Laolu Senbanjo was the keynote speaker at the launch and fundraising gala of Our Paths to Greatness on Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Silver spring Civic Center, Silver Spring, Maryland. He inspired the attendees as he spoke about his journey and what kept him going.
Our team interviewed him about his many paths to greatness:
You’re many things – visual artist, musician, human rights lawyer, tell us, who is Laolu Senbanjo?
Laolu is a visual artist, musician, human rights lawyer and activist.
You decided to move from the corporate/professional world into the arts. Why? What broke the camel’s back? What made you make take that plunge? Tell us about that journey.
The journey was a long arduous one. I never wanted to be a lawyer. It’s my father’s dream for me…and I did fulfill that dream. But it was never my dream. Most days in my office I would spend a significant part of my day drawing at my desk and I always couldn’t wait for the close of work to rush to my gallery to go and paint. It got to a point eventually where I just couldn’t do it anymore. It was too hard to share 24 hours with my day job. So I left my work as a human rights lawyer, traveled a bit to France, Germany and South Africa for some exhibitions and concerts. Then I realized if I really was serious I needed to leave Nigeria to truly explore myself and my Art. That led me to Brooklyn and I actually flourished artistically, not financially at first but artistically I’ve truly grown and that really helped me.
You wear many hats, how do you juggle it all? How do you prioritize?
Well, my team helps me a lot. That is important, to surround yourself with brilliant people. Also, I just have to prioritize what’s most important to me and to my brand.
Who and/or what inspired you on your path?
Well, in Nigeria people like Ghariokwu Lemi, Nike Okundaye who are both Artists and thriving and staying true to their Art forms. Also, I would say in the states, Lupita. Lupita has really inspired me. Also, there are some individuals in Brooklyn who have inspired me and believed in me
since I set foot in America.
What in your estimation is the single most important thing every individual needs to possess to succeed in life?
The ability to work hard and believe in yourself.
What’s in the horizon for you?
A lot actually and it feels amazing to say this. I have several exhibitions coming up, one on May 31st in Brooklyn. Also, I am an Art Activist with Amnesty International where I get to merge my Artistic talents and my human rights background into one role. Also, I have a new album in the works.
What haven’t you done yet that you would like to accomplish?
Do a US music tour. Have an exhibition at the MoMA. Get my art into the Louvre.
What advice can you give the next generation that you wish someone had told you.
Never give up. If you do work hard, network with people, and really push your dreams, you can accomplish them. It may not be easy, or fast, but you can accomplish them.
How can people connect with you?
www.instagram.com/laolunyc
www.facebook.com/laolusenbanjo
www.laolu.nyc
Laolu arrived at the event unpretentious and down to earth. He spoke about his upbringing and how his Grandmother influenced his art. His African roots and how they have helped build a niche a him for his in the visual arts market. His journey was not an easy one. From struggling to keep a 9-5 job and then running to work on his art after work, to throwing art exhibitions in Abuja. People would ask him what exactly he was doing but he kept at it. His advice to the guests at the launch was to keep putting out their best work because you never know who is watching. In his case, Beyoncé, Nike and equinox where is work has either been featured or
commissioned. Africa and the world waits in anticipation for greater things from Laolu.
Be inspired to inspire.