Lagos, home for all is a collaboration between Dutch and Nigerian animation and comic artists. It consists of six stories of landmarks of social change in the Nigerian city of Lagos, brought together in six illustrated posters with an augmented reality application.
The artists from Vortex studio in Lagos made animations and comics that evoke Lagos’ history, present and future. This group of animators, comic makers and filmmakers have diverse backgrounds from some of the many different ethnicities that live together in Nigeria.
In the Netherlands, Mooves and Merel Barends connect their stories to digital experiences. The 6 illustrated posters can be unlocked with the free AR app Artivive in order to bring the reflections of the Nigerian makers to international audiences.
Nigerian team
Somtochukwu Ajuluchukwu
Somto Ajuluchukwu (Lagos, 1991) is an award winning, emerging Animation Film Director, Producer & Executive. Also founder of Vortex Corp a creative content company keen on exporting African culture. He began his professional career as a filmmaker in 2014 after founding Vortex Studios an animation and comic book company where he Directed his first short animated film in 2016 called Town Crier, and has since then produced & Directed Orange City (2019) which traveled across 26 countries in 4 continents and most recently GLYCH (2022) which served as opening film at the RENDACON ANIMATION FILM FESTIVAL (2022) Lagos, Nigeria.
Somto Ajuluchukwu (Lagos, 1991) is an award winning, emerging Animation Film Director, Producer & Executive. Also founder of Vortex Corp a creative content company keen on exporting African culture. He began his professional career as a filmmaker in 2014 after founding Vortex Studios an animation and comic book company where he Directed his first short animated film in 2016 called Town Crier, and has since then produced & Directed Orange City (2019) which traveled across 26 countries in 4 continents and most recently GLYCH (2022) which served as opening film at the RENDACON ANIMATION FILM FESTIVAL (2022) Lagos, Nigeria.
Somto has directed and produced multiple animated music videos for Afrobeat stars such (REMA, WIZKID) and International acts (BRENT FAIYAZ and WALSHY FIRE – Major Lazer). In 2017 his comic-book character published by Vortex Comics Strike Guard was listed 15 most influential black superheroes in the world by CBR (Comic Book Resources) and later produced as a 6 minute animated short film featured on VICE & Design Indaba in 2017.
In late 2017 he launched C3 Africa (Creative Content Conference) Nigerias first content market serving as a meeting point for international companies discovering and buying Nigerian content, this expanded to the Accra for its second edition in August 2018, and has become a blueprint of B2B events connecting the local entertainment industry to international stakeholders. In October 2018, African International Film Festival Appointed him Coordinator Animation programmes where he served for 1 year. In 2021 Somto won his first animation film award at the NAICCON Film Festival. Nairobi, Kenya (Best Animation, 2021) and his 2nd award at the Afrocomic Con Film Festival. Los Angeles, USA (Best Animation, 2022). Somto Ajuluchukwu is based in Lagos, Nairobi & Accra.
Jesimiel Bello (2001) is a Nigerian self-taught animator with 4 years experience. Jesimiel garnered recognition from a Netflix-branded production, leading to his appointment as a lead visual effects artist and 3D generalist in 2021. Inspired by his personal project “Amina,” Jesimiel and his partner established “Soul Vision Studio” in 2023.
Jesimiel Bello (2001) is a Nigerian self-taught animator with 4 years experience. Jesimiel garnered recognition from a Netflix-branded production, leading to his appointment as a lead visual effects artist and 3D generalist in 2021. Inspired by his personal project “Amina,” Jesimiel and his partner established “Soul Vision Studio” in 2023.
“Amina,” premiered in December 2022, achieved remarkable success, amassing a total of 30 thousand views and resonating with audiences worldwide. Jesimiel also directed an animated short film “Haske,” in 2023 which was screened in more than six festivals globally. “Haske” has not only showcased his creative prowess but has also earned acclaim on the international stage
Olaniyan Odunayo Christiana is an internationally published illustrator from Nigeria. With over three years of experience, she brings stories to life through her captivating illustrations. Currently studying Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Benin, she continues to expand her artistic knowledge.
