July 10, 2025 • 28 mins
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
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hi, my name is Harry, andwelcome to Odejuma.
Odejuma recognizes the magicof storytelling.
From personal experiences tostories of adventure, from tales
of resilience to finding joyin the simple things, this story
seeks to inspire, entertain,and educate because there is power
in the stories of everydaypeople, and these stories are worth
(00:22):
telling.
Hey, y'.
All, what's good?
And welcome to another episodeof Odejoma.
And I'm excited about today's guest.
He is a Nigerian Americanmultidisciplinary artist.
(00:44):
I have Mark Odumuyoa with me.
Hi.
What's good?
Happy to be here.
The sun came out today, sothat's good.
That is good.
But.
Well, thank you, Mark, foragreeing to do this.
I feel like you're one of,like, the creative in the Twin Cities
that, like, just, like, getsmy attention with how, like, your
work is and the kind of workthat you do.
But like, you said you do,like, your hands are, like, in every
(01:07):
part.
So I want to just start from,like, the very beginning.
How did you realize that,like, art was, like, a form of expression
for you?
Honestly, quite natural.
Like, I.
Like, there wasn't really,like, a deep thought behind it.
I just started making stuff.
Like, I just was.
I've always liked art and Iliked, like, music and loved, like,
just being creative, like,just growing up since I was young.
(01:29):
So it's like whenever.
Like, it was art day inschool, you know, like, okay, we're
going to do some arts and crafts.
Cut something.
I was always, like, excited todo it.
And then I think in college, Iwas just.
What?
I started wanting to makeclothes, started making clothes,
and, like, really didn't thinkmuch about it and kind of just was
like, it was like a very fluidexperience of just like, okay, I
want to make this.
Let me make it.
And it kind of like, I had,like, realized, like, one day, like,
(01:50):
oh, I guess this is, like, mebeing an artist, kind of.
So you started from.
So was it close first beforephotography and filmmaking, or was
it, like.
It was closed first?
Okay, cool, cool, cool.
How.
How was that process, like?
Cause I know that having,like, a clothing line is a lot of
work.
So what did that.
What was that experience?
Like?
It was fun.
(02:11):
It was a lot.
It was stressful, but fun.
Like, I really enjoyed itbecause, like, I don't know, I feel
like.
I mean, fashion just wasalways my, like, first love with.
With everything I wanted to make.
And, like, I kind of did ituntil I feel.
Felt like I needed a break.
And then, I don't know, I Feellike it was, it was a nice like exploration
that kind of led me to otherthings and like through fashion was
(02:33):
what.
How I got into photography.
Just because like I was makingthe clothes and like I didn't have
anybody to shoot it.
So I was like, okay, I'm tiredof like waiting for someone to shoot.
Let me just borrow a camera,figure something out and start shooting
like that.
And from there I was like,okay, like I have a camera.
Let me like try and like plana shoot or let me try something creative
with it, you know, that'spretty interesting.
And your photography is soyour photography is self taught.
(02:55):
Yeah, self taught and justlike mentors, honestly.
Okay, okay, cool.
What has been the, but whathas been the lesson you've learned
from like that transition fromlike going from like making clothes
to now doing photography andalso now filmmaking, which you'll
probably get into.
Oh, what, what was thattransition like?
And what lessons did you learnthrough that process?
(03:17):
I'd say the main thing is justlike understanding that like you're
always like, I'm a strongbeliever in like you're always, it's,
oh, you're always going tolearn something.
Like no one knows everything, right?
Like everything's a learning experience.
So I kind of went into it justlike it.
You just got to push through.
Figured it figured out, startfrom the basics, but also like having
a confidence of like, you cando it, you know, like, don't overthink
(03:37):
it, Try it.
If you don't like it, try andwork on it again.
Like, I remember one of thefirst couple shoots I did.
Like, I did it with my, Afriend of mine, Felucia, who's also
a photographer, and I hated it.
And he was like, okay, we'rejust gonna redo it.
Like that's literally it.
Like, don't overthink it.
Just get whatever you need todo to get to the final destination.
Try and get it done.
Honestly, that's pretty cool.
(03:58):
And how would you say, likeyour background as someone who is
like Nigerian and America andat the same time, how does that like
influence like your work?
I think honestly all my, likeit's with it being just like my background
and identity, it's always justlike overshadowing whatever I do.
Like, no matter what concept Icome up with is going to have like
(04:19):
references to like living inboth places, like living in Nigeria,
living in America.
But also just like myviewpoint on concepts and things
is always going to come fromthat perspective of like, I see it
through both lenses, you know,So I Think it honestly, just.
That's just like, how I'malways going to.
Like, every project I work onhas, like, a little bit of both in
it.
That's pretty cool.
(04:39):
As I.
As a.
And as a storyteller throughthe arts, like, you're trying to
tell stories through the art.
And I feel like Nigerians arelike, naturally natural born storytellers.
Like, that's like, who we are.
Parents will gather us aroundand just like, start to speak of
tales of back in the day, youknow, of how they were doing things
(05:02):
and everything.
Do you find yourself, like,going back to those times and drawing
inspirations for, like, stuffthat you do or that you would want
to do?
Yes, I definitely.
I definitely go back to it a lot.
Like, I say, like, even oneproject I'm working on now, like,
I'm working on getting backinto clothes.
And like, it's.
It's mainly just like, focusedon just the experiences I had, like,
(05:23):
at home and just like, makingclothes, referencing that.
And like, I feel like in themoments, you don't realize how beneficial
those, like, little moments oflike, oh, your dad's making a joke
here, or, like, there's astory about this, or, like, just
like, like this is thenickname we have for this, like,
family member.
Like, those little things kindof like just happen in passing.
But, like, through the.
A lot of the work I do now,it's like how those things come back
(05:46):
and, like, bring more lightto, like, the projects I'm working
on now and, like, inspire mein new ways to kind of figure things
out.
Okay, that's cool.
And I, and I saw that, youknow, obviously you did, like, some
filmmaking work and your film,well, you know, has been screened
in some, you know.
Is that how it's pronounced?
I probably should know how topronounce it, but I just gotta confirm,
(06:11):
you know, Tell me about thejourney into filmmaking and what,
what has that been like?
And what.
What has the response to thefilm been so far?
I say the journey has alsojust been a fluid one.
Like when me and TBAs areTahit, who I made the film with,
we're gonna make it.
We literally were just like,at my apartment and we're just like,
okay, like, let's just make a film.
(06:31):
Call our friend and kind ofdid it sporadically.
And then, like, once Jojo, ourfriend, was like, on board to shoot
it with us.
We're like, okay, let's startfrom scratch.
Just start storyboarding and,like, writing down notes of, like,
how we want it to flow, how wewanted the pacing to be and what
we want it to kind of looklike and kind of pulling references
to.
