Many thanks to everyone who joined us for the À WÁ ǸBẸ̀ Collaborators’ Roundtable at The Africa Centre (@theafricacentre ).
It was a meaningful evening of dialogue; unpacking the inspiration behind the exhibition, exploring the production process, and reflecting on the shared experiences that shaped its creation.
The discussion led by Sosa Omorogbe (Gallerist & Founder of The 1897) brought together key voices whose contributions were integral to the making of À WÁ ǸBẸ̀ Pt II: A Celebration of Community and Culture - Orry Shenjobi (Artist),
Suleiman Ismailia Gwazor (Textile designer), Usen Esiet (Curator) and Yinka Bernie (Sound artist).
Thank you for your insights, energy, and openness! It made this conversation a truly special part of the exhibition’s public program.
The Significance of Òrò ń lọ
In Yoruba society, Òrò ń lọ, literally “the conversation continues”, describes the gathering of elders and community members in open dialogue. These discussions were not simply exchanges of words; they were vital spaces for resolving conflicts, passing down wisdom, and reinforcing cultural values.
Rooted in respect for collective knowledge, Òrò ń lọ affirmed that dialogue is never final; it is an ongoing process through which ideas evolve, memories are preserved, and futures are shaped.
By naming our roundtable À WÁ N’BẸ ÒRÒ N LÓ, we situate the conversation within this tradition of communal discourse. It becomes more than a panel, it is a continuation of dialogue between generations, cultures, and practices, reflecting on how collaboration and storytelling shape the present while honouring the past.
We’re still feeling the energy from our first panel event, “World Building as a Mode of Storytelling”; a powerful gathering of visionary voices across art, music, fashion, and business. 🌎✨
The dialogue was a powerful reflection on why “world building” is not just a creative choice, but a necessary tool in today’s landscape across industries.
Huge thanks to our panelists @yinkabernie@goodnessvictor , and @oromatherapy , moderator @orryshenjobi , host @t0yin0nline , the @theafricancentre for hosting us + everyone who showed up and contributed to the energy in the room!🌍✨
Special shoutout to @thisisusng for the garms and for outfitting our panelists and host!
We hope you left feeling inspired and ready to apply some of the insights to your own creative practices or disciplines. Until next time! 🌎✨
comment —>🌍✨ if you attended and enjoyed!
🌎 Studio Orry Team + Production 🌎
Founder, Creative Director — Orry Shenjobi @orryshenjobi
Manager, Director of Operations — Temi Shenjobi
Creative Director/ Set Designer — Sherufa Yuma @sharufa___
Creative Strategist/ Host –Toyin Lanade @t0yin0nline
📸 Photographer – @fawizium
🎥Videographer – @alexandermasha95@the_revive_lounge
🎧 DJ – @majid.gotta.lens
Production – @3rderaproduction
Familiar yet often overlooked, the white plastic chair has become a silent symbol in Nigerian culture. Introduced in the late 20th century as affordable, durable seating, it quickly found its way into every corner of society: lining wedding canopies, flanking church altars, circling elders at family meetings, and standing quietly at wakes.
More than just a functional object, it has evolved into a cultural marker; one of presence, respect, memory, and belonging. It reflects who we are: communal, adaptable, celebratory, and deeply rooted in ritual.
It’s more than just a chair It’s part of our social architecture.
Àga yìí ní ìtàn
(This chair has a story)
Directed by: @orryshenjobi
Narrated by: @babajideolatunji
We’re excited to welcome a visionary lineup of panelists across art, music, fashion, and business, each bringing their own distinct perspective to a dynamic conversation on how creative worldbuilding can shape culture and craft narratives that truly resonate.
Meet the Panelists:
@orryshenjobi – Multidisciplinary Artist & Founder of @studioorry_@yinkabernie – Sound Artist & Co-founder of @egwurecords@goodnessv_ – Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships Manager @spotify@oromatherapy – Founder of @thisisusng
🎤 World Building as a Mode of Storytelling: Through Culture, Fashion, Music & Art
📍 June 28 | 12–3PM | @theafricacentre
🔗 RSVP now (Link In Bio) – space is limited.
#LondonEvents #paneltalks
The most compelling creative narratives aren’t merely just told, they transport audiences into multi-sensory worlds that look, sound, and feel like the creator’s inner world, transcending cultural boundaries.
On 28th of June, 12-4pm, join multidisciplinary artist Orry Shenjobi (@orryshenjobi ) and a panel of visionary voices across art, fashion, music, and business at The Africa Centre (@theafricacentre ) for a dynamic conversation on how creative world-building shapes culture and what it takes to craft narratives that resonate.
Grounded in Shenjobi’s 2024 immersive exhibition, A Wà Nbẹ̀, the discussion explores how each panelist builds immersive cultural worlds through their work.
📍The Africa Centre
⏰ 12-4pm (Doors open at 12pm - Panel discussion starts 1-3pm)
We’d love to have you in the room.
LINK IN BIO TO RSVP!
See you there!
