Niyi Fagbemi was born on September 10 in Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up fascinated by culture, travel, and visual storytelling. He earned the nickname “Africa’s Lens” for capturing the spirit and unseen beauty of his continent. His early curiosity for exploration laid the foundation for a career that would redefine visual narratives across Africa.
Niyi Fagbemi Education and Early Career
He studied Mechanical Engineering at Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State. He didn’t pick up a camera until his third year, when he borrowed his uncle’s camera and became fascinated by turning real life into printed images. He started by photographing his twin sister, and creating content for his sister who was then an upcoming social media influencer. Those early shots ignited his passion for visual storytelling.
After graduating, he worked as a project engineer for an international oil company in Lagos. He treated photography as a side passion until 2020, when he interned with Ademola Olaniran, official photographer to the Lagos State Governor. That experience revealed the demand for impactful visuals, and he committed to his creative path wholeheartedly.
Niyi Fagbemi Major Life Events
In 2021, he began exploring videography, including renting a drone with his own saving and posted short videos that quickly drew attention.
In 2023, his lens made Ojude Oba a global sensation as his short documentary garnered over 100 million views, the sudden popularity led to a bigger attendance and more content and videos around the festival in 2024 and created popularity for celebrities including our Mr Steez Farouk Oreagba. He filmed campaigns for MTN, produced the Kilentar fashion film for London Fashion Week, participated in TRACE Awards Festival, spoke on the TED stage sharing his creative journey and even documented the Detty December series in Lagos 2024 for the Nigerian breweries.
Niyi Fagbemi Professional Achievement
He collaborates with global brands like UNDP, USAID, National Geographic, Red Bull, UBA, MTN, and UN Women. He counts nearly one million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube and speaks regularly to emerging creators on gear, content strategy, and monetizing passion. He inspires others to define themselves as visual ambassadors of Africa, shaping how the world sees his continent.
Niyi Fagbemi Personal Life
He keeps his private life discreet and lives in Lagos, where he continues mentoring emerging creatives. He finds balance by connecting with community, staying rooted in his upbringing, and using his story to uplift others.
Niyi Fagbemi Legacy and Impact
He transformed Nigeria’s storytelling landscape by blending cinematic visuals with local authenticity. He shattered stereotypes, portraying African cultures, landscapes, and ceremonies in their richness and depth. His Ojude Oba reel sparked global interest in Nigeria’s heritage, and he continues to document hidden gems that many never knew existed. He challenges fellow Africans to capture their own stories and shift global narratives.
Conclusion
Niyi Fagbemi lives by one essential truth, passion takes mastery, and curiosity fuels impact. He turned self-taught skills into a thriving career that inspires a nation and more. By framing Nigeria and Africa through his lens, he affirms that a single voice with vision, grit, and purpose can reshape narratives and encourage others to tell their own. The world watches with hope and wonder through his lens.
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