Olaniyan Odunayo Christiana is an internationally published illustrator from Nigeria. With over three years of experience, she brings stories to life through her captivating illustrations. Currently studying Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Benin, she continues to expand her artistic knowledge.
Her passion for drawing dates back to her childhood, and she particularly enjoys infusing her works with vibrant colours. With a dream of becoming an animator, Olaniyan aspires to see her characters come to life. Her illustrations reflect her unique style and ability to evoke emotions and tell compelling narratives.
Dafe Edesiri (1999) studied Film Arts at the National Film Institute, Jos. He started out scoring and doing sound design for student films, as well as storyboards. His first feature film was “Rukkaya” (2022) and he has scored many short films, feature films, series and a couple of animations. Dafe also has music production credits and audio engineer credits on several Albums, EPs and singles.
Dafe Edesiri (1999) studied Film Arts at the National Film Institute, Jos. He started out scoring and doing sound design for student films, as well as storyboards. His first feature film was “Rukkaya” (2022) and he has scored many short films, feature films, series and a couple of animations. Dafe also has music production credits and audio engineer credits on several Albums, EPs and singles.
In 2022, he co-founded Soul Vision Studio with his friend and secondary school mate Jesimiel Bello, they went on to make “Haske”, an animated short film that screened at AFRIFF and AVIJOZI. Dafe is currently collaborating on a few feature films and music projects.
Ekene Nwonye (1992) studied Graphic design at the University of Lagos (NIG) & cinematographyat Cine Fabrique (FR). Ever since then he has been working on comics and animatedfilms, representing Vortex Studios as its creative director and an animation producer.Vortex studios is a sister company to Vortex Corp Nigeria, an organization focused onexporting African content to a global audience through mediums such as graphic novels,comic books, 2D/3D animation and interactive media.
Ekene Nwonye (1992) studied Graphic design at the University of Lagos (NIG) & cinematography at Cine Fabrique (FR). Ever since then he has been working on comics and animated films, representing Vortex Studios as its creative director and an animation producer. Vortex studios is a sister company to Vortex Corp Nigeria, an organization focused on exporting African content to a global audience through mediums such as graphic novels, comic books, 2D/3D animation and interactive media.
Eucharia Wanogho (1995) studied Geography and Regional planning at the University of Benin, Nigeria. Her creative journey commenced in 2016 as a fashion illustrator, where she skilfully transitioned into Digital Illustration.
Eucharia Wanogho (1995) studied Geography and Regional planning at the University of Benin, Nigeria. Her creative journey commenced in 2016 as a fashion illustrator, where she skilfully transitioned into Digital Illustration.
In 2019, Eucharia brought her artistic talents to Comic Republic, making significant contributions as a Comic Colourist. Her dedication and proficiency in her craft were recognised in 2023 when she received the prestigious Comic Colorist of the Year award at Comic-Con Ibadan, Nigeria.
Beyond comics, Eucharia’s artistic prowess extends to freelance work as a digital artist. She has successfully collaborated on numerous projects, including illustrations for children’s books, e-learning materials, and character design and concept art. She had the honour of working with renowned Muralist Cera Cerni, and in 2022, several of her captivating artworks found a place in the Disruptors Series 1 magazine.
Currently serving as the Head of Projects and Procurement at Comic Republic, Eucharia remains a trailblazing force as a Comic Colourist in Nigeria. Her multifaceted talents and leadership role underscore her commitment to the vibrant world of comics and the broader artistic community.
Blessing Ossom (1997) studied Business Administration at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic. As a professional digital artist since 2017, she has worked on several book illustrations, character designs for animated movie projects and comics. She’s worked with NABU in 2023 to create story driven and vibrant illustrations for multilingual children’s books. In 2021, her works were featured in “Exploring all I can do: Hockey”. She’s presently working on her own comic book “Project Ekemini”.
Blessing Ossom (1997) studied Business Administration at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic. As a professional digital artist since 2017, she has worked on several book illustrations, character designs for animated movie projects and comics. She’s worked with NABU in 2023 to create story driven and vibrant illustrations for multilingual children’s books. In 2021, her works were featured in “Exploring all I can do: Hockey”. She’s presently working on her own comic book “Project Ekemini”.
