Textile Artist And Teacher Gasali Adeyemo Features on 'Messengers
Textile artist and teacher Gasali Adeyemo talks about preserving Nigeria’s traditional textiles -like batik, adire, itinochi, and akwocha -his humble childhood, his biggest influences, and the next generation.
Africa-Related New York
Textile Artist Gasali Adeyemo dicusses the Yoruba art of Adire (tye-dye) making.
From modest beginnings to becoming a leading voice in textile preservation, Gasali Adeyemo shares a journey rooted in craft, culture, and continuity.
In this episode of Messengers with Oyiza, Gasali explores the rich history and cultural significance of traditional Nigerian textiles from Adire and Batik to Itinochi and Akwocha and the urgent need to preserve these indigenous techniques for future generations.
He shares his experience styling Viola Davis in the film "The Woman King". He also reflects on his early influences like Nike Art Gallery (@nikeartgallery), the discipline behind mastering textile artistry, and the responsibility of passing down knowledge in a rapidly changing world.
This is a conversation about heritage, identity, and the role of artists as custodians of culture.
Follow Gasali @yoruba_indigo. Watch now on Spotify.
‘MESSENGERS with Oyiza’ is an engaging interview TV/podcast series hosted by Nigerian journalist and producer Oyiza Adaba. Produced by Africa-Related and recorded remotely from New York and on location, the show blends relaxed conversations with interviews of selected guests who discuss topics about Africa for a global audience. The conversations aim to bridge divides, correct misconceptions, and spark positive discussion about Africa and its people. Each 30-minute episode features inspiring stories, creative graphics, video clips, and background reports. The series focuses on Africa's People, Places and Issues.
For more stories told from an African perspective, follow us at africarelatedinc
#AfricaRelated #AfricanArt #art #podcast #conversation #artist #messengerswithoyiza #Messengers #AfricaRelated #TextileArt #adire #batik #CulturalHeritage #TheWomanKing #oyizaadaba
SHARE THIS STORY
T.A.L Board Visits Tom Adaba Legacy Center, Okene
Site Visit to Tom Adaba Legacy Center, Okene
By Glory Ize Isaiah
OKENE, KOGI STATE
Group Photo of Tom Adaba Legacy Team and Ita’i Weavers during the site visit on July 25, 2025. (Photo by DrQuest/Africa-Related)
Project/Facility Name: Tom Adaba Legacy Center, Okene, Home of Itai’ Our Cloth
Date of Visit: Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: T.A.L Center G.R.A Okene, Kogi State
Board Members of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation conducted a site visit to Okene, Kogi State. The purpose of the visit was to carry out an inspection and engagement tour of the Tom Adaba Legacy Center, evaluate the operations of Itai’ Our Cloth, interact with the weavers and apprentices, identify challenges and opportunities for scale, and strengthen stakeholder relations with the Tom Adaba Legacy board, including its Executive director and accompanying executives.
Attendees
Mrs. Oyiza Adaba-Okereke - Board President/ED Tom Adaba Legacy and CEO - Itai Our Cloth
Mr. Maurice Okereke - Tom Adaba Legacy (Community Initiatives) /Founder, Words By MOE
Mrs. Rosemary Onubaiye - Country Director Ita’i Our Cloth
Members of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation
Weavers’ Coordinators
Community Weavers & Apprentices
Media Personnels
And other Staff
Visit Narrative & Key Highlights
The official site visitation commenced at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Board President and Executive Director of Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation arrived in the company of her husband and board members. The atmosphere at the facility was electrifying as the women weavers, visibly overjoyed, welcomed the team with songs and dances in their local dialect, a heartfelt expression of gratitude and excitement.
The Executive Director responded warmly, asking after each woman's welfare and inquiring about their families. Led by the Country Director and the Weavers’ Coordinators, the women took the E.D and her team on a guided tour of the center, showing the facility and ongoing work.
The weavers, excited by the presence of the leadership team, quickly resumed their craft while the Executive Director observed them at work. Demonstrating deep interest and solidarity, she sat beside them, learned the basics of weaving, and participated in the process, showing humility and respect for their skill.
Mrs. Adaba-Okereke later engaged in deep, sincere conversations with the young apprentices who are currently undergoing training in weaving. They expressed how learning this trade has shifted their perspectives on life, offering them not just a skill, but a path toward independence and self-determination. However, they also raised concerns: the tradition of weaving is slowly fading, with fewer young people interested in carrying it on. They voiced hope that more efforts would be made to preserve and promote the craft, particularly among youth.
In response to questions about their future aspirations, several young women expressed their desire to pursue higher education and use weaving as a means to support themselves and their families financially while in school.
A particularly emotional moment came during a conversation with an older woman who demonstrated the rare and laborious art of spinning cotton into yarn by hand, a nearly extinct skill in today’s world. The woman explained the intricate process and how the younger generation often lacks interest in learning it. Acknowledging this, the Executive Director stressed the need for machinery to support scaling operations, noting that such investment could provide technical jobs, increase production, and bring long-term sustainability. She emphasized that cotton processed locally, such as from the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation Farms in Gwagwalada and Osara, can contribute significantly to national and continental development.
