Art Without Borders: Kelani Fatai Oladimeji and the Rise of a Global African Creative
From Childhood Sketches To Global Canvases
Let’s take it back to the beginning. Tell us about your early days and how your journey into visual art began. Was there a defining moment that made you realize this was your calling?
It all started when I was about six years old. I loved drawing comics, it was my way of having fun. Then something happened in secondary school that really stood out. I had drawn a replica of a stage play ticket, and it looked exactly like the original. The teachers thought I forged it and flogged me terribly. When I got home, I explained to my dad, and he went back to school with me, carrying all my drawings to show them that I’d been doing this for fun. That moment changed everything. It was then my dad realized I had a gift, and he began to take it seriously.
Your work is bold, expressive, and rooted in storytelling. How would you describe the kind of art you create, and what inspires your pieces the most?
I’d describe my art as realism, and sometimes I mix in elements of impressionism too.
Life itself inspires me. My personal experiences and the everyday things people go through. I try to capture real stories and moments that connect with people on an emotional level.
Every artist has a story behind the struggles. What have been some of the real-life challenges you’ve faced on your creative journey, and how have they shaped you?
There was a time when I was just a roadside artist. I didn’t have a shop or any space of my own.
I moved around with a sunshade, looking for anywhere I could set up for the day. It was hard not having shelter but those days taught me resilience. They shaped my mindset to never give up, no matter how rough it gets.
Congratulations on your latest milestone designing the cover of Tina Knowles’ book, Matriarch, now a #1 New York Times bestseller! How did it feel when she reached out to you for this commissioned art?
Honestly, I thought it was a joke at first! I didn’t believe it was real. But then Ms. Tina Knowles started discussing the project in more detail, and that’s when it hit me, it was actually happening. A dream come true! I felt so honored, it turned out to be the best moment of my life.
How does it feel knowing your work is now part of such a powerful global story, one that celebrates legacy, motherhood, and Black excellence? What does this moment mean to you personally and professionally?
Personally, It’s an incredible moment for me. I feel so blessed and proud. Professionally, This is a huge win for my art career.
To see my work standing for something so meaningful and embraced by people around the world is very moving. I pray it opens the door to even bigger projects in the future.
Social media has played a huge role in amplifying African creatives. How has it influenced your growth as an artist?
Social media has been a major blessing for our generation. It gave people like me a voice and a platform, no matter where we come from or what we’ve been through. It allowed my art to reach people across the world.
And finally, where do you see the future of the African art industry heading? What’s your message to aspiring African artists?
African art has become globally recognized, and we’re finally getting the accolades we deserve.
Aspiring African artists should keep working hard and continue making our voices heard around the world. We have so much to offer and so many stories to tell.
I really believe the future is bright for African creativity. My message is: keep pushing, keep creating, and never underestimate the power of your story.