Not necessarily to mood board,but just to like, lead us in the
(06:53):
right path with the film.
It was all just like, I guessthat, like, comfortable space just
because, like, we're all friends.
Just get the studio start shooting.
And like, the first we.
We shot it over across liketwo days and first day, it was a
good day.
Shot everything like a couple hours.
But I think, like, we noticedlike, some little things that we're
(07:15):
like, okay, we could do better at.
And I think, like, us alwaysbeing like, like, let's try and improve,
like, if.
If we can.
Let's try it.
And so, like, that's when wecame back another day to, like, shoot
like the rest and, like,worked for a couple months of just
like.
Like, I think like, all theseprojects is really just like a feeling.
Once it feels done, once itfeels right, it's good.
Throughout the whole process,we just kept searching for like,
a good, like, okay, it feelscomplete feeling.
(07:38):
And it's been a fun journey.
That's pretty.
That's really cool.
And what has the response been?
Like, since it's been great,honestly, like, it's crazy.
Like, it's been a.
A while now since it's beenout and like, we're able to like,
premiere it with now ness inLondon and like, have it be one of
their, like, personal picksfor that year and like, show it at
(07:59):
the African Film Festival inNew York and just like, many other
film festivals.
Like, even me and T weretalking about it the other day.
Just like, it's crazy to see,like, how far it went.
And also just like, is there,like, recently got played in somewhere
in France that we like.
This is.
These are places we've neverbeen to that they're like, they love
the film and they're like, oh,we want to show in our festival.
(08:20):
We're like, okay.
Like, that's cool.
And I'm just.
I'm just thinking, like, youknow, there is a.
Obviously I've only beenliving in the twin cities since 2021,
but, like, it just feels likethere is just every year the creative
scene keeps expanding.
It's like black talent andlike, the creative.
You know, but in general, it'sstill a very different cities.
(08:44):
Is not.
It's kind of white.
You know, it's like.
But also, you know, we have,like, very talented black folks doing
amazing things in different cities.
So, like, how would you gaugeor how would you view the scene if
that's the Word.
How would you view the scene?
What's your view of the scene?
I think that's a much moreaccurate question.
(09:06):
And what are, like, areas thatyou feel like we could be better,
you know, in the city?
I mean, I. I love.
I mean, just being from St.Paul and being from Minnesota, it's
this, like, is home.
So, like, it's just natural tocreate and just, like, be there.
I think the creative scene isone that's been flourishing a lot
in the last couple of yearsbecause, like, I remember when I
(09:28):
first started, it wasn't.
It wasn't like, how it wastoday, for sure.
And, like, I think, like, it'snice that now, like, there's a lot
of more.
There's a lot more black facesor just, like, people of color in
it.
And I think more of the, let'ssay, like, larger organizations are
more, like, connected to theactual, like, artists or smaller
artists in the city, which is nice.
Which I don't think washappening as much back in the day.
(09:49):
But I think.
I mean, with anything, like,there's always room for improvement.
And I think, like, more, like.
I think we have a strongcommunity, and I think, like, we
could definitely build upon it.
Obviously, I understand that,like, it is a small community, but
I think, like, we can alwaysjust push for better.
More collaboration, moresupport for each other, and, like,
helping each other as much aswe can.
And I think the only way wecan, like, really reach where we
(10:11):
want to reach as a city is ifwe, like, come together and do it
and be more, which I thinkalready happens.
I think is just, like,continuing on that and building upon
that.
Yeah, that's real.
That's real.
So you released Something tosay, a magazine that spotlight spotlighting
various artists from the Twin Cities.
So talk to us about somethingto say and what.
What.
What was the inspirationbehind it?
(10:33):
I've.
The inspiration was honestlyfrom just, like, my love for, like.
Like.
How do I put it?
Like, eras and cities.
Like, I think, like.
Like, if.
If you look at, like, back inthe day, like, that Warhol era or
like that Studio 65 era, like,or the eras in like.
Like the punk era with VivianWestwood in London, like, it's just
(10:56):
like a period in time where,like, just the city's, like, at a
creative peak or, like, asubcultures at a peak.
And I'm like, I felt likeright now, or, like, even honestly,
like, the last couple yearsand now, like, Minneapolis has been
in that area where, like, Ifeel like a lot of the artists are
just making their Best work.
So I was like, okay, no one'sreally like, creating something that
(11:17):
encapsulates this.
So it's like, it just seemedlike the right thing to do.
And I always like, wanted forsomeone to just document, like, okay,
this is everything going on inthe city right now.
So I was like, okay, I'm justgoing to put something together quick
and make that.
And it's very interestingbecause, like, you're always like,
making like, you feel like,oh, there's a gap.
I'm going to make something tofill that gap, you know?
(11:38):
Do you ever, like, what isthat creative process?
Like, I'm trying to like,understand how do you go from like,
oh, we have an idea to do this.
What.
How do you go from idea toconceptualization to execution, to
putting it out in the world?
What is that process like for you?
I say, just honestly, like,I've always been like, deep in like,
research.
Like, I think, like, for me,like, if I, if I have a question,
(11:59):
I'm going to find the answer.
Like, however I can, like, ifI have to ask a bunch of people or
like Google watch a bunch ofYouTube videos, like, I'm going to
find the answer.
So, like, literally I'dalready made like a book before,
so I was like, I already hadthat knowledge of like, okay, I know
how to how, like produce it.
But okay, now it's like, Ihave to do go through the whole process
of actually making like, aproper magazine that looks nice because
(12:22):
I'm like, I'm not gonna do itand it's not gonna, like, it has
to be on, on par, you know, soit's literally just like doing a
bunch of research.
And like, I already collectedbooks, but I was like, okay, let
me shift like, into lookingmore into magazines as well.
Like, honestly, for the whole,like, year or so, I think that I
(12:43):
was working on it.
It was really just likeresearching like, different magazines,
like ID Magazine and just likegoing to like the, what's called,
like the corner stores in NewYork sometimes and just like buying
a bunch of magazines and justlike looking through, seeing what
they usually put in it andlike the graphic design styles and
seeing like, okay, this is howlike most magazines like Vogue and
stuff are done.
But like, okay, how can I makethat in my way?
(13:05):
And so once I got that figuredout, it was honestly just focused
on like, selecting who weshould put for this, like, first
issue and then like, workingwith the graphic design array to
like, actually like, bring itto life.
Like, post that, which washonestly, 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.
Like, if we need to do this,we got to do this.
(13:26):
And a couple hours later, aday later, he's sending me, like,
everything perfect.
And it's like, I don't know,it was a fun project to work on and
like, it was a collaborative project.
Like me, T Buzz and like Rayjust like conducting interviews,
designing pages.
