Where do you consider home and why?
Home will always be Nigeria for me. I was born and raised there, so there is an emotional connection to the place that is difficult to explain. New York has been home for a very long time as well. It is where I grew creatively, built my career, and became the person I am today. So I think of home in two ways: Nigeria is where my roots are, and New York is where a large part of my story has unfolded.
What's the furthest you've been from home?
New York is probably the place that has taken me the furthest from the home I knew growing up in Nigeria. I originally came to New York for school, and what began as an educational journey eventually became a much bigger part of my life.
Have you experienced culture shock? Where and when?
Absolutely. Moving from Nigeria to New York was a major adjustment. The pace, the way people communicate, the independence, the weather, and simply navigating a completely different environment all took time to understand. But I also think culture shock can be a beautiful thing because it forces you to observe. As a creative person, observation is everything.
Where have you lived apart from your hometown (and why)?
I was born and raised in Nigeria and eventually moved to New York for school. I have also spent time in Cyprus. New York ultimately became the place where I built my creative career and developed my voice as a visual storyteller, writer and creative.
What are your 3 travel essentials?
A good pair of comfortable shoes, a great suit, and my camera or phone. I always want to be able to document something when I see it. I also never travel without a few pieces that make me feel like myself.
What do you prefer to wear to travel in, and why?
I like to travel comfortably, but I don't believe comfortable has to mean careless. I usually gravitate toward relaxed tailoring, good trousers, a shirt, a jacket or coat, and comfortable shoes. My style has always been classic and bold, so even when I'm travelling, I still want to feel like myself. I think getting dressed is part of the experience.
Any packing or travel tips?
Pack intentionally. I would rather have fewer things that I know I will actually wear than overpack. I also keep important documents and essentials together and easily accessible. At the airport, I try to arrive early enough that I'm not rushing. And always leave room in your luggage, you never know what you might discover.
Where have you visited in Africa and where would you like to explore next?
I haven't visited any other country in Africa yet. Nigeria will always be the most important place to me because it is home. I would love to spend more time exploring other parts of Africa, particularly countries and cities where I can experience the relationship between history, architecture, art, music, food and fashion. Africa is incredibly diverse, and I don't think one can ever really say they've seen enough of it.
I would especially love to visit Ghana, Kenya, and Morocco and experience each country in its own way.
Travel inspires me as a writer and storyteller. I'm continuing to build my work as a writer and storyteller, with a focus on menswear, culture, travel, and personal storytelling. I’m also continuing to share my book, Sound of Pain, which is very personal to me and explores grief, family, truth, and lived experience.
Any travel advice or suggestions for visitors to Nigeria?
Come with an open mind. Nigeria is energetic, welcoming, creative and incredibly diverse. Don't only see the obvious tourist destinations. Spend time with people, eat local food, listen to the music, experience the markets and pay attention to everyday life. Some of the most interesting parts of Nigeria are found in those ordinary moments.
What's your hidden treasure, your favourite discovery about your city so far? Your go-to place to eat, shop, hang out or escape to?
One of my favourite things about New York is that the city constantly gives you something new. I love discovering small restaurants, vintage stores, galleries and quiet corners that don't necessarily make every guidebook. I have always had a strong relationship with vintage clothing, so finding a great vintage piece feels like finding a little piece of history. My approach to style has always included mixing vintage with contemporary pieces.
And your favourite city in Nigeria?
I would say Lagos, a place I’ve never really experienced. I was in Lagos for just 3 days in 2009, while traveling out of the country. I heard Lagos has a special energy that is difficult to replicate. There is creativity everywhere—fashion, music, food, art and people. But I also have a deep appreciation for the quieter places in Nigeria because they remind me of where I come from and give me a different perspective on the country.
What are the last couple of souvenirs you've picked up on your travels?
I don't necessarily look for traditional souvenirs. I prefer things that have a story—a vintage piece, an object made by a local artist, something connected to the culture of the place, or something I know I will actually use. I like souvenirs that remind me of a particular moment rather than simply proving that I was somewhere.
How does travel inspire you and inform your work?
Travel feeds my creativity. I'm a visual storyteller, so I naturally pay attention to people, architecture, clothing, colors, textures, food and the way different cultures express themselves.
My work has always been influenced by what is around me. I don't really separate fashion, art, culture and everyday life. They all inform each other. Travel gives me new references and new ways of seeing things.
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What’s your favourite thing about travelling?
Seeing the world through someone else's perspective. I love the feeling of arriving somewhere and realizing that the way people live, dress, eat, communicate or celebrate can be completely different from what you're used to. It reminds me that there is no single way to live.
What's your favourite comfort food? And what’s the one thing you look forward to eating when you travel?
Nigerian food will always be comfort food for me, especially suya. There is something about the smoky, spicy taste of suya and food from home that connects you to memories and family. When I travel, though, I always want to eat something local. I don't want to travel across the world and eat exactly what I could have eaten at home. Food is one of the best ways to understand a place.
Ticket & hotel reservations are a huge part of travelling. How do you handle that?
I try to plan ahead, especially when the trip involves work or a busy schedule. I look at the location first because being in the right area can make a huge difference. I also like to keep all my confirmations, flight information and hotel details organized in one place so I'm not searching for things at the last minute.
Where did you go on your last trip, where are you going on your next trip, and what are you looking forward to?
My last trip was to Mexico, where I stayed at TAFER Resorts’ Puerto Vallarta. It was a beautiful opportunity to step away from the pace of New York, experience the destination, and enjoy some personal time. I loved the balance of relaxation, beautiful surroundings, and the chance to experience Mexico in a way that felt both refreshing and inspiring.
My next destination is Nigeria. I’ll be in Nigeria at the end of the year.
I'm especially looking forward to spending more time in Nigeria on my next trip. Going back is always different because I'm not returning as the same person who left. You see home differently after you've lived abroad for years. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with family, food, culture and the parts of Nigeria that shaped me.
For me, that's really what travel is about: leaving home, seeing more of the world, and eventually understanding home in a completely different way.
Images courtesy Steven Onoja
