Daniel Obasi – A class apart out on his own

Daniel Obasi is a Nigerian-born art director, stylist, and photographer who lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.

While growing up, Daniel Obasi was obsessed with fantasy stories. “I wasn’t so keen on reality,” he says. ‘I was always more about magic, the fantasy, the half-humans; things that push outside of the surface-wall.” His first initiation into the creative space was as a graphics design intern at a security company in 2012. 

Studying Language in the University of Lagos, Daniel Obasi developed an interest in the world of fashion. His interest came from paying special attention to how the society around him perceived gender roles and masculinity.

His well-acclaimed series, “The Illegal Project“, looks at homosexuality in Nigeria. Although commissioned by Oxosi magazine, it was featured on BBC Radio, Design Indaba and Marie Claire. With laws prohibiting homosexuality in the country, Daniel’s series was not only controversial but also a huge success. “I thought how best to create this in a way that it’s not offensive, but also not hiding the truth. Simultaneously it had to be beautiful, mysterious, and magical, to make it my own thing. Oh, and very African! That was important to me as well.”

One could describe Daniel Obasi’s aesthetics as light, ethereal, and Afrocentric. While Daniel Obasi creates astounding editorials, he has worked as a stylist and director on some notable music videos. Some of these include; Major Lazer and Burna Boy’s “All My Life“, Davido’s “Sweet in the middle“, Tiwa Savage’s “49-99”, Odunsi’s “Star Signs“.

In the fashion space, brands like Orange Culture, Iamisigo, Maxivive, Vlisco, and Miu Miu have received the Daniel Obasi Golden touch. Although boasting of offerings in well-known publications like; Billboard, Modelsdotcom, ID Magazine, Nataal Media, Afro-punk, Indie Magazine, Maire Claire SA, amongst others, he’s not slowing down.

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