Mark Odumuyiwa on his Multidisciplinary Storytelling Practice
In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with Nigerian-American multidisciplinary artist Mark Odumuyiwa on art, identity, and how that influences his work. From his early love for fashion design to his fluid transition into photography and filmmaking, Mark reflects on how creativity often grows out of curiosity, necessity, and deep cultural roots. The conversation touches on the emotional power of storytelling, the influence of religion and heritage on his work, and the collaborative energy shaping the Twin Cities’ blossoming creative scene.
Mark also shares the inspiration behind Something to Say, a magazine he launched to spotlight emerging local artists. Throughout the episode, listeners are invited to consider how our lived experiences shape the stories we tell, and how, in sharing them, we not only express ourselves but build community.
For more information on Mark, visit his website here: Mark Odumuyiwa
Transcript
Hi, my name is Harry, and welcome to Odejuma.
Speaker A:Odejuma recognizes the magic of storytelling.
Speaker A:From personal experiences to stories of adventure, from tales of resilience to finding joy in the simple things, this story seeks to inspire, entertain, and educate because there is power in the stories of everyday people, and these stories are worth telling.
Speaker A:Hey, y'.
Speaker A:All, what's good?
Speaker A:And welcome to another episode of Odejoma.
Speaker A:And I'm excited about today's guest.
Speaker A:He is a Nigerian American multidisciplinary artist.
Speaker A:I have Mark Odumuyoa with me.
Speaker A:Hi.
Speaker A:What's good?
Speaker B:Happy to be here.
Speaker A:The sun came out today, so that's good.
Speaker A:That is good.
Speaker A:But.
Speaker A:Well, thank you, Mark, for agreeing to do this.
Speaker A:I feel like you're one of, like, the creative in the Twin Cities that, like, just, like, gets my attention with how, like, your work is and the kind of work that you do.
Speaker A:But like, you said you do, like, your hands are, like, in every part.
Speaker A:So I want to just start from, like, the very beginning.
Speaker A:How did you realize that, like, art was, like, a form of expression for you?
Speaker B:Honestly, quite natural.
Speaker B:Like, I.
Speaker B:Like, there wasn't really, like, a deep thought behind it.
Speaker B:I just started making stuff.
Speaker B:Like, I just was.
Speaker B:I've always liked art and I liked, like, music and loved, like, just being creative, like, just growing up since I was young.
Speaker B:So it's like whenever.
Speaker B:Like, it was art day in school, you know, like, okay, we're going to do some arts and crafts.
Speaker B:Cut something.
Speaker B:I was always, like, excited to do it.
Speaker B:And then I think in college, I was just.
Speaker B:What?
Speaker B:I started wanting to make clothes, started making clothes, and, like, really didn't think much about it and kind of just was like, it was like a very fluid experience of just like, okay, I want to make this.
Speaker B:Let me make it.
Speaker B:And it kind of like, I had, like, realized, like, one day, like, oh, I guess this is, like, me being an artist, kind of.
Speaker A:So you started from.
Speaker A:So was it close first before photography and filmmaking, or was it, like.
Speaker A:It was closed first?
Speaker C:Okay, cool, cool, cool.
Speaker A:How.
Speaker A:How was that process, like?
Speaker A:Cause I know that having, like, a clothing line is a lot of work.
Speaker A:So what did that.
Speaker A:What was that experience?
Speaker B:Like?
Speaker B:It was fun.
Speaker B:It was a lot.
Speaker B:It was stressful, but fun.
Speaker B:Like, I really enjoyed it because, like, I don't know, I feel like.
Speaker B:I mean, fashion just was always my, like, first love with.
Speaker B:With everything I wanted to make.
Speaker B:And, like, I kind of did it until I feel.
Speaker B:Felt like I needed a break.
Speaker B:And then, I don't know, I Feel like it was, it was a nice like exploration that kind of led me to other things and like through fashion was what.
Speaker B:How I got into photography.
Speaker B:Just because like I was making the clothes and like I didn't have anybody to shoot it.
