The ‘Home from Home’ project aims to explore the legacies of pioneering British Nigerians in the UK and their impact on society. The project highlights and celebrates British Nigerian contributions to the cultural, political, educational, artistic, spiritual, and sporting life of Britain and London, in particular. In this interview we feature esteemed creative visionary Femi Elufowoju jr OBE.
I am a creative arts practitioner and performer. For the past 37 years I have demonstrated a strong skill set across the Performing Arts sector principally in theatre, radio, feature films and television drama. However, most recently I have developed a keen interest in directing Opera.
What does “Home From Home” mean to you?
It means recognising and celebrating the positive role Africa plays in shaping and contributing to the grand design of the world.
How do you celebrate your Nigerian heritage?
By ensuring everything I represent at home and in the public domain adheres to and reflects the pride I bear for my homeland. My ancestral name and culture is shared unapologetically and without compromise. This has been passed down to my children in the hope they will do the same. In addition to this, I also ensure that the underlying approach to all of my professional work is fuelled by a determination to integrate (by all possible means) the richness of our heritage and culture. Art on every level, exude universality. It is no wonder the universe resonates with Nigeria and our major cultural exports are evolving delightfully worldwide.
What does being “British Nigerian” mean to you?
I have never been asked this before – despite labelling myself as such. But that was much earlier on in my career, before I became more politicised because of being tarred with strokes of post-colonial indignities (easily done, after seen comfortable as African born and bred in Britain for so long) I once asked to be referred to as African erroneously born in Britain which provoked an endless chuckle. Being older and wiser, I love to think of myself as Nigerian with the insight of being British by birth and familiarity if that makes sense. I am aware of British expectations and associate with the country’s idioms and heritage with a view to extolling my Nigerian sensibilities as part of that journey. This is my default position.
How do you stay connected to your identity?
I go home (Nigeria) frequently. In 2022 I concluded a visit to all 54 constituted nations in the continent of Africa. Identity is more than a face. It is how you embrace, live and learn from it.
What does culture mean to you?
Culture is what you believe in, enjoy and wear on your sleeve.
What do you imagine the future of the British Nigerian Community to look like in the next few years based on your industry?
The future is bright, especially with the in-roads companies such as Iroko continue building. If we continue fostering, bridging, supporting and cultivating relations, the future remains ultimately Golden.
Links to website/Social Media:
femielufowojujr54.60 (Instagram)
@femielufowojujr (X)
Femi Elufowoju jr (Facebook)
Femi Elufowoju jr OBE (LinkedIn)
Watch this great interview featuring Femi
