Josef Adamu

Josef Adamu is a Nigerian-Canadian creative director, visual storyteller, and entrepreneur recognized for his contributions to contemporary Black visual culture. Adamu launched Sunday School Creative with the aim of using storytelling to amplify the identity, culture, and experiences of underrepresented communities, with a focus on the Black diaspora. The agency’s name draws inspiration from Adamu’s experiences in his childhood church youth group, reflecting values of community, collaboration, and learning that continue to shape Sunday School’s creative approach.

Operating across commercial photography and fine art, Sunday School Creative brings together photographers, videographers, stylists, and models to produce projects that explore and expand the boundaries of visual storytelling within Africa and the diaspora. Adamu gained attention with his live photography exhibition, "The Hair Appointment," which celebrated Black braiding salons and was viewed by more than 1 million people. The exhibition received recognition from figures such as Ava DuVernay and Tracee Ellis Ross, as well as coverage in Vogue and Essence. Through his platform and agency, Adamu highlights identity, fashion, and culture, earning acknowledgment from influential voices including Lupita Nyong'o.

Adamu has led campaigns such as Nike's "Yardrunners," which celebrates historically Black colleges and universities, and has produced shows in collaboration with Kevin Durant and Tina Knowles. He has also worked with artists including Jazz Cartier and Mick Jenkins, supporting their visual branding and creative development.

With "Feels Like Home," his first museum exhibition at Art Gallery of Ontario, Adamu showcased three major Sunday School projects: "The Hair Appointment" by Jeremy Rodney-Hall, "Ten Toes Down" by Kreshonna Keane, and "Jump Ball" by O'Shane Howard and Joshua Kissi. This exhibition marked a milestone for Sunday School, establishing its presence in both commercial creative industries and the fine art sector.

A Forbes 30 Under 30 laureate, Adamu is based in New York City and integrates photography, video, writing, and illustration into a cohesive creative vision that examines the intersection of art, culture, and identity. Prior to founding Sunday School, Adamu spent several years studying leading photographers and identifying opportunities within the creative industry. His commitment to research and craft has positioned him as a prominent voice in visual storytelling and as an advocate for platforms rooted in purpose and community.