Aanu Aladire is one of the fast-rising fashion designers in Lagos state and across Nigeria, the most populated black nation.
Dressed in one of his adire brands, the 6-ft tall artisan wore a white pair of shoes as he prepared for the interview session with one of the leading news platform, EELive. Ahead of the session, Aanu Aladire displayed several of his merchandise and creative endeavours, he gulped a bottle of water as the EELive personnel settled into his seat to ask questions.
Speaking about his background, Aanu mentions that he was born Washington Anuoluwapo in Lagos state, the most populous part of Nigeria.
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Further, Aanu said, “But my roots trace back to Uzebba in Edo State. I was born on May 1, 1989. I earned my NCE certificate in Fine and Applied“
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Aanu: Becoming A Skilled Artist
Aanu Aladire went forward to explain where he developed his artistic skills. He went forward to say, “I studied Arts at the Federal College of Education (Tech), Akoka, Lagos, specializing in Ceramics and Sculpture.”
He added, “Currently, I am in my final year at the University of Benin, where I am pursuing a degree in Textile Design. I’m the former President of Bariga Artistes Forum, also The Director of Origami Art Engagement at the Origami Society Nigeria.”
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“Craft has always been a part of my life”: Building Your Artistic Qualities
Talking about how he discovered art and craft, Anuoluwapo said, “Craft has always been a part of my life, and I believe it runs in my family. My mother was skilled in various forms of creativity, including fashion design, drawing, knitting, and hair plaiting.“
He went further to say, “Initially, I aspired to become a food nutritionist, but upon learning in secondary school that it was
a science course, I shifted to the arts.”
“After secondary school, I joined a cultural dance troupe, where I gained hands-on experience in traditional dances, set design, stage management, and costume creation,” Aladire disclosed as he gleefully spoke about his emergence.
Speaking further about how gis affinity for art transitioned into something insurmountable, Aladire said, “My admission to the Federal College of Education (Tech) Akoka in 2017 solidified my passion for Fine and Applied Arts.” He mentioned further, “Although I initially wanted to focus on ceramics, the scarcity of materials and tools led me to develop a strong interest in textile design.”
Aanu Aladire: Becoming A Business Owner
In the latter part of the session, Aanu disclosed how he made use of the lockdown that occurred in 2020 to establish his own business.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I started a tie-dye (àdìre) business. Despite challenges, I remained determined, and my business will celebrate its fifth anniversary on June 18, 2025,” he revealed.
What Type Of Art Do You Do?
Aanu told us about his approach to creating art. “I am a textile design artist and the founder of Àánúaládìre, a contemporary ádìre/Batik clothing company,” he said. “My work involves using local colours, chemicals, and traditional methods to create unique artistic designs, motifs, and patterns on fabrics and clothes,” he revealed further.
In conclusion, Aanu mentioned that his aim and objective is to beautify society.
He went on to say, “My goal is to blend artistry with functionality, making ádìre a medium for beautifying society.”
Visions: what you want to achieve with your artworks
EELive went forward to ask Aanu what he aims to achieve with his artworks.
He had this to say, “My vision is to make ádìre outfits a contemporary staple in everyday fashion and to promote these designs both locally and internationally.“
Aanu went on to say, “I aim to ensure that ádìre/Batik outfits are recognized as a cultural and stylish statement beyond our locality.“
How Can Nigerian Government Support Burgeoning Artists?
Most Nigerian citizens have complained that they have not been supported by the government. EELive admonished Aanu to advice the government on how they can support burgeoning artists across the country.
He had this to say, “The Nigerian government can play a vital role in supporting artists by providing accessible loans and grants for small-scale business owners.” Aanu spoke further, “Additionally, establishing and mandating associations for the tie-dye industry can create a platform for collective growth and better communication with the government.”
The creative personnel added, “Consistent electricity supply is another crucial area where the government can assist. Stable power will significantly enhance productivity and business sustainability for artists across the country.”
Conclusion: Final Words, Upcoming Projects...
Aanu revealed several of his upcoming projects. He had this to say, “Believe in your dreams, even if others do not. Be bold enough to question your path and take decisive action.”
He added,”Focus on your long-term goals, break them into achievable steps, and visualize your journey to success. Remember, the sky is only the starting point. Looking ahead, I am working on several exciting projects to further promote contemporary ádìre
fashion.”
In conclusion, Aanu said, “I am also exploring ways to expand my business, ensuring that our designs reach more people both within and outside Nigeria. Stay tuned for updates!“
Tiktok: @aanualadire
Instagram: @aanu_aladire
Instagram: @pastor_anuwash
LinkedIn: Washington Anuoluwapo Ileogben
WhatsApp: 07037833491