Speaker B:So I was like, okay, I'm tired of like waiting for someone to shoot.
Speaker B:Let me just borrow a camera, figure something out and start shooting like that.
Speaker B:And from there I was like, okay, like I have a camera.
Speaker B:Let me like try and like plan a shoot or let me try something creative with it, you know, that's pretty interesting.
Speaker A:And your photography is so your photography is self taught.
Speaker B:Yeah, self taught and just like mentors, honestly.
Speaker C:Okay, okay, cool.
Speaker A:What has been the, but what has been the lesson you've learned from like that transition from like going from like making clothes to now doing photography and also now filmmaking, which you'll probably get into.
Speaker A:Oh, what, what was that transition like?
Speaker A:And what lessons did you learn through that process?
Speaker B:I'd say the main thing is just like understanding that like you're always like, I'm a strong believer in like you're always, it's, oh, you're always going to learn something.
Speaker B:Like no one knows everything, right?
Speaker B:Like everything's a learning experience.
Speaker B:So I kind of went into it just like it.
Speaker B:You just got to push through.
Speaker B:Figured it figured out, start from the basics, but also like having a confidence of like, you can do it, you know, like, don't overthink it, Try it.
Speaker B:If you don't like it, try and work on it again.
Speaker B:Like, I remember one of the first couple shoots I did.
Speaker B:Like, I did it with my, A friend of mine, Felucia, who's also a photographer, and I hated it.
Speaker B:And he was like, okay, we're just gonna redo it.
Speaker B:Like that's literally it.
Speaker B:Like, don't overthink it.
Speaker B:Just get whatever you need to do to get to the final destination.
Speaker B:Try and get it done.
Speaker B:Honestly, that's pretty cool.
Speaker A:And how would you say, like your background as someone who is like Nigerian and America and at the same time, how does that like influence like your work?
Speaker B:I think honestly all my, like it's with it being just like my background and identity, it's always just like overshadowing whatever I do.
Speaker B:Like, no matter what concept I come up with is going to have like references to like living in both places, like living in Nigeria, living in America.
Speaker B:But also just like my viewpoint on concepts and things is always going to come from that perspective of like, I see it through both lenses, you know, So I Think it honestly, just.
Speaker B:That's just like, how I'm always going to.
Speaker B:Like, every project I work on has, like, a little bit of both in it.
Speaker B:That's pretty cool.
Speaker A:As I.
Speaker A:As a.
Speaker A:And as a storyteller through the arts, like, you're trying to tell stories through the art.
Speaker A:And I feel like Nigerians are like, naturally natural born storytellers.
Speaker A:Like, that's like, who we are.
Speaker A:Parents will gather us around and just like, start to speak of tales of back in the day, you know, of how they were doing things and everything.
Speaker A:Do you find yourself, like, going back to those times and drawing inspirations for, like, stuff that you do or that you would want to do?
Speaker B:Yes, I definitely.
Speaker B:I definitely go back to it a lot.
Speaker B:Like, I say, like, even one project I'm working on now, like, I'm working on getting back into clothes.
Speaker B:And like, it's.
Speaker B:It's mainly just like, focused on just the experiences I had, like, at home and just like, making clothes, referencing that.
Speaker B:And like, I feel like in the moments, you don't realize how beneficial those, like, little moments of like, oh, your dad's making a joke here, or, like, there's a story about this, or, like, just like, like this is the nickname we have for this, like, family member.
Speaker B:Like, those little things kind of like just happen in passing.
Speaker B:But, like, through the.
Speaker B:A lot of the work I do now, it's like how those things come back and, like, bring more light to, like, the projects I'm working on now and, like, inspire me in new ways to kind of figure things out.
Speaker C:Okay, that's cool.
Speaker A:And I, and I saw that, you know, obviously you did, like, some filmmaking work and your film, well, you know, has been screened in some, you know.
Speaker A:Is that how it's pronounced?
Speaker A:I probably should know how to pronounce it, but I just gotta confirm, you know, Tell me about the journey into filmmaking and what, what has that been like?
