Regularly piquing the interest of international icons and A-list celebrities through his captivating eye, Alakija’s recent clients include Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka; hip hop artist, and producer, J.Cole; acclaimed novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; and Didier Drogba, former Chelsea F.C. soccer player.
Passionate about African art, He is the co-owner of Tafeta & Partners, a private dealership specializing in 20th century and contemporary African art. Based in London, UK, the gallery regularly showcases at some of the world’s premier art events including Art Basel Miami, The Hamptons Art Fair, New York, and 1-54 Contemporary Art air; and represents renowned names like Yinka Shonibare, MBE on the African continent.
Art collectors and galleries around the world currently showcase Alakija’s work. Most recently, the Smithsonian Institute shortlisted ‘Invisible Cities No. 1’ for inclusion in the Smithsonian Institute Collection. His highly coveted ‘Normal Lies‘ piece, depicting two young children sneakily covering their eyes in a slum in Lagos, Nigeria was purchased by international soccer legend, Sol Campbell for an undisclosed fee.
Jide cites the work of legendary photographers, Sebastião Salgado and Steve McCurry, known for capturing stories in black and white and colour respectably, as his biggest inspirations. His assignments have taken him across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the U.S.
