Nigeria’s creative future must go beyond Lagos — Suchet Baba

Writer, painter and cultural entrepreneur, Suchet Baba, has called for the “decentralisation” of Nigeria’s creative industry, urging greater investment in artistic ecosystems outside traditional cultural hubs such as Lagos.

Baba, who is the founder and festival director of Arts and Vibes, said emerging talents across the country need better platforms that encourage collaboration, visibility and long-term artistic development.

According to her, the initiative was born out of a belief in the untapped potential of creatives in the region and the need to bridge the gap between them and opportunities often concentrated in major cities.

Through the platform, Baba noted that she seeks to challenge the centralisation of creative resources by creating spaces where artists can connect, experiment and tell stories rooted in their own lived experiences.

She added that her work is driven by a desire to amplify underrepresented narratives while using contemporary art and storytelling to document and reshape cultural identity.

Over the years, Baba’s efforts have earned both local and international recognition. In 2023, she received the Prince Claus Fund Seed Award in partnership with the British Council, an honour given to cultural practitioners working innovatively within their communities.

She also participated in the 2025 Atelier for Young Festival Managers in Chemnitz, Germany, where she engaged with global cultural leaders and exchanged ideas on festival management and creative development.

Her literary and artistic work has also gained attention. In 2025, she was longlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and shortlisted for the Alinea Prize in Nonfiction, strengthening her reputation as a storyteller committed to authentic African narratives.

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