Sanjo Lawal: The Artsman Traveler Melding Heritage, Art, and Fashion
- P2A
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Photo courtesy of Sanjo Lawal.
By Oury Sene
In the heart of Lagos, Nigeria—a city that never sleeps—Sanjo Lawal found his rhythm amid the chaos. Known for its relentless energy, bustling streets, and a never-ending soundtrack of honking cars, Lagos is where Lawal’s artistic journey began. His story is one of color, culture, and creativity, a narrative that crosses continents and mediums, inspired by the world around him and the rich heritage of his roots.
Lawal, born in 1997, is a fine art photographer and multimedia artist whose work speaks a language of vibrancy and depth. With a unique approach that blends photography, creative editing, and post-production, he brings to life images that capture the soul of African identity. “My art is 70 percent photography,” he explains, “and the rest is creative editing and digital painting.” His signature style transforms skin tones into near-charcoal shades, allowing the intense colors in his work to radiate with striking contrast.
From Lagos to Arles: A Global Artistic Perspective
In 2023, Lawal’s first journey outside Nigeria took him to Arles, France, where he participated in a prestigious art exhibition. Inspired by the city’s iconic architecture, particularly the ancient coliseum, he conceived his renowned series Artsman the Traveler. Posing before monumental structures, Lawal drew inspiration from Ajala the Traveler, a legendary Nigerian globetrotter from the 1980s who documented his journeys on a scooter. “Ajala’s story showed me the power of documenting travel and architecture as a way to spread African heritage across borders,” Lawal reflects.
Deep Roots, Bold Expressions
Lawal’s artistry is profoundly influenced by his Nigerian environment, where over 525 languages and countless traditions coexist. His upbringing in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State—a vibrant town known for its grand celebrations and social culture—fueled his fascination with textures, colors, and the drama of human experiences. The annual Ojude Oba festival, a spectacle of family pride and flamboyant fashion, left an indelible mark on his creative psyche. “It’s a competition of style,” he recalls, “where families parade in colorful attires. Those memories inspire the vibrancy in my art.”
The Emergence of Brothers Lawee
A natural progression from art to fashion came in 2024 with the launch of Brothers Lawee, a fashion collective driven by Sanjo and his siblings. Mayowa Lawal leads creative direction, while Doyin Lawal models their designs. The brand transforms traditional lace fabrics—reserved for ceremonies—into contemporary wardrobe essentials like shirts, trousers, and baseball jackets. “We modernize ceremonial attire for everyday wear,” Sanjo explains, “turning party fabrics into pieces that resonate with a younger, stylish audience.”
Sanjo credits his mother as a major influence on his fashion sensibility. Growing up, her vibrant choices in fabric and design for family events helped shape his aesthetic. Brothers Lawee reflects the same commitment to heritage and innovation that defines his art. The fashion line, much like his artwork, celebrates African royalty and resilience. Oversized headpieces in his portraits symbolize crowns, with their layers representing life’s struggles and triumphs. “We are kings and queens,” he declares. “Never forget that.”
A Celebration of Skin, Culture, and Legacy
Lawal’s artistic philosophy champions the beauty of dark skin, which he renders with a deliberate charcoal effect to enhance contrast and highlight the brilliance of his color palette. His work is an invitation to celebrate African heritage with pride and reverence. “The rich color of our skin is a symbol of beauty and strength,” he asserts.
In both his art and fashion, Lawal’s vision is clear: to create a seamless dialogue between the two disciplines. He envisions a future where the vibrant hues of his photographs are mirrored in his clothing collections, each informing the other in a dynamic expression of African identity.
“My art is a reminder to Africans not to forget the motherland,” Lawal says with conviction. “We have the most beautiful and diverse culture in the world. I want my work to reignite that spark of pride.”
Sanjo Lawal’s journey—from a boy sketching in Lagos to an internationally recognized artist and fashion innovator—is a testament to the power of imagination rooted in tradition. His creations, whether on canvas or fabric, remind us that art is not only a reflection of life but a force that shapes how we see ourselves and the world around us.
Read the original article on Guzangs.
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