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 music visionary, Juwon Ogungbe.
Who is Juwon?
From my background in music as a singer, composer, and instrumentalist, I have developed many skills. These include theatre making, music directing, record production, broadcasting teaching, writing, publishing, and creating digital content amongst others. My journey as an artist has led me into work with organisations such as the BBC, RSC, Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre, LIFT, Aldeburgh, Opera North amongst many others.
What does ‘Home from Home’ mean to you?
‘Home from Home’ evokes for me, a place or a worldview that is infused with both British and Nigerian values. Individuals might combine these values in unique, personal ways. Sharing our thoughts, feelings and experiences about this synergy is a good thing to do.
How do you celebrate your Nigerian heritage?
I maintain an active interest in the contemporary Nigerian narrative as it is told through media outlets and by my friends, colleagues, and other associates.
What does being ‘British Nigerian’ mean to you?
Being British Nigerian means having two nationalities. I share this dual nationality with a considerable number of people. There is such a thing as an emerging ‘British Nigerian’ sensibility.
How do you stay connected to your identity?
My identity is personal. My inclination to connect with aspects of it tends to wax and wane. Sometimes, I want to go to the seaside, eat fish and chips on the beach, etc and at other times, I want to go to the African Gallery in the British Museum, to look at the Benin Bronzes, or the doors carved by Olowe of Ise.
What does culture mean to you?
Quite simply, culture is a way of life. A person might be described as ‘cultured’ when he or she takes an active interest in the finer aspects of this way of being and doing things.
Imagining the future of the British Nigerian community in the next few years.
I can see a time when the British Nigerian community will become a distinct entity with its own social codes and mores. British Nigerians will have distinct set of values, in contrast to those of American Nigerians or Nigerian Nigerians (!)
Find Juwon online:
https://instagram.com/oyejuwon
Spotify: Artist Profile – Spotify for Artists
Facebook: https://facebook.com/juwon.ogungbe
X: https://twitter.com/@jimvon
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