Lagos-based journalist Ireho Aito explores the vision behind one of Nigeria’s most vibrant cultural spaces, in a rare sit-down with Femi Williams the man transforming Iwalewa Art Gallery into a creative sanctuary for legends, dreamers, and art lovers alike. In this iBAND Magazine exclusive, we discover how one man’s passion is redefining Africa’s gallery experience for a new generation.

What’s in a name? At Iwalewa Art Gallery, the name is everything, a promise, a vision, and a living experience. “Iwalewa,” a Yoruba phrase meaning character is beauty, is not just etched on the signboard but embodied in every brushstroke, palette, sculpture, canvas and soul that walks through its doors. And the man at the helm, Femi Williams, is breathing life into that philosophy.

Situated in Lekki where the urban drive culture is electric, Iwalewa Art Gallery is far more than just a creative space, in fact, it drives the culture. Iwalewa is where history meets the present, where icons and admirers collide, and where the ordinary walk out is inspired. It’s not rare to stumble upon cultural titans or global luminaries in the gallery’s halls and that’s the magic Williams has curated.

Kindly picture this. You are inside Iwalewa, soaking in the vivid energy of the gallery when just a few steps away you spot the legendary Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya. A pioneer whose work has shaped African art narratives for decades, standing beside him as you both admire a new piece is surreal. That kind of serendipity only happens at Iwalewa.

As you prepare to snap a photo with Prof Onobrakpeya, you turn to find another icon in the person of Don Barber, the photography maestro who helped define the visual culture of modern Nigeria. Known for his mentorship and dedication to the craft, Barber’s presence adds another layer of gravitas to the Iwalewa experience. Just tell me if you are not longing for a visit?

For Femi Williams, this isn’t accidental but intentional. A graduate of the prestigious School of Art and Design at Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Williams is reshaping what an art gallery can be. His vision blends elegance, accessibility, and soul. He’s not just running a gallery; he’s creating a cultural landmark.

What makes Iwalewa even more electric is its ability to attract a rich mix of personalities. On any given day, you might find yourself discussing a canvas by Aina Onabolu with Nollywood stars like Bolanle Ninolowo or browsing a sculpture alongside style icon and reality TV host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. It’s part art, part community, and all inspiration.

Femi Williams and his team have cultivated something rare known as a creative hub where legacy and modernity coexist, where icons feel at home, and where everyday people reconnect with their dreams.

In this interview, Femi Williams opens up some of the uniqueness of Iwalewa Art Gallery with Lagos based journalist, Ireho Aito about the culture behind Iwalewa.

When top people such as technocrats or celebrities of different spheres come to Iwalewa, what do you tell them about what Iwalewa has in store for Africa in terms of celebrating our arts and culture?

At Iwalewa, we don’t just showcase art, we curate an experience that reconnects people to the soul of African creativity. We tell our guests, whether they are technocrats or celebrities, that Iwalewa is where tradition meets new narratives. It’s a space where African stories are told through paint, performance, and presence. From the visual vibrancy of our exhibitions to the rhythms of our live drummers and cultural icons like the Eyo masquerades, we show Africa’s beauty in motion. We offer more than art,we offer identity, history, and pride.

At Iwalewa, we don’t just showcase art, we curate an experience that reconnects

Iwalewa Gallery has this cosmopolitan feel within and outside. Was it a deliberate design for a certain clientele base?

Yes. But not in an exclusive way. The cosmopolitan design of Iwalewa is intentional in that we want it to be inclusive yet refined. It invites everyone, from global collectors to local culture lovers. While it’s rooted in African aesthetics, it still feels fresh and forward-thinking. This balance allows us to speak to a wider audience while staying true to our cultural essence.

Take the readers through the name “Iwalewa.” Why is it so special and the reason for such a name that sounds significant?

Iwalewa is a Yoruba expression meaning “good character is beauty.” It’s more than a name it’s a philosophy. In African traditions, beauty isn’t just about appearance; it’s about the spirit, the values, and the depth a person or piece of art carries. By naming the gallery Iwalewa, we remind ourselves and our audience that art must reflect integrity, heritage, and the dignity of the people it represents.

good character is beauty

Your gallery invests in new media tools such as social media. What special position do you place with such new tools? Have they been effective in terms of marketing tools?

Social media has been invaluable to Iwalewa. It has helped us reach a global audience, build a community, and drive engagement far beyond the gallery walls. Through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, we don’t just market artworks, we tell stories, share behind-the-scenes moments, and bring African culture into digital spaces. In many cases, guests have discovered us online before ever stepping foot in the gallery. Social media has also translated into tangible results artwork sales, artist referrals, event collaborations, and much more.

we don’t just market artworks, we tell stories,

You have had a roll call of A-list guests. Who among them has really made a big impact on you when they visited?

Every visit leaves a mark, but some guests bring a unique energy that lingers. We’ve had art lovers who became collectors, celebrities who became ambassadors, and technocrats who became patrons. Some guests don’t just appreciate the art, they interact with it, ask deep questions, and even sponsor artists afterward. The real impact is when a guest leaves feeling more connected to African creativity than when they walked in.

Every visit leaves a mark, but some guests bring a unique energy that lingers.

Are there any new projects from Iwalewa this mid-season? What is the Iwalewa calendar looking like?

Yes, we have a series of exhibitions and community engagements lined up this season. Some will spotlight emerging African voices, while others will revisit traditional forms through modern reinterpretations. Expect more live cultural performances, artist talks, and interactive showcases. Our calendar remains dynamic because we believe that art is living and should move with the times.

Our calendar remains dynamic

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is another form of storytelling. It’s wearable art. For us, it’s not just about style, it’s about expression, heritage, and identity. Whether in a textured Aso Oke or a simple Ankara piece, fashion at Iwalewa means wearing your roots with pride.

How do you feel wearing African fabrics to welcome art enthusiasts into Iwalewa Art Gallery?

It feels right, it feels like home. Wearing African fabrics at Iwalewa isn’t just a dress code, it’s a statement of belonging, a celebration of culture, and a symbol of unity. It bridges the gap between us and our guests, telling them, “This space is rooted in who we are.”

This space is rooted in who we are.”

Words/Ireho Aito/Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger!/Pictures/Femi Williams/Iwalewa Art Gallery