“I wanted to contribute to the development and growth of Nigeria in a way that was authentically me” – Kányinsọ́lá Ọbáyàn

Tell us about Kanyinsola?

Kányinsọ́lá  is a writer, cultural ambassador, and advocate for the creative arts. I am a PhD student in Africana Studies at Cornell University and Deputy Editor of Applause Africa magazine.  I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and emigrated to the United States at a young age. Through my many years of living as an African outside of Africa, I became a deeply committed advocate of Africa in my social, professional, and intellectual environments and pursuits. 

How did Orisun Collective start? What Inspired you?

Growing up I was an extremely creative child, I sang, danced, and wrote poetries.  Looking back I am extremely grateful for these experiences because they taught me how to imagine numerous possibilities for my future despite my negative reality as a young African immigrant girl in America. I started Orisun Collective in order to inspire young Nigerian children not to limit themselves from the start, to think and dream beyond the circumstances in which they have found themselves in and to believe in the limitless possibilities of the future.

Why the name “Orisun Collective”?

When deciding on the name, I was very intentional about it. Orisun means something powerful in my native language. It means the source, the origin, or a spring. I wanted to start something that would catalyze a long-term change in Nigeria. I chose the name Collective in order to speak the sense of community I wanted the creative arts to create.

Is there any particular reason why you chose Nigeria for the summer program?

I chose Nigeria because it is my home. I wanted to contribute to the development and growth of my home in a way that was authentically me.  I felt that I could make a greater impact here as opposed to hosting the program in the states.

Were you discouraged by people when leaving the US to come to Nigeria to kick start the summer program?

I actually wasn’t. Instead, everyone around me was extremely supportive and encouraging. A lot of people believed in me and supported me emotionally and financially. This really gave me the confidence that I needed to implement the program along with my amazing team!

Where do you think we are as a country in the field of Creative Arts and what can the Government/Companies/Individuals do to further enhance Creative Arts? What policies do you think should be put in place?

I think as a country we have come a long way but we still have a lot of work to do! According to the UNCTAD, world trade in creative goods and services totaled a record US$624 billion in 2011. However, Africa’s contribution is less than 1 percent with the main contributor being North African countries and South Africa. In light of the recent drop in oil price, the creative arts industry has a tremendous role to play in diversifying Nigeria’s economy, especially given the success of Nigerian’s $600 million film industry, Nollywood. Despite this fact, studies have shown that the creative arts still remain neglected within the Nigerian educational system due to them being viewed as unserious or unprofitable. As a result, I think an organization like mine have a serious role to play in advocating for the implementation of policies that promote creative arts education.

What challenges have you encountered so far?

I have encountered many challenges especially in the area of fundraising and organizing committed people but my God has been faithful and turned most of them into testimonies.

Tell us more about the summer program?

On July 25, 2016, Orísun will be piloting a 5-day creative arts workshop in Lagos, Nigeria for children ages 14-17. To apply for the program, the student will be required to pay a 500 naira application fee with their completed application form. There will be no additional fees required.  Since this program is targeting a smaller number of students, interested students would have to fill out an application to be selected for this program. Selected students participants will receive lunch and snacks daily, a program t-shirt, a certification of participation, and access to a global support system of African creatives and artists.

This program will be an inclusive and affirmative space for Nigerian children, who are interested in exploring the creative arts for everyday artistic expression or as a professional career. Classes will include short story writing and telling, acting, singing, dance, and photography. Out of the 5 classes, we are offering, students will choose 3 that they will attend Monday thru Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm. The students will participate in a mini-showcase on Friday afternoon for family, friends, and community members.

How can people get involved in this project?

People can get involved in many ways. We are always looking for committed individuals to join the board in different capacities as well as volunteers. Please visit us on our website www.orisunco.org and follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) to connect with us and get involved.