Osa Seven At 10: A Decade Redefining Nigerian Street Art

Ten years ago, Osa Okunkpolor, popularly known as Osa Seven took a bold step that would reshape Nigeria’s contemporary street art landscape through the craft and mastery of painting locally and internationally.  He chose the city as his canvas, rejecting the confinement of frames and galleries in favour of walls, streets and public spaces that speak directly to the people.

A graduate of Visual Communications from the University of Lagos, a renowned internationally acclaimed visual artist who is celebrating a decade of practice that has earned him global recognition and positioned Lagos firmly within the international street art conversation.

As founder of Inscribe Art, a Lagos-based public art company,  Osa has a reputation for storytelling through contemporary art, blending abstract designs, iconic characters, scenic imagery and brand-driven visuals. His work, defined by detail and cultural relevance, that bridges art, identity and social impact.

Osa disclosed at the 10th anniversary that

for over a decade, muralists and unconventional artists have not really had a platform to showcase themselves.

He noted that the arts here feel a bit elitist, mostly catering for gallery and museum artists, with little room for street artists, muralists and illustrators.

rding to him, the Lagos Street Art festival was designed not only to give visibility to street artists but also to build capacity.

“Street art globally is big. Most cities have adapted it, and I see no reason why Lagos or Nigeria shouldn’t be on that map. Public art shouldn’t exist in galleries alone,” he noted.

Osa highlighted the cultural and economic impact of the initiative, stressing its role in training young creatives. “A lot of students experienced large-scale painting for the first time. Learning hands-on alongside professionals is better than theory. Now they can pitch for jobs and execute them confidently.”

On his part, Creative Director of Inscribe Art, Akin Akinbulomo (Phisha), said the festival’s creative direction is guided by two core principles which are relevance and storytelling.

He explained “Whatever is created, art should always be seen as part of a whole, Street art in Lagos must add to the story of the city and its people”

Phisha added that storytelling remains central to preserving culture. “Everything “we know about ancient Africa comes from art. We have the opportunity to create works that people 50 years from now can look at and understand what our time was about.”

While Osa Seven’s influence extends beyond Nigeria. His portfolio includes collaborations with global brands in beverage, fashion, music and tech. He was also featured in Microsoft’s global Special Olympics campaign and commissioned by the Lagos State Government to create the iconic Eko Tag public artwork.

Tech entrepreneur/artist, founder of Sketch AR, Andrey Drobitko, described Osa as a creator who acts without hesitation. “He didn’t ask if the tool would work on a building. He just took it and created a five-floor mural in Vienna. Visionary artists don’t wait for perfect conditions.”

Abuja-based artist Jessie, asserted that the Lagos Street Art Festival was a turning point. “It was a learning process for me. I’ve learned a lot, and I know I will definitely get better.”