Laolu Senbanjo

Laolu Senbanjo, also known as Laolu NYC, is a Nigerian-born multidisciplinary artist, musician, and former human rights attorney recognized for his contributions to contemporary African art and music. Senbanjo transitioned from a legal career, where he focused on women’s and children’s rights as a senior legal officer at the National Human Rights Commission, to pursue visual arts and music. He established the Laolu Senbanjo Art Gallery in Abuja, Nigeria, before relocating to Brooklyn, New York, to expand his artistic reach.

Senbanjo developed a signature style called Afromysterics, which explores the mystery of African thought patterns. His work incorporates African themes and traditions, utilizing charcoal and intricate patterns inspired by Yoruba heritage and ancient Nigerian symbols. Drawing from Yoruba body-painting rituals, Senbanjo applies West African patterns to various surfaces, including buildings, vehicles, and human skin, using charcoal, ink, and paint. He refers to his spiritually guided process as the Sacred Art of the Ori, which aims to elevate consciousness through art.

Senbanjo gained international recognition after presenting his work at multiple Art Basel Miami shows and through his collaboration with Beyoncé on the visual album "Lemonade," where he painted the bodies of dancers and the singer. His exhibit "Sounds of Africa" opened at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles in partnership with BET, and he performed "Creation as a Ritual: Performing Disguise" at the Brooklyn Museum. Senbanjo also discussed the Sacred Art of the Ori Ritual in a TED talk.

His portfolio includes commissions and partnerships with Nike, the Grammy Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, and collaborations with artists such as Black Coffee, Bunji Garlin, Jussie Smollett, and on the global hit "LA CANCIÓN" by J Balvin and Bad Bunny. Senbanjo has presented work at New York Fashion Week, collaborated with Apple and Target, and created cover art for Essence magazine featuring Serena Williams. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Vogue, Vice, CNN, and BBC.

In addition to visual art, Senbanjo is active in music as the leader of Laolu and the Afromysterics, blending Afrobeat, Highlife, Afro-soul, and reggae. He performs in Yoruba and English, often incorporating traditional proverbs and praise poetry. Senbanjo’s multidisciplinary approach and commitment to cultural heritage have established him as a significant figure in global contemporary art and music.