Speaker A:And what.
Speaker A:What has the response to the film been so far?
Speaker B:I say the journey has also just been a fluid one.
Speaker B:Like when me and TBAs are Tahit, who I made the film with, we're gonna make it.
Speaker B:We literally were just like, at my apartment and we're just like, okay, like, let's just make a film.
Speaker B:Call our friend and kind of did it sporadically.
Speaker B:And then, like, once Jojo, our friend, was like, on board to shoot it with us.
Speaker B:We're like, okay, let's start from scratch.
Speaker B:Just start storyboarding and, like, writing down notes of, like, how we want it to flow, how we wanted the pacing to be and what we want it to kind of look like and kind of pulling references to.
Speaker B:Not necessarily to mood board, but just to like, lead us in the right path with the film.
Speaker B:It was all just like, I guess that, like, comfortable space just because, like, we're all friends.
Speaker B:Just get the studio start shooting.
Speaker B:And like, the first we.
Speaker B:We shot it over across like two days and first day, it was a good day.
Speaker B:Shot everything like a couple hours.
Speaker B:But I think, like, we noticed like, some little things that we're like, okay, we could do better at.
Speaker B:And I think, like, us always being like, like, let's try and improve, like, if.
Speaker B:If we can.
Speaker B:Let's try it.
Speaker B:And so, like, that's when we came back another day to, like, shoot like the rest and, like, worked for a couple months of just like.
Speaker B:Like, I think like, all these projects is really just like a feeling.
Speaker B:Once it feels done, once it feels right, it's good.
Speaker B:Throughout the whole process, we just kept searching for like, a good, like, okay, it feels complete feeling.
Speaker B:And it's been a fun journey.
Speaker B:That's pretty.
Speaker C:That's really cool.
Speaker A:And what has the response been?
Speaker B:Like, since it's been great, honestly, like, it's crazy.
Speaker B:Like, it's been a.
Speaker B:A while now since it's been out and like, we're able to like, premiere it with now ness in London and like, have it be one of their, like, personal picks for that year and like, show it at the African Film Festival in New York and just like, many other film festivals.
Speaker B:Like, even me and T were talking about it the other day.
Speaker B:Just like, it's crazy to see, like, how far it went.
Speaker B:And also just like, is there, like, recently got played in somewhere in France that we like.
Speaker B:This is.
Speaker B:These are places we've never been to that they're like, they love the film and they're like, oh, we want to show in our festival.
Speaker B:We're like, okay.
Speaker B:Like, that's cool.
Speaker A:And I'm just.
Speaker A:I'm just thinking, like, you know, there is a.
Speaker A: ving in the twin cities since: Speaker A:It's like black talent and like, the creative.
Speaker A:You know, but in general, it's still a very different cities.
Speaker A:Is not.
Speaker A:It's kind of white.
Speaker A:You know, it's like.
Speaker A:But also, you know, we have, like, very talented black folks doing amazing things in different cities.
Speaker A:So, like, how would you gauge or how would you view the scene if that's the Word.
Speaker A:How would you view the scene?
Speaker A:What's your view of the scene?
Speaker A:I think that's a much more accurate question.
Speaker A:And what are, like, areas that you feel like we could be better, you know, in the city?
Speaker B:I mean, I. I love.
Speaker B:I mean, just being from St. Paul and being from Minnesota, it's this, like, is home.
Speaker B:So, like, it's just natural to create and just, like, be there.
Speaker B:I think the creative scene is one that's been flourishing a lot in the last couple of years because, like, I remember when I first started, it wasn't.
Speaker B:It wasn't like, how it was today, for sure.
Speaker B:And, like, I think, like, it's nice that now, like, there's a lot of more.
Speaker B:There's a lot more black faces or just, like, people of color in it.
Speaker B:And I think more of the, let's say, like, larger organizations are more, like, connected to the actual, like, artists or smaller artists in the city, which is nice.
Speaker B:Which I don't think was happening as much back in the day.
Speaker B:But I think.