Mrs Oyiza Adaba-Okereke maintained that the Center remains committed to training more youths, particularly young girls, equipping them with both cultural knowledge and economic empowerment through weaving.
She was visibly moved by the work being done and expressed deep admiration for the weavers’ dedication. She commended the women for leveraging their skills, even in the absence of formal education, to support their families, educate their children, and preserve a vital part of the Ebira cultural identity.
The visit culminated in a display of beautifully woven cloths, showcasing the weavers’ incredible craftsmanship. The team was deeply impressed by the quality and intricacy of the works presented.
Finally, an open forum was held, giving the women a platform to share their struggles, celebrate their wins, and brainstorm collaboratively on how to take the organisation’s vision to the next level, strategies for market value, and how to make sure that in telling our unique African story, the culture is not lost in sharing.
Vision for Global Scale & Market Impact
The ED made it clear: This is not just about the cloth. This is about telling a generational story, celebrating the resilience and brilliance of Ebira women, and positioning their work on the global cultural and commercial map.
She emphasized that the goal is to scale the Itai Cloth brand globally, not just for decorative or tourist appeal, but as a luxury heritage product that commands attention, respect, and value in international markets. These woven pieces are wearable history, textile testimonies, and economic vehicles. She spoke about attracting new markets, partnering with international brands and diaspora communities, and using the craft as a tool to reclaim and project indigenous identity with pride.
“We are not just weaving. We are building a cultural economy. We want the world to wear our story. We want our women’s legacy to be seen on runways, in boardrooms, and on global stages. This culture has been ours for decades. It’s time the world saw it, valued it, and paid for it.”
This vision goes beyond production. It encompasses:
Exporting products under a globally recognized Ita’i Our Cloth label
Building brand collaborations that center African textile heritage
Creating digital storytelling platforms for each weaver's narrative
Generating revenue that flows directly into the hands of the creators
Facility Condition & Need for Support
The current facility structure is makeshift and temporary, lacking the solid infrastructure needed for a center of this scale and vision. Despite this, the women have continued to produce excellent work, an inspiring testament to their commitment and resilience.
However, the need for a permanent, well-equipped weaving hub was evident throughout the visit.
Support and partnerships are urgently needed, to provide machinery for cotton processing and weaving, improve infrastructure, fund training programs, enhance market access, and scale production sustainably. Strategic collaborations with private sector partners, government agencies, cultural institutions, and global allies will be critical in turning this bold vision into a living, thriving reality.
Key Observations
The weaving center is a powerful model for economic and cultural empowerment.
There’s an urgent need to introduce technology to certain aspects of cloth production (especially yarn spinning) to meet growing demand and ensure sustainability.
A gap remains in attracting young people into the weaving trade, this presents a risk to cultural continuity.
The community has strong emotional and cultural ties to the craft, and preserving it will require intentional efforts across education, policy, and entrepreneurship.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS : DRQuest/Africa-Related
Oyiza Adaba Bags 2025 'Bronx Recognizes Its Own' (BRIO) Award
For over 35 years, BCA’s BRIO Award has recognized artists from a wide range of creative disciplines who demonstrate proficiency, knowledge, and intense practice in their chosen art form. Award-winning Director Oyiza Adaba was selected in recognition of her contribution to the borough's creative spirit.
Africa-Related, New York
Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) selected 42 recipients for the 2025 Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) Award.
For over 35 years, BCA’s BRIO Award has recognized artists from a wide range of creative disciplines who demonstrate proficiency, knowledge, and intense practice in their chosen art form.
A celebration ceremony of all BRIO winners' outstanding achievements was held on Thursday, June 12th the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, to honor the 42 recipients of the award this year. Each awardee also received a sum of $5000 to support their work.
Among the awardees is Oyiza Adaba, an award-winning Nigerian producer and journalist and Bronx resident, whose 30-year career has been focused on bridging the media gap with deeply impacting news and television and film productions. Her feature documentary "DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" (2023) is highly praised globally for bringing African art and culture to international audiences.
Oyiza Adaba is recognized for her role in documentary filmmaking and dedication to the borough’s creative history.
share this story
REVIEWS & HIGHLIGHTS: Screening of DELA: The Making of El Anatsui
On November 7 2023, the Biographical Documentary "DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" was screened during the 12th Anniversary Edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos, Nigeria. Here are the highlights of the event.
By Fortune Ehiwayas, Lagos
Photo: Olumide Onafuwa
On November 7, 2023, "DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" screened at the recently concluded Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). Here are some highlights from the event.
“Beautiful, beautiful.. Simply amazing
”
The 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), themed Indigenous 2.0 to Global was held in Lagos, Nigeria on November 5-11, 2023. Filmmakers from over 150 countries submitted their narrative features, short films, animations, and documentaries. The selected films were screened at FilmHouse Landmark in Victoria Island, with industry wigs in attendance.
First-time director Oyiza Adaba, founder of Africa-Related, member of NYWIFT, NYFPC and producer of TV series Messengers, traces the early life and career paths of El Anatsui - one of the most revered and iconic art figures from Africa with a global impact. Of the documentary, she said, “I wanted to tell a story in colours - a reflection of the spirit of both the subject and our continent.”
