Josh Egesi: A Design Artist on a Mission

In a world where creativity knows no bounds, Josh Ike Egesi stands out as a true maverick. In a virtual meeting that transcended boundaries, we had the privilege of interviewing the exceptional design artist live from this year’s Design Week Lagos.  When asked if he was ready, his confident response was, “I was born ready.” With those words, we embarked on a journey into the mind of a design artist who is changing the game in more ways than one.

“My name is Josh, and I am super excited that I got invited to this podcast,” Josh began. “I am a design artist, or, you could say, I make artistic designs and design artistic things.” Josh’s introduction highlighted his diverse talents, and he went on to explain that he often sees himself as a reflection of creation, akin to a god who shapes the world through his artistic designs.

Josh’s passion for life extends beyond his creative work. He is an adventurous soul who enjoys a variety of hobbies, from surfing to swimming. He emphasized that he embraces whatever brings him joy in the moment. Currently, his focus is on surfing, a passion that led to the creation of his remarkable project, Sapele Surf.

Sapele Surf began as a passion project but quickly evolved into something much more profound. Josh discovered a thriving surf community in Lagos, where many kids aspired to ride the waves but couldn’t afford surf gear. Recognizing their struggle, he decided to make surfboards in Nigeria, enabling these kids to shape their own boards and potentially earn a living by selling them. Sapele Surf not only supports the local surf community but also brings economic empowerment to young surfers.

The surf community in Lagos is brimming with passion. These surfers, including the kids Josh is supporting, are making waves not just in their local scene but also on an international level, representing Nigeria in surf competitions. There’s even talk of their participation in the Olympics. Sapele Surf is a significant contribution to this growing community, providing opportunities for both sport and entrepreneurship.

Josh’s creative ventures extend beyond Sapele Surf.

Josh has his personal brand ‘Josh Egesi’ where you can find his unique, conversational and limited pieces like the glass version of the popular Ayo bench.

He has two other distinct brands, “Ike of Lagos” and “Juju Studio.” While Ike of Lagos focuses on products Josh wants you to have in your space and at lower prices compared to the pieces of Josh Egesi. Juju Studio serves as an industrial design platform, nurturing young aspiring designers. Together, these brands bring innovative design concepts to life and contribute to local communities.

Josh joined us live from Design Week Lagos, an event close to his heart. He expressed his admiration for the growth and impact it has had on artists like himself. The platform provided by DWL has enabled him to showcase his talents and grow exponentially in the industry. His journey from 2021 to the present has been nothing short of inspirational. He expresses his appreciation to the founder, Titi Ogufere for the amazing work she does in making sure everyone climbs up the ladder of success and giving designers a platform.

Before diving into product design, Josh had a background in graphic design and illustration. His transition into product design was smooth, as he already possessed a strong foundation in industrial design. He wasted no time, diving into his first product, the tripod lamp. His ability to conceptualize and create swiftly has propelled him forward in the industry.

Josh is passionate about redefining the narrative around African art. He firmly believes that his work isn’t merely “African-inspired” but rather, it’s inherently African. His art draws from the rich culture and heritage of the continent. To label it as “inspired” is, in his view, limiting and unjust.

Josh is an artist who thrives on unpredictability. His next project, the “Plant-Based Program,” is a testament to this. This innovative initiative will explore the connections between plants and various forms of art, from fashion to music. The focal point is a plant-based concert, where data from plants will be transformed into mesmerizing audio-visual experiences.

Josh Ike Egesi is not just an artist but a visionary who is reshaping the design landscape in Africa and beyond. With Sapele Surf, Ike of Lagos, Juju Studio, and the upcoming “Plant-Based Program,” he’s proving that creativity knows no bounds, and innovation is the heartbeat of his artistry.

‍