Speaker B:I mean, with anything, like, there's always room for improvement.
Speaker B:And I think, like, more, like.
Speaker B:I think we have a strong community, and I think, like, we could definitely build upon it.
Speaker B:Obviously, I understand that, like, it is a small community, but I think, like, we can always just push for better.
Speaker B:More collaboration, more support for each other, and, like, helping each other as much as we can.
Speaker B:And I think the only way we can, like, really reach where we want to reach as a city is if we, like, come together and do it and be more, which I think already happens.
Speaker B:I think is just, like, continuing on that and building upon that.
Speaker A:Yeah, that's real.
Speaker A:That's real.
Speaker A:So you released Something to say, a magazine that spotlight spotlighting various artists from the Twin Cities.
Speaker A:So talk to us about something to say and what.
Speaker A:What.
Speaker A:What was the inspiration behind it?
Speaker B:I've.
Speaker B:The inspiration was honestly from just, like, my love for, like.
Speaker B:Like.
Speaker B:How do I put it?
Speaker B:Like, eras and cities.
Speaker B:Like, I think, like.
Speaker B:Like, if.
Speaker B:If you look at, like, back in the day, like, that Warhol era or like that Studio 65 era, like, or the eras in like.
Speaker B:Like the punk era with Vivian Westwood in London, like, it's just like a period in time where, like, just the city's, like, at a creative peak or, like, a subcultures at a peak.
Speaker B:And I'm like, I felt like right now, or, like, even honestly, like, the last couple years and now, like, Minneapolis has been in that area where, like, I feel like a lot of the artists are just making their Best work.
Speaker B:So I was like, okay, no one's really like, creating something that encapsulates this.
Speaker B:So it's like, it just seemed like the right thing to do.
Speaker B:And I always like, wanted for someone to just document, like, okay, this is everything going on in the city right now.
Speaker B:So I was like, okay, I'm just going to put something together quick and make that.
Speaker A:And it's very interesting because, like, you're always like, making like, you feel like, oh, there's a gap.
Speaker A:I'm going to make something to fill that gap, you know?
Speaker A:Do you ever, like, what is that creative process?
Speaker A:Like, I'm trying to like, understand how do you go from like, oh, we have an idea to do this.
Speaker B:What.
Speaker A:How do you go from idea to conceptualization to execution, to putting it out in the world?
Speaker A:What is that process like for you?
Speaker B:I say, just honestly, like, I've always been like, deep in like, research.
Speaker B:Like, I think, like, for me, like, if I, if I have a question, I'm going to find the answer.
Speaker B:Like, however I can, like, if I have to ask a bunch of people or like Google watch a bunch of YouTube videos, like, I'm going to find the answer.
Speaker B:So, like, literally I'd already made like a book before, so I was like, I already had that knowledge of like, okay, I know how to how, like produce it.
Speaker B:But okay, now it's like, I have to do go through the whole process of actually making like, a proper magazine that looks nice because I'm like, I'm not gonna do it and it's not gonna, like, it has to be on, on par, you know, so it's literally just like doing a bunch of research.
Speaker B:And like, I already collected books, but I was like, okay, let me shift like, into looking more into magazines as well.
Speaker B:Like, honestly, for the whole, like, year or so, I think that I was working on it.
Speaker B:It was really just like researching like, different magazines, like ID Magazine and just like going to like the, what's called, like the corner stores in New York sometimes and just like buying a bunch of magazines and just like looking through, seeing what they usually put in it and like the graphic design styles and seeing like, okay, this is how like most magazines like Vogue and stuff are done.
Speaker B:But like, okay, how can I make that in my way?
Speaker B:And so once I got that figured out, it was honestly just focused on like, selecting who we should put for this, like, first issue and then like, working with the graphic design array to like, actually like, bring it to life.
Speaker B:Like, post that, which was honestly, like a fun Process, like, literally I just have like, phone calls and meetings with him, just like explaining, like, okay, I want this page to look like this.
Speaker B:Like, if we need to do this, we got to do this.