One of Executive Producers and Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Olajide Bello and the editor Mr. Ayodele Banjo of TWPC, were both on hand to engage the audience in the Q & A session that followed the screening.
Attendees include academics from University of Lagos and Yale University, veteran actress Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, musician and saxophonist, Egypt 80’s Tajudeen ‘Baba Ani’ Animashaun, Jazz vocalist Yinka Davies, Genti Media’s Ojiugo Uche and Salma Uche-Okeke, daughter of Uche Okeke the Father of Modernist Art in Nigeria, who was also Anatsui’s employer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in 1976.
“I loved the way his story was told, taking away the political shenanigans and leaving the art. That is the beauty of it all
”
During the two-hour documentary, viewers were transported to various places of influence as seen in El Anatsui’s works - from his birth place in Anyako Ghana, to the locations where his art is displayed around the world.
Mrs. Salma Ifeoma Uche-Okeke expressed her immense pleasure from watching the “nostalgic” documentary and further touched on the sub-theme in the film, encouraging the young ones to maintain patience and character in whatever art they find pleasure; and hoped that more artists in Nigeria will enjoy this kind of exposure through film.
“... reflects the texture of both Africa and the global community”
About the Documentary
The biographical documentary chronicles the foundational influences of El Anatsui. From humble beginnings in Anyako Ghana, thus began an artistic journey that would redefine an art form, create a movement about art from Africa, and produce one of the greatest contemporary artists of our time.
The 2-hour documentary, which took 10 years to make was produced by Africa-Related, and directed by Nigerian journalist and producer Oyiza Adaba, in her directorial debut. The project is supported by Meridian Creative Centre, Jack Shainman Gallery NY, Faysal Khalil, Olajide Bello, Access Bank Ghana, 7-Up Bottling Company Nigeria.
Follow for updates - DELA: The Making of El Anatsui @elanatsuifilm
DELA: IN GLOBAL FILM FESTIVALS NOW
AFRIFF Selects Biographical Documentary DELA To Screen At 12th Edition
The Biographical Documentary "DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" has been selected to screen in the 12th Anniversary Edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). The screenings will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, scheduled to run from Nov. 5th-11th, 2023.
By Africa-related, new york
"DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" has been selected to screen in the 12th Anniversary Edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). The screenings will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, scheduled to run from Nov. 5th-11th, 2023.
“DELA”
AFRIFF SCREENING DATE
Tuesday Nov 7, 2023
2:30 - 5:30PM (WAT)
FILMHOUSE LANDMARK CENTRE, LAGOS
About the Documentary
The biographical documentary chronicles the foundational influences of El Anatsui. From humble beginnings in Anyako Ghana, thus began an artistic journey that would redefine an art form, create a movement about art from Africa, and produce one of the greatest contemporary artists of our time.
The 2-hour documentary, which took 10 years to make was produced by Africa-Related, and directed by Nigerian journalist and producer Oyiza Adaba, in her directorial debut. The project is supported by Meridian Creative Centre, Jack Shainman Gallery NY, Faysal Khalil, Olajide Bello, Access Bank Ghana, 7-Up Bottling Company Nigeria.
Follow for updates - DELA: The Making of El Anatsui @elanatsuifilm
screening schedule
U.S STATE DEPT ANNOUNCES COLIN POWELL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Colin Powell Leadership Program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education.
Africa-Related New York
“diversity is a source of strength, it is a source of our success”
Photo: U.S State Dept website
In support of the Secretary’s modernization agenda, the U.S. Department of States announced the new Colin Powell Leadership Program to further advance the Department’s commitment and efforts to hire a workforce representative of all segments of society. The program will provide individuals the opportunity to pursue careers at the Department of State.
Colin Powell understood that diversity “is a source of strength, it is a source of our success,” and exemplified his leadership values—both as a general and as Secretary of State — by putting people first. The Colin Powell Leadership Program recruits highly motivated candidates from a variety of backgrounds who aspire to and possess the potential to become future civil service leaders at the U.S. Department of State.
This program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education. Both paths may lead to full-time employment opportunities at the Department and are focused on developing future leaders through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience to provide them with the skills, tools, and resources needed for long-term success at the Department.
Internship opportunities will be in the Social Science Student Trainee (0199) and Administration and Office Support Student Trainee (0399) series. Fellowship opportunities will be in the Foreign Affairs (0130) and Management Analysis (0343) series. Applicants will apply via USAJobs and the first vacancy announcement is tentatively scheduled for mid to late September 2022. Subsequent announcements will be held annually in the spring. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and retain a secret or top-secret clearance. All positions will be located in the Washington, D.C. area.
To be eligible for the Colin Powell Leadership Internship Program, applicants must either be an enrolled or current student, on a part-time or full-time basis, pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a qualifying post-secondary educational program. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0 is required. The duration of the internship program will be determined by the participant’s anticipated graduation date and may not exceed four years from the initial appointment to the program.
Applicants for the Colin Powell Leadership Fellowship Program must have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree within the last two years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0. The fellowship program is a one-year paid developmental program.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit here