Residency VILA SUL

In the intricate terrain of sustainable and inclusive development issues, Deji Akinpelu stands as a dedicated artisan, wielding the arts as his canvas to paint the vibrant stories etched into the lives of people across Africa and the diaspora. With an ardent aim of fostering vital conversations that drive transformative change and safeguard cultural heritage, Akinpelu's unwavering focus centers on meticulous documentation, weaving together the rich tapestry of histories, struggles, indomitable spirits, and profound faith that propels communities forward.
Born with a keen eye for observing the relentless pursuit of development and gender inclusivity that surrounded him, Akinpelu's childhood ignited an intense passion within him—a deep-seated longing to creatively convey challenging African narratives. This passion found expression through the captivating mediums of documentary filmmaking and photography, serving as his tools to craft narratives that resonate, giving voice to stories that herald change, empowerment, and the enduring preservation of cultural legacies.
As a self-taught photographer turned filmmaker, Akinpelu honed his skills at the SAE Institute in Dubai, embarking on a creative journey that led him to establish the Rethinking Cities Initiative (RCI). This dynamic collaborative platform unites professionals in the realms of Arts, Media, and Urban Planning, sharing a mission to champion and communicate innovative social enterprise solutions addressing complex urban challenges across the African landscape.

At the heart of RCI lies the online advocacy and knowledge hub, "researchinlagos" (www.researchinlagos.org), where Akinpelu and his team delve into the intricate fabric of urban life. They dissect its complexities, seeking innovative ways to enhance the well-being of communities. Additionally, the on-demand advocacy television and online podcast, "Yanme" (www.youtube.com/@yanmetv9952), provides a platform for the vibrant voices of young people in marginalized Lagos communities. Through Yanme, they share their daily experiences, passionately advocating for improved governance in their neighborhoods.

Akinpelu's capacity as a filmmaker and photographer extends beyond the lens, as he has had the privilege of producing and directing documentaries for esteemed international development agencies. Organizations such as Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS), the French Development Agency (AFD), and Amnesty International have entrusted him to shine a light on critical issues, sparking conversations that transcend borders and cultures.

Notably, Akinpelu's advocacy efforts garnered attention from German international media, DW, which featured his work as part of their coverage (https://www.dw.com/ha/najeriya-zabe-don-kawo-karshen-rushe-muhallai/a-47794235). This recognition underscores the power of storytelling and visual communication in bringing important social issues to the forefront, amplifying the impact of Akinpelu's work.

In summary, Deji Akinpelu's journey as a photographer and filmmaker has evolved into a passionate pursuit of social change and urban innovation. Through RCI and various projects, he aspires to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of cities across Africa, amplifying the voices of those often unheard and ensuring that the narratives of resilience and progress take center stage. Akinpelu's commitment to fostering dialogue, driving change, and preserving cultural heritage through the lens of art marks him as a trailblazer in the realm of visual storytelling and social advocacy.
 

Jumoke Adeyanju is an interdisciplinary artist, linguist and researcher.
She is the founder of 'The Poetry Meets Series' [est. 2014], co-curator of Sensi.Dance and hosts her radio show Sauti ya àkókò and the Breakfast Show on Refuge Worldwide.
Under her alias mokeyanju, she performs as a vinyl selector and aspiring sound artist. She is a passionate dancer, multilingual poet, and genre-defying DJ with Nigerian roots, based between Berlin and Nairobi, who is heavily influenced by hip-hop and house music, fújì, highlife, ndombolo, and percussive music genres.
Her broad interest in East African and Caribbean culture led her to collect vinyl from Trinidad & Tobago, Tanzania, Kenya, Congo and beyond - discovering Calypso, Zanzibari Taarab, Benga, Soukous as well as contemporary East African producers and sounds. She has been featured as a
composer, backing singer, poet and songwriter in various musical and sound-art based projects and exhibitions.
As an allround-artist, Jumoke’s approach touches on topics like diaspora nostalgia,
memory, spiritual liminal spaces, sonic tonalities, and how various elements of
expressive art forms interrelate and incorporate the potential to (re-)create moments of
reviving other(ed) or displaced selves.
 

Nour Symon’s artistic practice is based on the interaction between three major axes in their creations, namely concert music, visual arts and poetry. This transdisciplinary approach is particularly reflected in their sound paintings—instrumental or performative graphic scores, interpreted here and there by musicians and artists with as sinuous a journey as possible.

Their first collection of poetry, « son corps parlait pour ne pas mourir », as well as their first book of sound paintings, « voir dans le vent qui hurle les étoiles rire, et rire », were published in 2016 at Éditions de la Tournure. The poetry and sound paintings collection « L’amour des oiseaux moches » (2020, finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Awards and Émilie-Nelligan Award) represented an important culmination in their journey, having been the subject of a publication by Noroît (Omri) editions and a major production of the Ensemble contemporain de Montréal (ECM+). Nour has been the artistic and musical director of numerous projects – personal or in collaboration – since 2008. They are also an acclaimed free improv pianist who has performed throughout the world.
 

Patti Anahory is an architect working across building, art, education, and curatorial practices. Her work aims to challenge established notions of place and belonging, delving into the intersections of identity, memory, race and gender. Born at sea, aboard a ship en route to São Tomé and Principe, Anahory is committed to decolonial frameworks, centering African worlds from an island perspective, considering it as both a fugitive edge and radical margin while focusing on the complex relationships between narratives and spatialities, emphasizing entanglements of people, power, and the built and natural environment. 

Anahory co-founded XU: and Storia na Lugar, developing artistic forms of narrative and counter-narrative practices and her(e), otherwise, an experimental platform for African and Diasporan women spatial thinkers. She is on the Board of Academic Advisors at the African Futures Institute, an independent postgraduate center for architectural research in Ghana. She was Visiting Professor at Columbia University (2022-23) and Founding Director of CIDLOT, a multidisciplinary research center at the University of Cabo Verde.