In a night brimming with creativity, tension, and talent, Cletus Oche emerged victorious at the grand finale of the Next of Kin (NOK) Series 7, held on Sunday, March 30, at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos. The annual juried art competition and exhibition continues to spotlight Nigeria’s emerging visual artists, offering them a platform to shine and grow.
A Diverse Field of Finalists
The 2025 edition began with 20 exceptional artists selected from across Nigeria, each bringing their unique flair to the table. Through an intense round of online voting, the list was narrowed to five finalists: Uhule Nguemo Martha, Okeke Maduabuchi, Olatunde Emmanuel, Ibrahim Abiola Falilat, and eventual winner, Cletus Oche.
Oche, a multidisciplinary artist known for fusing hyperrealism, surrealism, and contemporary styles, captured the jury’s attention with three stirring works: Dreams of Defiants, Yet I Will Be Lifted, and Just as We Are. The musician-artist seamlessly weaves rhythm and emotion into his visual expressions, producing art that is both experimental and evocative.
Art that Speaks Beyond the Canvas
Runner-up Ibrahim Abiola Falilat, the only sculptor among the finalists, showcased remarkable stone sculptures that celebrated the themes of nature, memory, and form. A University of Ibadan graduate, she also works with fibreglass, clay, fabric, and metals.
Also featured was Where Do We Go From Here by Uhule Nguemo Martha, a poignant commentary on youth unemployment in Nigeria, and Identity Crisis by chemistry-graduate-turned-artist Olatunde Emmanuel, who explored gender, identity, and societal judgment.
Meanwhile, Okeke Maduabuchi’s Consolation of Souls delivered a powerful message on legacy and collective empathy. His work called for a society rooted in love and mutual support.
Backing the Future of Nigerian Art
Corporate sponsors emphasized the importance of art in nation-building. Danyu Aishat, Head of Corporate Affairs at Nigeria Machine Tools, highlighted the company’s commitment to nurturing young creatives through their CSR initiative. “We believe in the transformative power of art, turning raw talent into something profound,” she said.
Similarly, Samuel Akpenyi, Head of Institutional Sales at Trust Bank, expressed the bank’s pride in supporting the NOK Series. “Art is a growing force in our economy. At Trust Bank, we’re passionate about championing young, gifted artists and sharing their work with the world,” he noted.
Launched in 2018, Next of Kin was created to identify and support Nigeria’s next generation of visual artists, those whose originality and innovation hint at a disruptive, forward-looking future for African art.
Creativity, tension, and vibrant storytelling converged last Sunday, March 30, as Cletus Oche claimed the top prize at the Next of Kin (NOK) Series 7 grand finale held at the Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos. This annual juried competition, which transitions into a public art exhibition, continues to spotlight and nurture Nigeria’s brightest emerging talents.
This year’s edition kicked off with 20 artists selected from across Nigeria, each bringing unique artistic perspectives. After an intense round of online voting, the finalists narrowed down to five: Uhule Nguemo Martha, Okeke Maduabuchi, Olatunde Emmanuel, Ibrahim Abiola Falilat, and Cletus Oche.
Oche stood out with a series of compelling works: Dreams of Defiants, Yet I Will Be Lifted, and Just as We Are. His creative process blends hyperrealism, surrealism, and contemporary styles. As a musician and multi-instrumentalist, he channels musical rhythm and emotion into his visual compositions, creating art that feels both dynamic and introspective.
Artworks that Spark Conversations
Ibrahim Abiola Falilat, the second runner-up and only sculptor in the lineup, showcased intricate stone sculptures. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Falilat also uses fibreglass, clay, fabric, and metal to explore themes like memory, softness, and organic form.
Meanwhile, Uhule Nguemo Martha’s Where Do We Go From Here captured the frustration of Nigerian graduates forced to roam the streets without employment, a message that deeply resonated with the audience.
Olatunde Emmanuel, once a chemistry student, now uses art to address identity in his piece Identity Crisis. Through this work, he challenges viewers to confront the disconnect between internal identity and societal expectations.
Okeke Maduabuchi’s Consolation of Souls conveyed a heartfelt message of legacy, unity, and shared humanity. His piece urged viewers to imagine a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Corporate Partners Invest in Creative Futures
Several corporate sponsors reiterated their commitment to promoting young artists. Danyu Aishat, Head of Corporate Affairs at Nigeria Machine Tools, emphasized that the company values creativity as much as craftsmanship. “We turn raw materials into powerful tools. In the same way, artists can transform ideas into something extraordinary,” she said.
Similarly, Samuel Akpenyi, Trust Bank’s Head of Institutional Sales, expressed excitement about supporting the initiative. “Art is no longer just a niche, it’s a major contributor to the economy,” he stated. “We’re proud to give these young talents a stage to share their vision with the world.”
Building a Platform for the Future of Nigerian Art
Since its inception in 2018, Next of Kin has become a vital platform for emerging artists. Designed to identify and elevate visionary talents, the program seeks those with originality, bold concepts, and the ability to shape the future of Nigerian art.
Without a doubt, Cletus Oche’s win not only celebrates his current achievement but also signals a promising future for African visual storytelling.