Speaker B:And a couple hours later, a day later, he's sending me, like, everything perfect.
Speaker B:And it's like, I don't know, it was a fun project to work on and like, it was a collaborative project.
Speaker B:Like me, T Buzz and like Ray just like conducting interviews, designing pages.
Speaker B:And like, it was a lot of work, but it was worth it.
Speaker B:Like, just to be able to even.
Speaker B:Just like produce something like that for the artists in the city and just like having them be able to even see their work in that light was just.
Speaker B:It was perfect.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:And it's limited copies, I'm guessing because it's sold out right now on your website.
Speaker B:Yeah, it was very limited.
Speaker B:Like, we restocked and then sold out again.
Speaker B:But I think we're going to do a rerelease, like once we finish issue two, which is on the way.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:I feel like your art is.
Speaker A:Seems like it's very like, in demand.
Speaker A:Like, it's like you put it out, people.
Speaker A:People desire it.
Speaker A:How does that make you feel just from a personal level that you know, you're creating work that is resonating with people?
Speaker B:I love it.
Speaker B:Like, I feel like every artist are like, tries to like, not think about people like, while creating, but like, sometimes you can't like, help yourself and like, hope people like it.
Speaker B:And I think just being able to see my work be received well or just like people even.
Speaker B:Just like investing in it, like to buy a magazine is.
Speaker B:Is something like they're taking their hard earned money and being like, okay, I want to buy this and have this in my home.
Speaker B:Or like, even just like little things, like seeing like, people post that, like, this is their table, their coffee table book, like, it's hung up in their house.
Speaker B:Like, it's just.
Speaker B:I don't know, it's.
Speaker B:It's an amazing feeling.
Speaker B:I'm happy and I'm happy that like, even people who are.
Speaker B:Who've never been to Minneapolis also just like have this book that just showcases all the artists from there and like, are seeing, like, how amazing it is.
Speaker B:Like, even recently we got our friend who's from freezing from Paris to come to Minneapolis for the first time.
Speaker B:He's like, oh, I want to see this, like, Minneapolis place that you guys always talk about.
Speaker B:And he literally left there and was like, this is like, top two cities I've ever been to in My life.
Speaker B:And he's like obsessed.
Speaker B:Wow.
Speaker B:Yeah, that is pretty cool.
Speaker A:Shout out to Minneapolis.
Speaker B:Hey, we got something.
Speaker A:The folks were sleeping on Minneapolis.
Speaker B:Real.
Speaker A:For real.
Speaker B:There's something in them.
Speaker A:Yeah, yeah, Those lakes are.
Speaker A:Those leaks are something I want to talk about about something that is in your bio a little bit, right on your website.
Speaker A:It says, introducing fresh perspectives on the black gaze, Masculinity, the African diaspora, family, religion, race.
Speaker A:What does that, what does that mean to you?
Speaker A:What perspectives are you hoping to share alongside these themes?
Speaker B:Basically, yeah, I think honestly really depends.
Speaker B:Like it switches like project to project and like, I think like just going through life like the things that I'm finding myself gravitating to always shift.
Speaker B:So like I say right now I'm definitely like gravitating more towards religion.
Speaker B:In the past couple projects I've been working on and I honestly just in giving my point of view, just from my perspective of just like one growing up between like a little bit in the US a little bit in Nigeria, and just like having these different perspectives of the black experience and like being able to obviously, like, I'm not like the end all be all.
Speaker B:This is what the is, right?
Speaker B:But like, my perspective of like this is how I saw it growing up, like, as who I am in the US and as who I am when living in Nigeria.
Speaker B:And like the project I'm working on now even just like is mainly focused on just like Yoruba people's relationship with religion and how I've seen it to be.
Speaker B:And like, obviously like, I think with art I like to leave things open ended just with the understanding that like, everyone's experience is different.
Speaker B:My experience is not the same as yours or anyone else's.
Speaker B:But like, this is my story that I found to be interesting.
Speaker B:And this is my POV on it kind of.