And like, it was a lot ofwork, but it was worth it.
Like, just to be able to even.
Just like produce somethinglike that for the artists in the
city and just like having thembe able to even see their work in
(13:48):
that light was just.
It was perfect.
Yeah.
And it's limited copies, I'mguessing because it's sold out right
now on your website.
Yeah, it was very limited.
Like, we restocked and thensold out again.
But I think we're going to doa rerelease, like once we finish
issue two, which is on the way.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I feel like your art is.
(14:09):
Seems like it's very like, in demand.
Like, it's like you put itout, people.
People desire it.
How does that make you feeljust from a personal level that you
know, you're creating workthat is resonating with people?
I love it.
Like, I feel like every artistare like, tries to like, not think
about people like, whilecreating, but like, sometimes you
can't like, help yourself andlike, hope people like it.
(14:30):
And I think just being able tosee my work be received well or just
like people even.
Just like investing in it,like to buy a magazine is.
Is something like they'retaking their hard earned money and
being like, okay, I want tobuy this and have this in my home.
Or like, even just like littlethings, like seeing like, people
post that, like, this is theirtable, their coffee table book, like,
it's hung up in their house.
(14:51):
Like, it's just.
I don't know, it's.
It's an amazing feeling.
I'm happy and I'm happy thatlike, even people who are.
Who've never been toMinneapolis also just like have this
book that just showcases allthe artists from there and like,
are seeing, like, how amazingit is.
Like, even recently we got ourfriend who's from freezing from Paris
to come to Minneapolis for thefirst time.
(15:12):
He's like, oh, I want to seethis, like, Minneapolis place that
you guys always talk about.
And he literally left thereand was like, this is like, top two
cities I've ever been to in My life.
And he's like obsessed.
Wow.
Yeah, that is pretty cool.
Shout out to Minneapolis.
Hey, we got something.
The folks were sleeping on Minneapolis.
Real.
For real.
There's something in them.
Yeah, yeah, Those lakes are.
(15:34):
Those leaks are something Iwant to talk about about something
that is in your bio a littlebit, right on your website.
It says, introducing freshperspectives on the black gaze, Masculinity,
the African diaspora, family,religion, race.
What does that, what does thatmean to you?
What perspectives are youhoping to share alongside these themes?
(15:56):
Basically, yeah, I thinkhonestly really depends.
Like it switches like projectto project and like, I think like
just going through life likethe things that I'm finding myself
gravitating to always shift.
So like I say right now I'mdefinitely like gravitating more
towards religion.
In the past couple projectsI've been working on and I honestly
(16:17):
just in giving my point ofview, just from my perspective of
just like one growing upbetween like a little bit in the
US a little bit in Nigeria,and just like having these different
perspectives of the blackexperience and like being able to
obviously, like, I'm not likethe end all be all.
This is what the is, right?
But like, my perspective oflike this is how I saw it growing
(16:39):
up, like, as who I am in theUS and as who I am when living in
Nigeria.
And like the project I'mworking on now even just like is
mainly focused on just likeYoruba people's relationship with
religion and how I've seen itto be.
And like, obviously like, Ithink with art I like to leave things
open ended just with theunderstanding that like, everyone's
(16:59):
experience is different.
My experience is not the sameas yours or anyone else's.
But like, this is my storythat I found to be interesting.
And this is my POV on it kind of.
And I guess people can receiveit however they like to receive it
or, you know, if they like it,they like it, if they don't, they
don't.
But I think everyone has astory and everyone has like a perspective.
(17:20):
And I kind of just like tryand figure out the best way to showcase
mine with whatever medium thatI can best do it with.
And what are you learning fromlike, your work in like, from like
you currently working on this project?
I'm looking at Yoruba peopleand their relationship with religion.
What are you learning aboutyour culture yourself as you work
(17:43):
on this piece?
I've learned a lot.
I think it's.
It's been interesting justdiving in deeper into just like one
like our traditional religious practices.
Because I feel like that'ssomething we usually just shy away
with from just like culturally.
Like we're very like, like theviewpoint of it just is just too
negative.
It's like even like I feellike even if my parents knew that
(18:06):
I was like looking into thesethings, they'll be like, oh, this
is, this is a sin.
You can't do this.
Like, stop, right?
It's like just reading abouthow like.
Because I think religion andjust like spirituality in itself
is just like a super beautiful thing.
And I think like it'ssomething that like is important.
Right?
But I think we like the imagethat is portrayed of like our traditional
(18:29):
religions is just like sonegative that it's like you don't.
But it's, it's so negative tothe point where it's like all you
know is the negative and youdon't even know anything truly about
it.
So like this has been a reallyjust like eye opening experience
or just like betterunderstanding, like what it actually
means to be involved in theselike traditional religious practices
and like better understanding,like the different deities and things
(18:50):
like that.
Like it's, it's just been,it's been a fun process, but with
it as well, like, I've alsobeen diving deeper into Islamic process
practices as well just to.
Because that's also a part ofthe practice project as well.
And it's just been like abeautiful learning experience of
just understanding like howmuch it means to people and just
seeing like what that lookslike for different people in their
(19:12):
life.
That's pretty cool.
That's pretty cool.
Still in your artistic bag.
You are also a dj, so it'slike they're multi disciplinary.
They really are.
You know, all that's left istheater and, you know, a little bit
of actual, you know, maybelike singing or something.
(19:33):
And then we know that you'veconquered, you've got it all.
But talk to me about youexploring DJing.
Where did I come from?
I mean, like I said earlier, Iwas like, music is my, like, I'm
obsessed with music.
Even like my siblings.
Everyone around me is alwaysannoyed because I'm like constantly
playing something, right?
(19:53):
I felt like it was just like,it just made sense for me to like
learn and like shout out to Quay.
You know, he taught me how to.
Taught me everything.
That's my sensei.
And like I, it was, it wasnice like I think like just being
able to learn from a friendand like that like quiz my brother.
So it's like learning from himwas Just made it so much easier and
just like being able to likeDJ for him with Samambo was just,
(20:16):
it was, it was kind of too perfect.
I mean, I don't know, I thinkI, I would like, I dj, but I think
like I'm still like exploringwhat I can do with it and seeing
like how I can take it going forward.
But it's, it's still like anewer medium to me as well.
And I understand, like, I havea lot of respect for like proper
DJs and like, yes, I do do it,but like, I still got a little bit
(20:37):
of more, a little bit morepractice, a little more time before
I'm like a proper, you know,capital dj, you know?
Yeah, yeah.
How do you, how are you hopingthat you're.
All these art forms andmediums that you're exploring with
and you're experimenting with,how do you hope they come together
eventually?
Like, what do you have?