David Yusuf (2000) has been working on comics and animation since he graduated from highschool, then in the art industry, worked at Spoof Animation, currently at Vortex (2023) where he worked on Kenya’s bestseller comic book THE UNDOING.
David Yusuf (2000) has been working on comics and animation since he graduated from highschool, then in the art industry, worked at Spoof Animation, currently at Vortex (2023) where he worked on Kenya’s bestseller comic book THE UNDOING.
Sanni Mujeeb Jonathan, known in the art community as “Esemjay,” is a final-year student of the University of Benin, specialising in Fine and Applied Art. His artistic journey began long before entering university, but it was in 2015 that he transitioned into professional artistry.
Sanni Mujeeb Jonathan, known in the art community as “Esemjay,” is a final-year student of the University of Benin, specialising in Fine and Applied Art. His artistic journey began long before entering university, but it was in 2015 that he transitioned into professional artistry.
Throughout his academic pursuit, Jonathan has honed his skills and dedicated his efforts to various roles within several creative studios. Notable collaborations include his work with Love-world Media and Art Department, Raptures Entertainment, VX Corp, and Comic Republic, where he has served as a creative artist, concept artist, art consultant, illustrator and 2D animator. Notably, he held the position of Head 2D Animator at Spoof Animation from 2016 to 2019, leading a team of animators in producing titles like Area Daddy, Roli Tales, Fatima Knows All, and Hero Corp, among others.
Esemjay’s mission extends beyond personal artistic expression; he aims to help people bring concepts, stories and ideas to fruition, inspiring others to find joy in practicing art. His vision goes even further, aspiring to contribute to the growth of the Nigerian art community, fostering its development into a global industry. Through his multifaceted roles and passion for creativity, Esemjay continues to make impactful strides in the world of art.
Merel Barends (1980) is a comic artist and illustrator. Her work has been published by several renowned publishing houses like De Bezige Bij, Uitgeverij Atlas/Contact and Uitgeverij Podium. She did commissions for a wide range of clients, such as IDFA, Vrij Nederland Magazine, Mindshakes (NRC Media), OneWorld, Amsterdam Young Academy, CPNB and Greenpeace.
Merel Barends (1980) is striptekenaar en illustrator. Haar werk is uitgegeven door verschillende gerenommeerde uitgeverijen zoals De Bezige Bij, Uitgeverij Atlas/Contact en Uitgeverij Podium. Ze werkte in opdracht voor een breed scala aan klanten, waaronder IDFA, Vrij Nederland Magazine, Mindshakes (NRC Media), OneWorld, Amsterdam Young Academy, CPNB en Greenpeace.
Barends neemt regelmatig deel aan kunstzinnige groepsprojecten. Haar werk werd zowel Nederland als internationaal tentoongesteld, onder andere in Burundi (1 Femme, 6 Humeurs), Tunesië (correspondents.org) en Tsjechië (De Inktpot). Tijdens een eerdere editie van Cross Comix cureerde zij de tentoonstelling-in-het-donker Stripped! [A pretty dark room], waarin zij 20 vrouwelijke stripmakers uitnodigde om werk te maken geïnspireerd op Nietzsche (en diens invloed).
Barends is redacteur van het platform voor grafische journalistiek Drawing the Times. Als grafisch journalist bereikte ze een internationaal publiek en haar journalistieke strips zijn gepubliceerd in het Nederlands, Engels en Arabisch. Ze is ook onderdeel van het Medifoor-team, een initiatief van medisch professionals om complexe diagnoses en behandelingen op een patiëntvriendelijke manier te visualiseren.
Sinds 2017 werkt Barends samen met schrijver/producent Jantiene de Kroon aan Oranova, een transmediaal world building project. Binnen deze arena onderzoekt ze nieuwe vertelvormen, altijd met haar eigen tekenstijl als uitgangspunt. Ze ontwikkelde motion comics (een mix van strip en animatie) en regisseerde een geanimeerde VR-ervaring, Oranova Night Market. Deze ging in wereldpremière op het Kaboom Festival en won de tweede prijs in de New Frontiers Competition op het Future Film Fest in Bologna.