Speaker B:And I guess people can receive it however they like to receive it or, you know, if they like it, they like it, if they don't, they don't.
Speaker B:But I think everyone has a story and everyone has like a perspective.
Speaker B:And I kind of just like try and figure out the best way to showcase mine with whatever medium that I can best do it with.
Speaker A:And what are you learning from like, your work in like, from like you currently working on this project?
Speaker A:I'm looking at Yoruba people and their relationship with religion.
Speaker A:What are you learning about your culture yourself as you work on this piece?
Speaker B:I've learned a lot.
Speaker B:I think it's.
Speaker B:It's been interesting just diving in deeper into just like one like our traditional religious practices.
Speaker B:Because I feel like that's something we usually just shy away with from just like culturally.
Speaker B:Like we're very like, like the viewpoint of it just is just too negative.
Speaker B:It's like even like I feel like even if my parents knew that I was like looking into these things, they'll be like, oh, this is, this is a sin.
Speaker B:You can't do this.
Speaker B:Like, stop, right?
Speaker B:It's like just reading about how like.
Speaker B:Because I think religion and just like spirituality in itself is just like a super beautiful thing.
Speaker B:And I think like it's something that like is important.
Speaker B:Right?
Speaker B:But I think we like the image that is portrayed of like our traditional religions is just like so negative that it's like you don't.
Speaker B:But it's, it's so negative to the point where it's like all you know is the negative and you don't even know anything truly about it.
Speaker B:So like this has been a really just like eye opening experience or just like better understanding, like what it actually means to be involved in these like traditional religious practices and like better understanding, like the different deities and things like that.
Speaker B:Like it's, it's just been, it's been a fun process, but with it as well, like, I've also been diving deeper into Islamic process practices as well just to.
Speaker B:Because that's also a part of the practice project as well.
Speaker B:And it's just been like a beautiful learning experience of just understanding like how much it means to people and just seeing like what that looks like for different people in their life.
Speaker C:That's pretty cool.
Speaker C:That's pretty cool.
Speaker A:Still in your artistic bag.
Speaker A:You are also a dj, so it's like they're multi disciplinary.
Speaker A:They really are.
Speaker A:You know, all that's left is theater and, you know, a little bit of actual, you know, maybe like singing or something.
Speaker A:And then we know that you've conquered, you've got it all.
Speaker A:But talk to me about you exploring DJing.
Speaker A:Where did I come from?
Speaker B:I mean, like I said earlier, I was like, music is my, like, I'm obsessed with music.
Speaker B:Even like my siblings.
Speaker B:Everyone around me is always annoyed because I'm like constantly playing something, right?
Speaker B:I felt like it was just like, it just made sense for me to like learn and like shout out to Quay.
Speaker B:You know, he taught me how to.
Speaker B:Taught me everything.
Speaker B:That's my sensei.
Speaker B:And like I, it was, it was nice like I think like just being able to learn from a friend and like that like quiz my brother.
Speaker B:So it's like learning from him was Just made it so much easier and just like being able to like DJ for him with Samambo was just, it was, it was kind of too perfect.
Speaker B:I mean, I don't know, I think I, I would like, I dj, but I think like I'm still like exploring what I can do with it and seeing like how I can take it going forward.
Speaker B:But it's, it's still like a newer medium to me as well.
Speaker B:And I understand, like, I have a lot of respect for like proper DJs and like, yes, I do do it, but like, I still got a little bit of more, a little bit more practice, a little more time before I'm like a proper, you know, capital dj, you know?
Speaker A:Yeah, yeah.
Speaker A:How do you, how are you hoping that you're.
Speaker A:All these art forms and mediums that you're exploring with and you're experimenting with, how do you hope they come together eventually?
Speaker A:Like, what do you have?
Speaker A:Do you want to do a multi medium pop up or exhibition or what is that, like dream?
Speaker A:And you can be very, you don't have to be in detail so nobody steals your idea.
Speaker A:Well, give me like an example of what you're dreaming of using all of these different mediums that you're currently working with.