Do you want to do a multimedium pop up or exhibition or what
(21:03):
is that, like dream?
And you can be very, you don'thave to be in detail so nobody steals
your idea.
Well, give me like an exampleof what you're dreaming of using
all of these different mediumsthat you're currently working with.
I would say I'm definitelyworking on an exhibition.
I think like, regardless ofwhat I'm working on, like each medium
(21:25):
kind of comes into play.
But I think like throughexhibition would be the best way
to like showcase them all atonce and like be able to get like
specific concepts showcased ina way that I guess, like, how would
I put, how would I word it?
Like that shows the fullstory, right?
(21:47):
To get that fully across.
I feel like through anexhibition would be my.
The best way to do that.
But I mean, I think one thingI try and do with my work is just
like, I try not to overthinkit and just like make whatever I
make and like, however I canshowcase it, I'll showcase it.
So honestly, not too much isin my mind on the aspect of the process
(22:08):
of like getting everything totie in together.
Like if it happens, it happens.
If it doesn't, it doesn't.
But you know, as long as I'menjoying the process and enjoying
the things I'm making and Ifeel like I feel good about what
I'm making, just if ithappens, it happens kind of.
Okay.
Okay, cool.
Are there, are there anystories you're looking to tell?
Any stories or any themes thatyou're looking to explore in the
(22:28):
future that is like top of Mind.
Not nothing.
Nothing specific, but it'sdefinitely always, you know, always
around that, like, exploringdifferent concepts around just, like,
the black gaze withphotography and, like, African stories
and just, like, more like.
I think, like, I've just beenlooking backwards a lot more and
(22:50):
just, like, looking more for abetter understanding of our past.
Like, I feel like you, like,it's definitely important to, like,
look into those things and like.
Or even just like, personalstories from my parents and things
like that, and just creatingwork that works with that.
That's pretty cool.
We have, like, a little, like,trivia section.
Just, like, a couple of fun questions.
(23:10):
Just trying to know.
Get some, like,recommendations from Mark.
So first thing, what are thetop three songs on your playlist
right now?
This is about to expose me.
Hold on.
I did not listen to.
Let me see.
What have I been listening toa lot right now?
Okay.
Okay.
This is a Nigerian artist.
(23:31):
His Name's Zay, level 10.
He just.
Okay, he just dropped the songcalled Maya.
I've been listening to that a lot.
What else?
Skywater.
I don't know.
It's kind of just everywhere.
There's Burn Up Boy, Skywater.
Got some papa from Minnesotais in there.
What else?
Chai Cartier, British rapper.
It's like, it says give it.
(23:51):
It's giving very aute.
Your.
Your.
Yeah, music.
Your music.
Your music is giving very aute.
And for folks who don't knowwhat OTA is, it was a.
It's a very.
It's a colloquial.
It's a Nigerian colloquialismof alternative.
Something that is not mainstream.
So there was a whole aute movement.
That should be a wholedissertation for another podcast.
(24:14):
Yeah, I like the.
I like the expansiveness ofthe music taste, so I'm here for
it.
Yeah.
So who are, like, top threeartists you hope to collaborate with?
Like, dream collaborators?
I don't know the way.
I'm, like, my.
My working process is kind ofjust, like, very, like, open to the
point where it's like, I'm notnecessarily thinking about collaboration,
(24:36):
like, off rip, but I think,like, definitely trying to work with
more, like, Nigerian artistsand, like, Nigerian artists, like,
who are in Nigeria and, like,more artists from Minneapolis.
Like, I feel like there's somany, like, I guess, like, it's always,
like, trying to find the bestway to work with people, I think
is a difficult.
Just with work I do.
Because you also just don't.
I don't want to work withpeople just for working with people's
(24:57):
sake as well.
So, like, if it makes sense.
But I don't think anyone comesto mind.
Just like straight up.
But okay, that's real, that's real.
I can get that sometimes, youknow, collaboration is not what folks
are looking for.
And that's okay too.
Yeah, yeah.
Is there a piece of art thathas changed your life?
I feel like every, like I'm,I'm the type of person that gets
(25:19):
like obsessed with things.
So like if like, if I hear asong and I like it, that's my favorite
song for like the next threeweeks, I'm not playing anything else.
That's all I want to hear.
So like it's to the pointwhere like there's so many things
that changed my life.
Like that's like, it was justlike, okay, this is, this is it.
This is what I'm on right now,you know, like, this is, this is
my vibe for the next month.
(25:39):
I'm about to start doingdressing like this, you know, become
indie.
But I say more email.
You got the Steve.
But no, I think like more recently.
Not something that I reallyliked recently.
I guess like McGee's album.
Like I've been listening tothat a lot.
Like that was my like thewhole year past year.
Like that's my main thing.
(26:01):
I've just been obsessed with.
Is there a place that youwould like to go to to shoot?
Like, what city are you?
Like I have to go here and dosome photography work or artistic
work or CDs.
It doesn't have to be one city.
It could be multiple CDs.
I'd say right now just becauseI haven't properly like shot there,
(26:24):
it's back home, like Nigeria.
I want to go there.
Like I already have like acouple 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 makethis work.
Definitely.
Like back home, Lagos, Oshobo,like here, those areas.
I want to go there and likeactually just like with my camera
and like see what I can makein those spots.
(26:45):
Okay, cool, cool, cool.
And finally, what is yourguilty pleasure?
Probably like sports.
Like I'm obsessed withfootball, like soccer.
Like that's my, you know, HalaMadrid, just real Madrid every day,
FIFA all the time.
Just over obsessed, playingonline, like, you know, screaming
at my tv.
(27:06):
Yeah, that's, that's, that's it.
That's my guilty plea.
Okay, cool, cool, cool.
Thank you for being here.
And I have one more questionfor you before I let you go.
When people engage with yourarts where they come and they maybe
watch a film that you do orsee your photography or buy your
magazine or come to us.
So a party that you're DJing at.
(27:28):
What do you want the people toleave with when they encounter art
by mock?
I want people to kind of just,like, leave, like, feeling something.
Like, I think, like, a lot ofthe work I do is very.
Not necessarily emotional, butI think it's like an emotional process,
like certain stories I tell orcertain concepts that I explore.
And it's like, I would wantyou to leave feeling like maybe you
(27:50):
learned something or maybe,like, your perspective changed or
like, maybe this, like, helporiginal perspective or something
like that.
Like, definitely just like,leaving feeling something.
Thank you so much, Mac.
Really appreciate you andappreciate your work.
And everything that you're doing.
Yeah.
And I will definitely put someof, like, your links to some of,
like, your work for folks tocheck out and, like, the description
(28:12):
so that they can engage morewith the stuff that you're doing.
Great.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you all for listening orwatching wherever you are consuming
this podcast, odejumma.
