CELEBRATING NIKE OKUNDAYE’S GLOBAL IMPACT ON ADIRE AT THE AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) continued from yesterday’s momentum. As the festival opened, it did so with a powerful presentation that set the tone for a week of artistic expression and cultural exploration.

The presentation, led by distinguished figures in the world of entertainment, including Herbert Wigwe, Chris Oshafi, and Eric Monchu Intong, with the insightful moderation of Baba Agba, centered on a topic of immense significance, the growth of Nollywood. The discussion highlighted the strides and challenges faced by Nigeria’s prolific film industry, examining how it has become a global phenomenon in its own right. This exploration of Nollywood’s evolution served as a prelude to the festival’s main attractions, including the screening of an exceptional documentary titled “Queen of Adire.” This documentary narrates the remarkable journey of a woman known by many names, including Nike Twins Seven Seven and Nike Olaniyi, but most famously as Nike Okundaye or Mama Nike, a visionary Nigerian Yoruba adire textile designer and artist.

Adire is a traditional textile dyeing technique, has been an integral part of Nigerian cultural heritage for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the Yoruba people, who are renowned for their intricate art forms, including the intricate adire patterns and designs.

Adire artistry involves a meticulous process of using various dyeing and resist techniques to create stunning patterns and designs on fabric. Historically, adire was used primarily for ceremonial attire, making it a cherished craft that was passed down through generations. Its patterns and motifs were often rich with symbolism and meaning, reflecting the culture and traditions of the Yoruba people.

Born into the a custodial Adire family, Nike Okundaye was introduced to the world of adire at a young age. It was in her early years that she developed a deep appreciation for the art form and a profound understanding of its cultural significance. From the very beginning, Nike recognized that adire was more than just a craft; it was a living tradition with the potential to transcend boundaries and captivate the world with its beauty.

Nike Okundaye’s journey as a custodian of adire tradition began with her commitment to preserving the heritage. She understood the importance of keeping the traditional techniques intact, while also having the vision to innovate and breathe new life into this age-old art form. This delicate balance between tradition and modernity would prove to be the cornerstone of her success in turning adire into a global phenomenon. Most importantly, she started teaching the craft to outsiders.

One of the distinctive features of Nike Okundaye’s approach to adire is her unwavering commitment to both preservation and innovation. She recognized that adire could not remain static if it were to capture the hearts of a broader audience. To this end, she embarked on a journey to preserve the traditional techniques while infusing them with fresh ideas and modern sensibilities.

The preservation aspect of her work involved meticulously documenting the traditional adire patterns and techniques. Through her efforts, Nike ensured that these time-honored practices would be passed down to future generations. She understood that, without preservation, the essence of adire could be lost in the sands of time.

Innovation, on the other hand, was Nike’s way of breathing new life into the art form. She experimented with colors, patterns, and materials, pushing the boundaries of what adire could be. Her adire pieces became a vibrant fusion of tradition and contemporary creativity, appealing to a broader audience both within Nigeria and beyond.

Nike Okundaye; Textile Designer And Founder, Nike Art Gallery, Adejoke Yusuf (Jkay)- Head Of Productions, Inside Nollywood Creative Hub Amongst Others.

Her work found its way into prestigious galleries and museums, making adire a recognized and respected art form on a global scale. Through these endeavors, she opened the world’s eyes to the beauty and cultural significance of adire, cementing her place as a global ambassador for Yoruba culture and tradition.

Beyond her role as an artist, Nike Okundaye’s impact extends to women’s empowerment and community development. She realized that the potential of adire was not limited to the art world; it could also serve as a catalyst for positive change in society.

Through her art centers and workshops, Nike provided training and opportunities to countless women, equipping them with valuable skills in adire production. These initiatives not only empowered these women economically but also contributed to the growth of their communities. As these women honed their craft, they became self-reliant and played a crucial role in preserving the adire tradition.

As Nike Okundaye continues to inspire with her creativity and dedication, the global recognition of adire textiles stands as a remarkable example of how a single individual can change the world’s perception of a traditional art form. Nike Okundaye’s legacy is a colorful tapestry that weaves the past, present, and future of adire into a global phenomenon. Her remarkable journey underscores the potential of art to transcend boundaries, preserve tradition, and empower communities, leaving an indelible mark on the world’s cultural landscape. Nike Okundaye’s work is a testament to the enduring power of art and tradition, transcending borders and uniting cultures in the celebration of beauty and creativity.