Speaker B:I would say I'm definitely working on an exhibition.
Speaker B:I think like, regardless of what I'm working on, like each medium kind of comes into play.
Speaker B:But I think like through exhibition would be the best way to like showcase them all at once and like be able to get like specific concepts showcased in a way that I guess, like, how would I put, how would I word it?
Speaker B:Like that shows the full story, right?
Speaker B:To get that fully across.
Speaker B:I feel like through an exhibition would be my.
Speaker B:The best way to do that.
Speaker B:But I mean, I think one thing I try and do with my work is just like, I try not to overthink it and just like make whatever I make and like, however I can showcase it, I'll showcase it.
Speaker B:So honestly, not too much is in my mind on the aspect of the process of like getting everything to tie in together.
Speaker B:Like if it happens, it happens.
Speaker B:If it doesn't, it doesn't.
Speaker B:But you know, as long as I'm enjoying the process and enjoying the things I'm making and I feel like I feel good about what I'm making, just if it happens, it happens kind of.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker C:Okay, cool.
Speaker A:Are there, are there any stories you're looking to tell?
Speaker A:Any stories or any themes that you're looking to explore in the future that is like top of Mind.
Speaker B:Not nothing.
Speaker B:Nothing specific, but it's definitely always, you know, always around that, like, exploring different concepts around just, like, the black gaze with photography and, like, African stories and just, like, more like.
Speaker B:I think, like, I've just been looking backwards a lot more and just, like, looking more for a better understanding of our past.
Speaker B:Like, I feel like you, like, it's definitely important to, like, look into those things and like.
Speaker B:Or even just like, personal stories from my parents and things like that, and just creating work that works with that.
Speaker A:That's pretty cool.
Speaker A:We have, like, a little, like, trivia section.
Speaker A:Just, like, a couple of fun questions.
Speaker A:Just trying to know.
Speaker A:Get some, like, recommendations from Mark.
Speaker A:So first thing, what are the top three songs on your playlist right now?
Speaker B:This is about to expose me.
Speaker B:Hold on.
Speaker B:I did not listen to.
Speaker B:Let me see.
Speaker B:What have I been listening to a lot right now?
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker B:This is a Nigerian artist.
Speaker B:His Name's Zay, level 10.
Speaker B:He just.
Speaker B:Okay, he just dropped the song called Maya.
Speaker B:I've been listening to that a lot.
Speaker B:What else?
Speaker B:Skywater.
Speaker B:I don't know.
Speaker B:It's kind of just everywhere.
Speaker B:There's Burn Up Boy, Skywater.
Speaker B:Got some papa from Minnesota is in there.
Speaker B:What else?
Speaker B:Chai Cartier, British rapper.
Speaker B:It's like, it says give it.
Speaker A:It's giving very aute.
Speaker A:Your.
Speaker A:Your.
Speaker B:Yeah, music.
Speaker A:Your music.
Speaker A:Your music is giving very aute.
Speaker A:And for folks who don't know what OTA is, it was a.
Speaker A:It's a very.
Speaker A:It's a colloquial.
Speaker A:It's a Nigerian colloquialism of alternative.
Speaker A:Something that is not mainstream.
Speaker A:So there was a whole aute movement.
Speaker A:That should be a whole dissertation for another podcast.
Speaker A:Yeah, I like the.
Speaker A:I like the expansiveness of the music taste, so I'm here for it.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:So who are, like, top three artists you hope to collaborate with?
Speaker A:Like, dream collaborators?
Speaker B:I don't know the way.
Speaker B:I'm, like, my.
Speaker B:My working process is kind of just, like, very, like, open to the point where it's like, I'm not necessarily thinking about collaboration, like, off rip, but I think, like, definitely trying to work with more, like, Nigerian artists and, like, Nigerian artists, like, who are in Nigeria and, like, more artists from Minneapolis.
Speaker B:Like, I feel like there's so many, like, I guess, like, it's always, like, trying to find the best way to work with people, I think is a difficult.
Speaker B:Just with work I do.