Hi, my name is Harry, andwelcome to Odejuma.
Odejuma recognizes the magicof storytelling.
From personal experiences tostories of adventure, from tales
of resilience to finding joyin the simple things, this story
seeks to inspire, entertain,and educate because there is power
in the stories of everydaypeople, and these stories are worth
(00:22):
telling.
Hey, y'.
All, what's good?
And welcome to another episodeof Odejoma.
And I'm excited about today's guest.
He is a Nigerian Americanmultidisciplinary artist.
(00:44):
I have Mark Odumuyoa with me.
Hi.
What's good?
Happy to be here.
The sun came out today, sothat's good.
That is good.
But.
Well, thank you, Mark, foragreeing to do this.
I feel like you're one of,like, the creative in the Twin Cities
that, like, just, like, getsmy attention with how, like, your
work is and the kind of workthat you do.
But like, you said you do,like, your hands are, like, in every
(01:07):
part.
So I want to just start from,like, the very beginning.
How did you realize that,like, art was, like, a form of expression
for you?
Honestly, quite natural.
Like, I.
Like, there wasn't really,like, a deep thought behind it.
I just started making stuff.
Like, I just was.
I've always liked art and Iliked, like, music and loved, like,
just being creative, like,just growing up since I was young.
(01:29):
So it's like whenever.
Like, it was art day inschool, you know, like, okay, we're
going to do some arts and crafts.
Cut something.
I was always, like, excited todo it.
And then I think in college, Iwas just.
What?
I started wanting to makeclothes, started making clothes,
and, like, really didn't thinkmuch about it and kind of just was
like, it was like a very fluidexperience of just like, okay, I
want to make this.
Let me make it.
And it kind of like, I had,like, realized, like, one day, like,
(01:50):
oh, I guess this is, like, mebeing an artist, kind of.
So you started from.
So was it close first beforephotography and filmmaking, or was
it, like.
It was closed first?
Okay, cool, cool, cool.
How.
How was that process, like?
Cause I know that having,like, a clothing line is a lot of
work.
So what did that.
What was that experience?
Like?
It was fun.
(02:11):
It was a lot.
It was stressful, but fun.
Like, I really enjoyed itbecause, like, I don't know, I feel
like.
I mean, fashion just wasalways my, like, first love with.
With everything I wanted to make.
And, like, I kind of did ituntil I feel.
Felt like I needed a break.
And then, I don't know, I Feellike it was, it was a nice like exploration
that kind of led me to otherthings and like through fashion was
(02:33):
what.
How I got into photography.
Just because like I was makingthe clothes and like I didn't have
anybody to shoot it.
So I was like, okay, I'm tiredof like waiting for someone to shoot.
Let me just borrow a camera,figure something out and start shooting
like that.
And from there I was like,okay, like I have a camera.
Let me like try and like plana shoot or let me try something creative
with it, you know, that'spretty interesting.
And your photography is soyour photography is self taught.
(02:55):
Yeah, self taught and justlike mentors, honestly.
Okay, okay, cool.
What has been the, but whathas been the lesson you've learned
from like that transition fromlike going from like making clothes
to now doing photography andalso now filmmaking, which you'll
probably get into.
Oh, what, what was thattransition like?
And what lessons did you learnthrough that process?
(03:17):
I'd say the main thing is justlike understanding that like you're
always like, I'm a strongbeliever in like you're always, it's,
oh, you're always going tolearn something.
Like no one knows everything, right?
Like everything's a learning experience.
So I kind of went into it justlike it.
You just got to push through.
Figured it figured out, startfrom the basics, but also like having
a confidence of like, you cando it, you know, like, don't overthink
(03:37):
it, Try it.
If you don't like it, try andwork on it again.
Like, I remember one of thefirst couple shoots I did.
Like, I did it with my, Afriend of mine, Felucia, who's also
a photographer, and I hated it.
And he was like, okay, we'rejust gonna redo it.
Like that's literally it.
Like, don't overthink it.
Just get whatever you need todo to get to the final destination.
Try and get it done.
Honestly, that's pretty cool.
(03:58):
And how would you say, likeyour background as someone who is
like Nigerian and America andat the same time, how does that like
influence like your work?
I think honestly all my, likeit's with it being just like my background
and identity, it's always justlike overshadowing whatever I do.
Like, no matter what concept Icome up with is going to have like
(04:19):
references to like living inboth places, like living in Nigeria,
living in America.
But also just like myviewpoint on concepts and things
is always going to come fromthat perspective of like, I see it
through both lenses, you know,So I Think it honestly, just.
That's just like, how I'malways going to.
Like, every project I work onhas, like, a little bit of both in
it.
That's pretty cool.
(04:39):
As I.
As a.
And as a storyteller throughthe arts, like, you're trying to
tell stories through the art.
And I feel like Nigerians arelike, naturally natural born storytellers.
Like, that's like, who we are.
Parents will gather us aroundand just like, start to speak of
tales of back in the day, youknow, of how they were doing things
(05:02):
and everything.
Do you find yourself, like,going back to those times and drawing
inspirations for, like, stuffthat you do or that you would want
to do?
Yes, I definitely.
I definitely go back to it a lot.
Like, I say, like, even oneproject I'm working on now, like,
I'm working on getting backinto clothes.
And like, it's.
It's mainly just like, focusedon just the experiences I had, like,
(05:23):
at home and just like, makingclothes, referencing that.
And like, I feel like in themoments, you don't realize how beneficial
those, like, little moments oflike, oh, your dad's making a joke
here, or, like, there's astory about this, or, like, just
like, like this is thenickname we have for this, like,
family member.
Like, those little things kindof like just happen in passing.
But, like, through the.
A lot of the work I do now,it's like how those things come back
(05:46):
and, like, bring more lightto, like, the projects I'm working
on now and, like, inspire mein new ways to kind of figure things
out.
Okay, that's cool.
And I, and I saw that, youknow, obviously you did, like, some
filmmaking work and your film,well, you know, has been screened
in some, you know.
Is that how it's pronounced?
I probably should know how topronounce it, but I just gotta confirm,
(06:11):
you know, Tell me about thejourney into filmmaking and what,
what has that been like?
And what.
What has the response to thefilm been so far?
I say the journey has alsojust been a fluid one.
Like when me and TBAs areTahit, who I made the film with,
we're gonna make it.
We literally were just like,at my apartment and we're just like,
okay, like, let's just make a film.
(06:31):
Call our friend and kind ofdid it sporadically.
And then, like, once Jojo, ourfriend, was like, on board to shoot
it with us.
We're like, okay, let's startfrom scratch.
Just start storyboarding and,like, writing down notes of, like,
how we want it to flow, how wewanted the pacing to be and what
we want it to kind of looklike and kind of pulling references
to.
