In this episode of the AHN Podcast, we sit down with Damilola Onafuwa, a Lagos-based documentary photographer, filmmaker, and cultural activist. From his childhood love of colours and family storytelling traditions to becoming the founder of StoryMaxima, Damilola reflects on how his upbringing shaped his creative path.
He shares the inspiration behind landmark projects such as Angels Among Men, which challenged stereotypes about people living with albinism, and highlights the central role of storytelling in shaping culture, history, and human resilience.
A key focus of the conversation is Àrọ́bá Creative Hub, the cultural space he launched in Lagos to preserve heritage, mentor young creatives, and embed entrepreneurial skills in cultural practice. Damilola speaks candidly about the importance of balancing profitability with impact, warning against overdependence on external funding while advocating for sustainability through value creation.
The episode also explores his philosophy on collaboration, the importance of shared vision, and how partnerships with both local communities and global organisations have shaped his work. Looking ahead, Damilola envisions Àrọ́bá hubs across African cities and StoryMaxima growing into a multinational storytelling agency redefining African narratives from within.