Speaker B:Because you also just don't.
Speaker B:I don't want to work with people just for working with people's sake as well.
Speaker B:So, like, if it makes sense.
Speaker B:But I don't think anyone comes to mind.
Speaker B:Just like straight up.
Speaker B:But okay, that's real, that's real.
Speaker A:I can get that sometimes, you know, collaboration is not what folks are looking for.
Speaker A:And that's okay too.
Speaker A:Yeah, yeah.
Speaker A:Is there a piece of art that has changed your life?
Speaker B:I feel like every, like I'm, I'm the type of person that gets like obsessed with things.
Speaker B:So like if like, if I hear a song and I like it, that's my favorite song for like the next three weeks, I'm not playing anything else.
Speaker B:That's all I want to hear.
Speaker B:So like it's to the point where like there's so many things that changed my life.
Speaker B:Like that's like, it was just like, okay, this is, this is it.
Speaker B:This is what I'm on right now, you know, like, this is, this is my vibe for the next month.
Speaker B:I'm about to start doing dressing like this, you know, become indie.
Speaker B:But I say more email.
Speaker B:You got the Steve.
Speaker B:But no, I think like more recently.
Speaker B:Not something that I really liked recently.
Speaker B:I guess like McGee's album.
Speaker B:Like I've been listening to that a lot.
Speaker B:Like that was my like the whole year past year.
Speaker B:Like that's my main thing.
Speaker B:I've just been obsessed with.
Speaker A:Is there a place that you would like to go to to shoot?
Speaker A:Like, what city are you?
Speaker A:Like I have to go here and do some photography work or artistic work or CDs.
Speaker A:It doesn't have to be one city.
Speaker A:It could be multiple CDs.
Speaker B:I'd say right now just because I haven't properly like shot there, it's back home, like Nigeria.
Speaker B:I want to go there.
Speaker B:Like I already have like a couple like concepts in mind of things to shoot there that I'm like, okay, once I me that I touch down, I gotta figure out how to make this work.
Speaker B:Definitely.
Speaker B:Like back home, Lagos, Oshobo, like here, those areas.
Speaker B:I want to go there and like actually just like with my camera and like see what I can make in those spots.
Speaker C:Okay, cool, cool, cool.
Speaker A:And finally, what is your guilty pleasure?
Speaker B:Probably like sports.
Speaker B:Like I'm obsessed with football, like soccer.
Speaker B:Like that's my, you know, Hala Madrid, just real Madrid every day, FIFA all the time.
Speaker B:Just over obsessed, playing online, like, you know, screaming at my tv.
Speaker B:Yeah, that's, that's, that's it.
Speaker B:That's my guilty plea.
Speaker C:Okay, cool, cool, cool.
Speaker A:Thank you for being here.
Speaker A:And I have one more question for you before I let you go.
Speaker A:When people engage with your arts where they come and they maybe watch a film that you do or see your photography or buy your magazine or come to us.
Speaker A:So a party that you're DJing at.
Speaker A:What do you want the people to leave with when they encounter art by mock?
Speaker B:I want people to kind of just, like, leave, like, feeling something.
Speaker B:Like, I think, like, a lot of the work I do is very.
Speaker B:Not necessarily emotional, but I think it's like an emotional process, like certain stories I tell or certain concepts that I explore.
Speaker B:And it's like, I would want you to leave feeling like maybe you learned something or maybe, like, your perspective changed or like, maybe this, like, help original perspective or something like that.
Speaker B:Like, definitely just like, leaving feeling something.
Speaker A:Thank you so much, Mac.
Speaker A:Really appreciate you and appreciate your work.
Speaker B:And everything that you're doing.
Speaker A:Yeah.
Speaker A:And I will definitely put some of, like, your links to some of, like, your work for folks to check out and, like, the description so that they can engage more with the stuff that you're doing.
Speaker B:Great.
Speaker B:Thank you.
Speaker B:Thank you.
Speaker A:Thank you all for listening or watching wherever you are consuming this podcast, odejumma.