Not necessarily to mood board,but just to like, lead us in the
(06:53):
right path with the film.
It was all just like, I guessthat, like, comfortable space just
because, like, we're all friends.
Just get the studio start shooting.
And like, the first we.
We shot it over across liketwo days and first day, it was a
good day.
Shot everything like a couple hours.
But I think, like, we noticedlike, some little things that we're
(07:15):
like, okay, we could do better at.
And I think, like, us alwaysbeing like, like, let's try and improve,
like, if.
If we can.
Let's try it.
And so, like, that's when wecame back another day to, like, shoot
like the rest and, like,worked for a couple months of just
like.
Like, I think like, all theseprojects is really just like a feeling.
Once it feels done, once itfeels right, it's good.
Throughout the whole process,we just kept searching for like,
a good, like, okay, it feelscomplete feeling.
(07:38):
And it's been a fun journey.
That's pretty.
That's really cool.
And what has the response been?
Like, since it's been great,honestly, like, it's crazy.
Like, it's been a.
A while now since it's beenout and like, we're able to like,
premiere it with now ness inLondon and like, have it be one of
their, like, personal picksfor that year and like, show it at
(07:59):
the African Film Festival inNew York and just like, many other
film festivals.
Like, even me and T weretalking about it the other day.
Just like, it's crazy to see,like, how far it went.
And also just like, is there,like, recently got played in somewhere
in France that we like.
This is.
These are places we've neverbeen to that they're like, they love
the film and they're like, oh,we want to show in our festival.
(08:20):
We're like, okay.
Like, that's cool.
And I'm just.
I'm just thinking, like, youknow, there is a.
Obviously I've only beenliving in the twin cities since 2021,
but, like, it just feels likethere is just every year the creative
scene keeps expanding.
It's like black talent andlike, the creative.
You know, but in general, it'sstill a very different cities.
(08:44):
Is not.
It's kind of white.
You know, it's like.
But also, you know, we have,like, very talented black folks doing
amazing things in different cities.
So, like, how would you gaugeor how would you view the scene if
that's the Word.
How would you view the scene?
What's your view of the scene?
I think that's a much moreaccurate question.
(09:06):
And what are, like, areas thatyou feel like we could be better,
you know, in the city?
I mean, I. I love.
I mean, just being from St.Paul and being from Minnesota, it's
this, like, is home.
So, like, it's just natural tocreate and just, like, be there.
I think the creative scene isone that's been flourishing a lot
in the last couple of yearsbecause, like, I remember when I
(09:28):
first started, it wasn't.
It wasn't like, how it wastoday, for sure.
And, like, I think, like, it'snice that now, like, there's a lot
of more.
There's a lot more black facesor just, like, people of color in
it.
And I think more of the, let'ssay, like, larger organizations are
more, like, connected to theactual, like, artists or smaller
artists in the city, which is nice.
Which I don't think washappening as much back in the day.
(09:49):
But I think.
I mean, with anything, like,there's always room for improvement.
And I think, like, more, like.
I think we have a strongcommunity, and I think, like, we
could definitely build upon it.
Obviously, I understand that,like, it is a small community, but
I think, like, we can alwaysjust push for better.
More collaboration, moresupport for each other, and, like,
helping each other as much aswe can.
And I think the only way wecan, like, really reach where we
(10:11):
want to reach as a city is ifwe, like, come together and do it
and be more, which I thinkalready happens.
I think is just, like,continuing on that and building upon
that.
Yeah, that's real.
That's real.
So you released Something tosay, a magazine that spotlight spotlighting
various artists from the Twin Cities.
So talk to us about somethingto say and what.
What.
What was the inspirationbehind it?
(10:33):
I've.
The inspiration was honestlyfrom just, like, my love for, like.
Like.
How do I put it?
Like, eras and cities.
Like, I think, like.
Like, if.
If you look at, like, back inthe day, like, that Warhol era or
like that Studio 65 era, like,or the eras in like.
Like the punk era with VivianWestwood in London, like, it's just
(10:56):
like a period in time where,like, just the city's, like, at a
creative peak or, like, asubcultures at a peak.
And I'm like, I felt likeright now, or, like, even honestly,
like, the last couple yearsand now, like, Minneapolis has been
in that area where, like, Ifeel like a lot of the artists are
just making their Best work.
So I was like, okay, no one'sreally like, creating something that
(11:17):
encapsulates this.
So it's like, it just seemedlike the right thing to do.
And I always like, wanted forsomeone to just document, like, okay,
this is everything going on inthe city right now.
So I was like, okay, I'm justgoing to put something together quick
and make that.
And it's very interestingbecause, like, you're always like,
making like, you feel like,oh, there's a gap.
I'm going to make something tofill that gap, you know?
(11:38):
Do you ever, like, what isthat creative process?
Like, I'm trying to like,understand how do you go from like,
oh, we have an idea to do this.
What.
How do you go from idea toconceptualization to execution, to
putting it out in the world?
What is that process like for you?
I say, just honestly, like,I've always been like, deep in like,
research.
Like, I think, like, for me,like, if I, if I have a question,
(11:59):
I'm going to find the answer.
Like, however I can, like, ifI have to ask a bunch of people or
like Google watch a bunch ofYouTube videos, like, I'm going to
find the answer.
So, like, literally I'dalready made like a book before,
so I was like, I already hadthat knowledge of like, okay, I know
how to how, like produce it.
But okay, now it's like, Ihave to do go through the whole process
of actually making like, aproper magazine that looks nice because
(12:22):
I'm like, I'm not gonna do itand it's not gonna, like, it has
to be on, on par, you know, soit's literally just like doing a
bunch of research.
And like, I already collectedbooks, but I was like, okay, let
me shift like, into lookingmore into magazines as well.
Like, honestly, for the whole,like, year or so, I think that I
(12:43):
was working on it.
It was really just likeresearching like, different magazines,
like ID Magazine and just likegoing to like the, what's called,
like the corner stores in NewYork sometimes and just like buying
a bunch of magazines and justlike looking through, seeing what
they usually put in it andlike the graphic design styles and
seeing like, okay, this is howlike most magazines like Vogue and
stuff are done.
But like, okay, how can I makethat in my way?
(13:05):
And so once I got that figuredout, it was honestly just focused
on like, selecting who weshould put for this, like, first
issue and then like, workingwith the graphic design array to
like, actually like, bring itto life.
Like, post that, which washonestly, 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.
Like, if we need to do this,we got to do this.
(13:26):
And a couple hours later, aday later, he's sending me, like,
everything perfect.
And it's like, I don't know,it was a fun project to work on and
like, it was a collaborative project.
Like me, T Buzz and like Rayjust like conducting interviews,
designing pages.