In 2023 ontwikkelde Barends een theatrale VR-performance met de fusionband Zettai, Fight Your Inner Demons, die nog steeds op tournee is. Momenteel werkt ze ook als artdirector en ontwerper aan Lagos, Home For All, een XR-samenwerking met Nigeriaanse animatoren en stripmakers.
Jantiene de Kroon is an Amsterdam based writer and animation producer and co-owner of animation studio Mooves. She has made several animated shorts, a.o. Mortel (2006), Bridge (2010), Aurora (2012), Camouflage (2021) and Four Chambers to the Heart (2023) and she has published short stories in various magazines. Jantiene obtained a BA in creative writing in 2003 and was one of the selected writing talents attending Binger Writers’ Lab in 2009. In 2010/11 she worked as an Artist-in-Residence at Ashkal Alwan in Beirut, Lebanon. In 2013 she attended Nisi Masa’s European Short Pitch.
Jantiene de Kroon is schrijver, animatieproducent en mede-eigenaar van animatiestudio Mooves in Amsterdam. Ze heeft verschillende korte animatiefilms gemaakt, waaronder Mortel (2006), Bridge (2010), Aurora (2012), Camouflage (2021) en Four Chambers to the Heart (2023), en ze heeft korte verhalen gepubliceerd in diverse tijdschriften. Jantiene behaalde in 2003 een bachelordiploma in creatief schrijven en was een van de schrijftalenten die in 2009 deelnamen aan Binger Writers’ Lab. In 2010/2011 werkte ze als artist-in-residence bij Ashkal Alwan in Beiroet, Libanon. In 2013 nam ze deel aan Nisi Masa’s European Short Pitch.
Jantiene organiseerde vele evenementen en masterclasses voor aankomende animators en scenarioschrijvers. Ze werkte als talentcoach en storyconsultant. Momenteel werkt ze aan verschillende projecten binnen de immersieve verhaalwereld Oranova in samenwerking met VR-kunstenaar Merel Barends en schrijft ze het script voor de speelfilm Marbelles Bloom. Jantiene is bestuurslid van het Kaboom Animation Festival.
Remco Polman (1969) studied Philosophy and Political Science at the University of Nijmegen (NL). In 2006 he debuted as a director with the award-winning film Mortel (which was the Dutch entry for the Academy Awards). In 2010 Remco co-directed the animated short Dirkjan Rules with Wilfred Ottenheijm, in 2011 he spent working as a storyboard artist in Beirut (Lebanon) and in 2012 he co-directed Aimee de Jongh’s short Aurora. In 2012, he initiated the comic book series Floris van Dondermonde, for which he won the Dutch comic book award in 2015 and received another nomination in 2023. In 2018, Remco was supervising animator for the Dutch animated feature Heinz.
Remco Polman (1969) studied Philosophy and Political Science at the University of Nijmegen (NL). In 2006 he debuted as a director with the award-winning film Mortel (which was the Dutch entry for the Academy Awards). In 2010 Remco co-directed the animated short Dirkjan Rules with Wilfred Ottenheijm, in 2011 he spent working as a storyboard artist in Beirut (Lebanon) and in 2012 he co-directed Aimee de Jongh’s short Aurora. In 2012, he initiated the comic book series Floris van Dondermonde, for which he won the Dutch comic book award in 2015 and received another nomination in 2023. In 2018, Remco was supervising animator for the Dutch animated feature Heinz.
In 2021 he finished his animated short Camouflage, which is currently touring the festivals. Camouflage was selected for 75+ film festivals world wide and has won 10 awards and 9 nominations so far, including the Nancy Award at Kaboom Animation Festival, Best Animation at Tbilisi International Animation Festival and a Gouden Kalf nomination (Dutch Film Award). Remco is currently developing a feature animation Marbelles Bloom with Jantiene de Kroon for Family Affair Films. Remco is a co-owner of animation studio Mooves.
