music, visual arts exhibitions, and social conversations. Over the years, it has hosted over 100 notable personalities, including Prof. Niyi Osundare, Prof. Tanure Ojaide, Chijioke Amu Nnadi, Jumoke Verrissimo, Tade Ipadeola, Romeo Oriogun, Chuma Nwokolo, Victor Ehikhamenor, Tunde Adegbola, Beautiful Nubia, Burna Boy, Kent Oxygen and Sam Omatseye.
Following a brief hiatus, Artmosphere was relaunched in November 2024 to commemorate the founder’s birthday. The special edition featured prominent guests such as Mrs. Esther Ivie Igbinobia, Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Lagos Zone; poet laureate Tade Ipadeola; Public Relations expert John Ogue; social advocate Ennie Sophie Oluwa; Yoruba performance poet Aremo Gemini; poet Clementina Owumi Solutionist; and visual artist Qwestman.
The event will hold at the Aramide Hub, a vibrant venue in Lagos’ cultural heart, Surulere. The space is dedicated to fostering artistic inspiration and expression through events, workshops, and performances, embodying a commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s artistic ecosystem.