And like, it was a lot ofwork, but it was worth it.
Like, just to be able to even.
Just like produce somethinglike that for the artists in the
city and just like having thembe able to even see their work in
(13:48):
that light was just.
It was perfect.
Yeah.
And it's limited copies, I'mguessing because it's sold out right
now on your website.
Yeah, it was very limited.
Like, we restocked and thensold out again.
But I think we're going to doa rerelease, like once we finish
issue two, which is on the way.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I feel like your art is.
(14:09):
Seems like it's very like, in demand.
Like, it's like you put itout, people.
People desire it.
How does that make you feeljust from a personal level that you
know, you're creating workthat is resonating with people?
I love it.
Like, I feel like every artistare like, tries to like, not think
about people like, whilecreating, but like, sometimes you
can't like, help yourself andlike, hope people like it.
(14:30):
And I think just being able tosee my work be received well or just
like people even.
Just like investing in it,like to buy a magazine is.
Is something like they'retaking their hard earned money and
being like, okay, I want tobuy this and have this in my home.
Or like, even just like littlethings, like seeing like, people
post that, like, this is theirtable, their coffee table book, like,
it's hung up in their house.
(14:51):
Like, it's just.
I don't know, it's.
It's an amazing feeling.
I'm happy and I'm happy thatlike, even people who are.
Who've never been toMinneapolis also just like have this
book that just showcases allthe artists from there and like,
are seeing, like, how amazingit is.
Like, even recently we got ourfriend who's from freezing from Paris
to come to Minneapolis for thefirst time.
(15:12):
He's like, oh, I want to seethis, like, Minneapolis place that
you guys always talk about.
And he literally left thereand was like, this is like, top two
cities I've ever been to in My life.
And he's like obsessed.
Wow.
Yeah, that is pretty cool.
Shout out to Minneapolis.
Hey, we got something.
The folks were sleeping on Minneapolis.
Real.
For real.
There's something in them.
Yeah, yeah, Those lakes are.
(15:34):
Those leaks are something Iwant to talk about about something
that is in your bio a littlebit, right on your website.
It says, introducing freshperspectives on the black gaze, Masculinity,
the African diaspora, family,religion, race.
What does that, what does thatmean to you?
What perspectives are youhoping to share alongside these themes?
(15:56):
Basically, yeah, I thinkhonestly really depends.
Like it switches like projectto project and like, I think like
just going through life likethe things that I'm finding myself
gravitating to always shift.
So like I say right now I'mdefinitely like gravitating more
towards religion.
In the past couple projectsI've been working on and I honestly
(16:17):
just in giving my point ofview, just from my perspective of
just like one growing upbetween like a little bit in the
US a little bit in Nigeria,and just like having these different
perspectives of the blackexperience and like being able to
obviously, like, I'm not likethe end all be all.
This is what the is, right?
But like, my perspective oflike this is how I saw it growing
(16:39):
up, like, as who I am in theUS and as who I am when living in
Nigeria.
And like the project I'mworking on now even just like is
mainly focused on just likeYoruba people's relationship with
religion and how I've seen itto be.
And like, obviously like, Ithink with art I like to leave things
open ended just with theunderstanding that like, everyone's
(16:59):
experience is different.
My experience is not the sameas yours or anyone else's.
But like, this is my storythat I found to be interesting.
And this is my POV on it kind of.
And I guess people can receiveit however they like to receive it
or, you know, if they like it,they like it, if they don't, they
don't.
But I think everyone has astory and everyone has like a perspective.
(17:20):
And I kind of just like tryand figure out the best way to showcase
mine with whatever medium thatI can best do it with.
And what are you learning fromlike, your work in like, from like
you currently working on this project?
I'm looking at Yoruba peopleand their relationship with religion.
What are you learning aboutyour culture yourself as you work
(17:43):
on this piece?
I've learned a lot.
I think it's.
It's been interesting justdiving in deeper into just like one
like our traditional religious practices.
Because I feel like that'ssomething we usually just shy away
with from just like culturally.
Like we're very like, like theviewpoint of it just is just too
negative.
It's like even like I feellike even if my parents knew that
(18:06):
I was like looking into thesethings, they'll be like, oh, this
is, this is a sin.
You can't do this.
Like, stop, right?
It's like just reading abouthow like.
Because I think religion andjust like spirituality in itself
is just like a super beautiful thing.
And I think like it'ssomething that like is important.
Right?
But I think we like the imagethat is portrayed of like our traditional
(18:29):
religions is just like sonegative that it's like you don't.
But it's, it's so negative tothe point where it's like all you
know is the negative and youdon't even know anything truly about
it.
So like this has been a reallyjust like eye opening experience
or just like betterunderstanding, like what it actually
means to be involved in theselike traditional religious practices
and like better understanding,like the different deities and things
(18:50):
like that.
Like it's, it's just been,it's been a fun process, but with
it as well, like, I've alsobeen diving deeper into Islamic process
practices as well just to.
Because that's also a part ofthe practice project as well.
And it's just been like abeautiful learning experience of
just understanding like howmuch it means to people and just
seeing like what that lookslike for different people in their
(19:12):
life.
That's pretty cool.
That's pretty cool.
Still in your artistic bag.
You are also a dj, so it'slike they're multi disciplinary.
They really are.
You know, all that's left istheater and, you know, a little bit
of actual, you know, maybelike singing or something.
(19:33):
And then we know that you'veconquered, you've got it all.
But talk to me about youexploring DJing.
Where did I come from?
I mean, like I said earlier, Iwas like, music is my, like, I'm
obsessed with music.
Even like my siblings.
Everyone around me is alwaysannoyed because I'm like constantly
playing something, right?
(19:53):
I felt like it was just like,it just made sense for me to like
learn and like shout out to Quay.
You know, he taught me how to.
Taught me everything.
That's my sensei.
And like I, it was, it wasnice like I think like just being
able to learn from a friendand like that like quiz my brother.
So it's like learning from himwas Just made it so much easier and
just like being able to likeDJ for him with Samambo was just,
(20:16):
it was, it was kind of too perfect.
I mean, I don't know, I thinkI, I would like, I dj, but I think
like I'm still like exploringwhat I can do with it and seeing
like how I can take it going forward.
But it's, it's still like anewer medium to me as well.
And I understand, like, I havea lot of respect for like proper
DJs and like, yes, I do do it,but like, I still got a little bit
(20:37):
of more, a little bit morepractice, a little more time before
I'm like a proper, you know,capital dj, you know?
Yeah, yeah.
How do you, how are you hopingthat you're.
All these art forms andmediums that you're exploring with
and you're experimenting with,how do you hope they come together
eventually?
Like, what do you have?
Do you want to do a multimedium pop up or exhibition or what
(21:03):
is that, like dream?
