MOMENT WITH DR. EKEOLU OYETUNDE KAZEEM
We call him Prof. and you will see his art's signature; All rounder in almost every notice board in every department and halls of residence. He is noted for passing snide remarks on untoward behaviour in the university community through his cartoon. He is a Kantangite, a name given to residents of Independence Hall (a male hostel) in the University of Ibadan to which yours truly also stayed as an undergraduate.
I present to you my special guest, Dr Ekeolu Oyetunde Kazeem.
You are most welcome sir
Thank you. It's my pleasure to be here.
What is your background? Tell us about yourself.
I was born to a military father, so I grew up in the barracks. In the barracks in the 80s there were no discrimination or any sort at all. Children played together and we were creative, always making something out of sand, sticks, tins, slippers, name it. I attended Command children school, Mokola and Command Secondary school, Apata. Almost 99% of whatever I am now, those schools built the foundation. Then, the critical 1% was by University of Ibadan. Almost everyone in my family is a lover of art.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
What is pivotal to any form of art is that it has to be real, inspired and original. Therefore, it is simple. An originally inspired work of art makes everything complex, simple and simplicity is what is beautiful.
What role does the artist have in the society?
(A portrait of Former Vice Chancellor (U.I) and former Health Minister.)
Artist can solve a lot of problems. Artist through their Visual art as well as performing art can help you heal, mentally and physically. Check out Arts in Medicine by Adewale. Through their art, artists can help inform the society of their socio-political events, and even archive them while also preserving useful cultures and traditions, even religion in a society.
How has your practice change over time?
It keeps improving because there is no end to learning. I read books a lot to get my self updated with styles of arts that are evergreen. I also ask questions and interact with other artists.
What art do you most identify with?
Well, Visual art: Paintings, Poetry and illustrations, Cartoons. But I have two prose that are almost ready for publication but I still need to tidy up one or two things about them...
What work do you enjoy doing most?
I love poetry, prose, music and paintings, even music (I sing and rap) I love all of them.
What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
Playing with sand in the barracks and my Fine art teachers referring to my work as a guide to other students.
What themes do you pursue in your art works?
Religion, Life and Death and what's in between the two.
What’s your scariest experience?
Wow, can I remember one? Okay, I had many but I had made a controversial cartoon while in Kwara Polytechnic and it didn't go down well with those in Mechanical Engineering Department, I thought if they knew I did it I was a goner.
What’s your favourite art work?
My favourite work, the one you find at Alliance France: Nigeria Can Smile Again, and the portrait of Prof. B.O Oke...
(Portrait of Professor B.O Oke)
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
My Poem: Sleep is Sweet was inspired by my Dad's death. I cry almost every day calling out is name even in whispers but I know he won't come back again, realizing he hears me no more.
SLEEP IS SWEET
If sleep is sweet
Snoring is all I need
Please, allow me
Tolani, allow me
Don't rumple the stillness
With wailing calls of my name
Till the last of my hair
Is ashen
And my wrinkled flesh
Ghostly and dust
Tolani, I'll not hear your wail
Even the faintest of trail
Allow me cross this path
So narrow to sleep so sweet
With still heartbeat,
I'd snore sweet in silence
Don't rumple the stillness
With wailing call of my name
Allow me, a sound one
Tolani, please!
Don't rumple the shroud
With wailing calls of my name
When my days are gone
And my silent night has come
Ekeolu Oyetunde Kazeem (2015)
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
I saw that when I was in University of Ibadan, people wouldn't match my looks with my works because, especially the ladies who expect to see a guy as beautiful as his works. So I had one or two calling to meet me but were disappointed because I wasn't a "clean" guy, you know.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
Wow! I am a Veterinary Doctor. I am an anatomist, and a lecturer. So I teach Veterinary Anatomy at University of Benin.
Why art?
Art is me. Beside art the only thing I do best is art.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I hear a lot of nice things from fans almost all the time. People have called me genius, some have said my brain should be studied. A lady offered to kiss me when she saw her father's portrait that I did. Dr. Eyafere recently called to say I made their day when he got the portrait they commissioned. Prof. Toyin Falola has said: 'This is excellent!' when he saw the work he had asked me to do for him. Prof. Niyi Osundare has said: 'This is beautiful, one evening he was driving and saw me painting Awba Dam in University of Ibadan. He stopped to have a look.
What food, drink, song inspires you?
I love Garri and groundnut, Cocacola. And I love Afropop, Juju, Fuji, Reggae, Apala and Highlife.
What do you dislike about the art world?
Artists condemning another Artist's work. I don't do that, and comparison with negative criticism.
What do you dislike about your work?
Well, I am not sure I dislike my work. (smiles)
Should art be funded?
Yes o! Heavily. Art festival, like Festac '77 unveiled a lot of talents: one was Gabriel Okara, one of Nigeria's foremost poets.
What role does arts funding have?
It can't be overemphasized. It helps to discover new and encourage existing talents.
( Dr Ekeolu Oyetunde Kazeem)
Do you have a project you are working on?
Yes, Collection of my poems, a short story and my novel.
Name three artists that inspire you a lot.
Profs. Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, and of course Chimamanda Adichie, I love her writing and I love her personality no matter what people misconstrued her to be.
What is your favourite or most inspirational place ?
My mind, especially when I am alone, anywhere.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Keep painting, keep writing and keep learning until the end.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
I want to win awards and remain forever, being the best I can be.
What advice do you have for upcoming artists?
Be original, don't force it. Just keep doing your best but most importantly, upgrade. Read a lot o.
That you so much for your time. It is indeed an honour.
The pleasure is mine. Thank you.
You can connect with Ekeolu Oyetunde Kazeem on facebook using his name as written above.
This is where I will draw the curtain. I hope you have been entertained? I hope to see you next time. I still remain yours truly,
Julius Topohozin.
