Homecoming isn’t just an event, it’s a cultural exchange hub where music, fashion, art, and tech collide in vibrant rhythm. It’s where the pulse of Nigeria’s creative future beats loudest, and documenting that is crucial.

For Kuye, a fast-rising photographer with an instinct for moments that matter, capturing Homecoming is about more than aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, archiving emotion, and showing the world how alive this scene really is.

In this exclusive conversation, Kuye reflects on the chaos and magic of Homecoming 2025, the art of shooting on instinct, and the importance of photography in preserving cultural history.

p.s : this interview has been edited for clarity sake

OWN: So, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind as you click the shutter?

Kuye: Honestly, when I click the shutter, the first thing that comes to my mind is capturing a moment that tells a story or evokes an emotion to the people that follow me. And to create something unique and lasting. Also, when in the studio, how I can improve the picture or set in that moment—little tweaks I can make during production—so post-production would be easier and more efficient for me.

Oh I feel you, stories in your pictures.

Kuye: Yes, exactly.

It’s been like what now, three days since the Homecoming Live event. How was it, you know, experiencing it both in person and behind the lens?

Kuye: Wow, Homecoming! WHAT A DAY!

Experiencing it in person was so amazing. The energy in the crowd was electric, everyone was hyped, man. I was wondering what it would have felt like on stage for the artists—people shouting the lyrics to your songs and your name. You could feel the excitement everywhere, which was exhilarating but also a little overwhelming in the best way possible.

I got to meet a lot of the artists and other people at the private lounge, and we had great conversations. I remember talking to Santi when he was on stream—he’s such a joyful guy, honestly. I even got him to do a shoutout for my brother ’cause he’s a big fan. Ran into Bizzle Osikoya who remembered me from the Liz Sanya world record event, and he was happy to see me there.

Also, a thank you to Zinolens for real—he introduced me to Leostaytrill and I got pictures with him and of him. It was a great experience.

Behind the lens though? That was a whole different ball game, man. It’s like you’re in the moment but also one step away from it, trying to get the perfect picture while trying not to miss the action. I loved that it made me pay attention to everything—even the little details, like the way the lights hit the artists performing and people’s faces in the crowd. I was still able to dance and sing along with some of the artists when they were performing, and that was really cool. I remember singing and dapping up Reeplay when the Anti World Gangsters were performing.

OWN: Must have been a hell of an experience!

Kuye:It really was!

OWN: Kudos to you on managing to do both actually! In preparing for the event, did you already have a structured or planned vision or were you moving on photographer’s instinct? And what were some of your favorite shots?

Kuye:Thank you, man. All I did before the event was get my camera ready! I moved purely on photographer’s instinct all through the event.My favorite shot was one I got of Odumodublvck—he was singing one of my favorite songs, Legolas, and he was right in front of me. You could see the emotion in the picture. The moment was so surreal, honestly. I also loved the ones I took of Davido, Valentino Rose, P-prime, and Kunmi.

OWN: Crazy picture of OD actually—captured the passion in the man.

Kuye: Thank you so much, man. Exactly what I was aiming for.

OWN: How does shooting a vibrant event like Homecoming differ from other gigs?

Kuye: Shooting a vibrant event like Homecoming is very different compared to other gigs. For one, the energy is just off the charts. There’s a constant buzz—but it means I have to be quick on my feet, which I don’t mind, honestly. You’re not just waiting for something to happen—it’s happening all around you, all at once, man. Compared to, say, a quiet portrait session—there was no pause button at Homecoming. Something was always happening. At the studio, I’m in control of the light, adjusting the subject, taking my time to get it right. But at an event like Homecoming, you’re reacting to whatever is happening—you have to adjust constantly. The artists might do something crazy, you’ve got to catch it before it’s too late. It’s less about perfection at an event like Homecoming and more about instinct.

OWN: Real talk and real advice. And there’s no instinct without expertise, I guess. On that note, how long have you been doing photography?

Kuye:Thank you, man, that’s true. I officially started in October 2022, so it’s going to be 3 years this year. However, I noticed I had an interest in it when I was about 10 years old. I used to love taking pictures of my mom on her phone.

OWN: Woah, so it’s been a long-time interest? Crazy.

Kuye:It really has. I’m glad that I’m doing what I enjoy, honestly.

OWN: What role do you think Homecoming plays in shaping or reflecting Nigeria’s creative identity? And how important is documenting events like this going to be in the long run?

Kuye: Homecoming is a massive deal when it comes to Nigeria’s creative identity. It’s a showcase of what is bubbling up in the Nigerian and African culture right now. It brings together music, fashion, and art. You see artists performing with so much energy on stage, designers and brands collaborating with Homecoming and dropping amazing merch.Someone said to me that it reflects where Nigeria is at creatively and I agree. There’s so much depth to Homecoming—all the events that led to the live show it’s all there. It’s wonderful what Grace Ladoja is doing, honestly. Documenting it through photography and videography? That’s huge. The pictures and videos aren’t just for show—they’re a time capsule. Years from now, people will look back at these images, my images and feel the pulse of the moment. I’ll make reference to that Odumodu picture again , so much emotion. People are going to see that years from now and they would still be surprised at the energy he was putting in his performances. Personally for me as a photographer, it’s like you’re archiving history as it happens. People would always go back to my pictures in reference to that night.

OWN: Wow! What’s next for your lenswhat kind of moments are you chasing next?

Kuye:That’s the thing with this job. you actually never fully know. But I want to continue working with events, for sure. I’m still looking to work with more clothing brands and celebrities too. I’m open to most things because of the love I have for photography. I’m working on a project right now—it’s going to be an editorial. Can’t wait for people to see it!

OWN: We’d be watching definitely, and we wish you the best.

Kuye:Thank you so much, man. I had a lovely conversation.