Ollie Babajide Tikare
Photographer
In their own words
I don’t want to just observe, I want to participate.
trying to understand the city’s contradictions, its rhythm, and its intensity
I was wandering through Ikoyi when I saw him stop, completely unaware of me, and everything just aligned — the colours, the posture, the stillness.
I suppose now it’s a bit of an obsession and I think I will continue to make images as long as I am on this earth.
Articles & interviews3
- “I don’t want to just observe, I want to participate”: Ollie Babajide Tikare on immersing himself in the cultures he photographs
The article profiles photographer and multidisciplinary artist Ollie Babajide Tikare, who spoke at April’s Nicer Tuesdays event in London. He discussed his photographic practice centered on the African diaspora and his new book 'Èkó', a vivid portrait of Lagos that reflects his desire to actively engage with the cultures he documents.
- Marina Willer, Lizzy Stewart, intranetgirl, Ollie Babajide Tikare: Tickets now available for April’s Nicer Tuesdays!
It’s Nice That announces the April 2026 edition of Nicer Tuesdays, taking place at EartH Hackney in London. The event will feature talks by Marina Willer, Lizzy Stewart, Intra, and Ollie Babajide Tikare, covering topics from human insight in design and illustrated novels to digital art and photographic storytelling. The evening celebrates experimentation, creativity, and cross-disciplinary practice in contemporary design and art.
- Ollie Babajide Tikare holds onto “little fragments of life” in his photobook Èkó
The article profiles photographer Ollie Babajide Tikare and his photobook Èkó, which documents Lagos through his perspective as a British-Nigerian reconnecting with his heritage. The project captures the city’s rhythm and contradictions through calm, understated imagery that resists stereotypical portrayals of Africa. Tikare’s process emphasizes serendipity, community, and authenticity, drawing inspiration from documentary photographers like Jamel Shabazz and Nan Goldin.