And you can be very, you don'thave to be in detail so nobody steals
your idea.
Well, give me like an exampleof what you're dreaming of using
all of these different mediumsthat you're currently working with.
I would say I'm definitelyworking on an exhibition.
I think like, regardless ofwhat I'm working on, like each medium
(21:25):
kind of comes into play.
But I think like throughexhibition would be the best way
to like showcase them all atonce and like be able to get like
specific concepts showcased ina way that I guess, like, how would
I put, how would I word it?
Like that shows the fullstory, right?
(21:47):
To get that fully across.
I feel like through anexhibition would be my.
The best way to do that.
But I mean, I think one thingI try and do with my work is just
like, I try not to overthinkit and just like make whatever I
make and like, however I canshowcase it, I'll showcase it.
So honestly, not too much isin my mind on the aspect of the process
(22:08):
of like getting everything totie in together.
Like if it happens, it happens.
If it doesn't, it doesn't.
But you know, as long as I'menjoying the process and enjoying
the things I'm making and Ifeel like I feel good about what
I'm making, just if ithappens, it happens kind of.
Okay.
Okay, cool.
Are there, are there anystories you're looking to tell?
Any stories or any themes thatyou're looking to explore in the
(22:28):
future that is like top of Mind.
Not nothing.
Nothing specific, but it'sdefinitely always, you know, always
around that, like, exploringdifferent concepts around just, like,
the black gaze withphotography and, like, African stories
and just, like, more like.
I think, like, I've just beenlooking backwards a lot more and
(22:50):
just, like, looking more for abetter understanding of our past.
Like, I feel like you, like,it's definitely important to, like,
look into those things and like.
Or even just like, personalstories from my parents and things
like that, and just creatingwork that works with that.
That's pretty cool.
We have, like, a little, like,trivia section.
Just, like, a couple of fun questions.
(23:10):
Just trying to know.
Get some, like,recommendations from Mark.
So first thing, what are thetop three songs on your playlist
right now?
This is about to expose me.
Hold on.
I did not listen to.
Let me see.
What have I been listening toa lot right now?
Okay.
Okay.
This is a Nigerian artist.
(23:31):
His Name's Zay, level 10.
He just.
Okay, he just dropped the songcalled Maya.
I've been listening to that a lot.
What else?
Skywater.
I don't know.
It's kind of just everywhere.
There's Burn Up Boy, Skywater.
Got some papa from Minnesotais in there.
What else?
Chai Cartier, British rapper.
It's like, it says give it.
(23:51):
It's giving very aute.
Your.
Your.
Yeah, music.
Your music.
Your music is giving very aute.
And for folks who don't knowwhat OTA is, it was a.
It's a very.
It's a colloquial.
It's a Nigerian colloquialismof alternative.
Something that is not mainstream.
So there was a whole aute movement.
That should be a wholedissertation for another podcast.
(24:14):
Yeah, I like the.
I like the expansiveness ofthe music taste, so I'm here for
it.
Yeah.
So who are, like, top threeartists you hope to collaborate with?
Like, dream collaborators?
I don't know the way.
I'm, like, my.
My working process is kind ofjust, like, very, like, open to the
point where it's like, I'm notnecessarily thinking about collaboration,
(24:36):
like, off rip, but I think,like, definitely trying to work with
more, like, Nigerian artistsand, like, Nigerian artists, like,
who are in Nigeria and, like,more artists from Minneapolis.
Like, I feel like there's somany, like, I guess, like, it's always,
like, trying to find the bestway to work with people, I think
is a difficult.
Just with work I do.
Because you also just don't.
I don't want to work withpeople just for working with people's
(24:57):
sake as well.
So, like, if it makes sense.
But I don't think anyone comesto mind.
Just like straight up.
But okay, that's real, that's real.
I can get that sometimes, youknow, collaboration is not what folks
are looking for.
And that's okay too.
Yeah, yeah.
Is there a piece of art thathas changed your life?
I feel like every, like I'm,I'm the type of person that gets
(25:19):
like obsessed with things.
So like if like, if I hear asong and I like it, that's my favorite
song for like the next threeweeks, I'm not playing anything else.
That's all I want to hear.
So like it's to the pointwhere like there's so many things
that changed my life.
Like that's like, it was justlike, okay, this is, this is it.
This is what I'm on right now,you know, like, this is, this is
my vibe for the next month.
(25:39):
I'm about to start doingdressing like this, you know, become
indie.
But I say more email.
You got the Steve.
But no, I think like more recently.
Not something that I reallyliked recently.
I guess like McGee's album.
Like I've been listening tothat a lot.
Like that was my like thewhole year past year.
Like that's my main thing.
(26:01):
I've just been obsessed with.
Is there a place that youwould like to go to to shoot?
Like, what city are you?
Like I have to go here and dosome photography work or artistic
work or CDs.
It doesn't have to be one city.
It could be multiple CDs.
I'd say right now just becauseI haven't properly like shot there,
(26:24):
it's back home, like Nigeria.
I want to go there.
Like I already have like acouple 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 makethis work.
Definitely.
Like back home, Lagos, Oshobo,like here, those areas.
I want to go there and likeactually just like with my camera
and like see what I can makein those spots.
(26:45):
Okay, cool, cool, cool.
And finally, what is yourguilty pleasure?
Probably like sports.
Like I'm obsessed withfootball, like soccer.
Like that's my, you know, HalaMadrid, just real Madrid every day,
FIFA all the time.
Just over obsessed, playingonline, like, you know, screaming
at my tv.
(27:06):
Yeah, that's, that's, that's it.
That's my guilty plea.
Okay, cool, cool, cool.
Thank you for being here.
And I have one more questionfor you before I let you go.
When people engage with yourarts where they come and they maybe
watch a film that you do orsee your photography or buy your
magazine or come to us.
So a party that you're DJing at.
(27:28):
What do you want the people toleave with when they encounter art
by mock?
I want people to kind of just,like, leave, like, feeling something.
Like, I think, like, a lot ofthe work I do is very.
Not necessarily emotional, butI think it's like an emotional process,
like certain stories I tell orcertain concepts that I explore.
And it's like, I would wantyou to leave feeling like maybe you
(27:50):
learned something or maybe,like, your perspective changed or
like, maybe this, like, helporiginal perspective or something
like that.
Like, definitely just like,leaving feeling something.
Thank you so much, Mac.
Really appreciate you andappreciate your work.
And everything that you're doing.
Yeah.
And I will definitely put someof, like, your links to some of,
like, your work for folks tocheck out and, like, the description
(28:12):
so that they can engage morewith the stuff that you're doing.
Great.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you all for listening orwatching wherever you are consuming
this podcast, odejumma.
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!