Maga describes himself primarily as a stylist and art director; “however I dabble in film photography and fashion design from time to time”. His creative journey was catalyzed at age 10 by an electrifying performance of Kanye West at the VMA’s. Fueled by the desire to emulate the coolness exuded by the iconic artist, Maga gradually honed his passion for fashion. While university initially posed a hurdle, the final year became a turning point, allowing him to pursue styling and art direction.
Acknowledging influences is crucial for any creative, and Maga draws inspiration from a diverse palette. Kanye West remains a prominent figure, accompanied by the likes of Gabriel Moses, Wes Anderson, and Pietr Hugo. These influences contribute to the unique style that defines Maga’s work.
‘Housewives of the Realm’ is his inaugural installment for his photo series ‘The Realm’. This editorial was inspired by the stark contrast between the elite and the masses in Nigeria. It captures the essence of a cocooned existence unaware of the daily struggles faced by many. The Realm series delves into the harsh realities of growing up in Nigeria.
While the editorial carries a deeper social message, Maga emphasizes the importance of first enjoying the art. With the hope that the audience will eventually engage in thoughtful discussions, the primary goal is to create an immersive experience that resonates with the viewers.
Bringing HOTR to life was not without its hurdles. From conceptualizing ideas in December 2022 to overcoming location challenges, describing Abuja as a concrete jungle. The shoot had to be delayed for weeks and it was shot just a day before he had to leave for England. The challenges overall made the end result even more worthwhile.
Next year in July, Maga would have completed releasing all installments for The Realm photo series and he intends on having a photo exhibition to hold across 2 days. “We are going all out with the sound, space, set design. It’s nothing that the city has ever seen thus far. An immersive photo exhibition worth your time and money”
