Isálè Èkó is a Yoruba word that translates to downtown Lagos. It is a visual ode to the historical and cultural heartbeat of Lagos. The double-exposure technique merges the silhouette of a man with the iconic danfo buses, symbolizing the movement, resilience, and shared experiences that define the city’s pulse. Isálè Èkó is more than just a place; it is a living archive of history, from the enduring traditions of the Isésè festival to the mastery of mamà Sadia’s ewa agonyin. It echoes through the language of the streets, in voices calling “kowopé, kowopé!” and in houses standing tall like the unwavering spirit of its people. Beneath it all, the rhythms of Afrobeat bury themselves deep into the soul, chanting Èkó lèlèyi!—this is Lagos, this is Home. The artwork embodies the essence of community, showing how identity is shaped by shared spaces, cultural heritage, and the ever-present hum of city life.
Michael Temi-tope Adebiyi (Mike Wheeler) is a fine-art photographer from Ilorin, Nigeria, whose work explores identity, cultural reflection, and the human experience. His photography, characterized by expressionist, surrealist, and minimalist aesthetics, employs layered symbolism and experimental techniques. This approach has garnered international attention, with features in festivals, journals, and galleries such as Chestnut Review, Spellbinder, Ake Review, Canvas Gallery (New York), Superlative Gallery (Bali), ETH Safari (Nairobi), and NFC Summit (Lisbon). He currently lives in Ilorin, Nigeria.