By McPhilips  Nwachukwu & Japhet  Alakam.

The death last week at the UCH, Ibadan of Taiwo Olaniyi-Toyeje , popularly known as, Twins Seven Seven has again, robbed the culture tribe, and in fact, the entire Nigeria of one of its most illustrious original and creative artists.

Born in 1944 in Ogidi Ijumu, in Kogi State Nigeria,Twins was one of the original artists of the famed Oshogbo School, who despite his low formal education, took advantage of the opportunity provided by an informal art workshop organised by emigrant Ulli and Georgina Beier to discover his hidden creative talents.

Taiwo Olaniyi a.k.a Twins Seven Seven

A multi-valent artist, Prince Twins, who began life as medicine vendor, through his immense creative gifts as a painter, scuilptor, dramatist and musician, through hard work and focused commitment rose to become one of the leading figures, whose visionary adventurisms into the world of art would shape what became the progenitor of the Oshogbo School of Art.

The involvement of Seven Seven in the creative enterprise in a every significant sense also,became a big blessing and great service to the Yoruba nation. Just as his mentor, Beier’s research interest centred around Yoruba history, myth and culture, Twin’s engagement with the entire creative process went further to adding more indigenous input into the documentation and preservation of his Yoruba classic civilisation.

Seven Seven’s works whether in the media of painting, cardboard or sculpture therefore, explore in its totality the Yoruba world view richly captured its glorious eco- habitat

In his early works, Seven Seven effectively employed Yoruba cosmology and mythology in creating an independent universe full of people, animals, gods and plants. His later works explored the social and political issues as well ,with a critical look at Nigerian politics. And put together, he became in the reckoning, a famed and globally accepted artist.

As a painter, he exhibited in different parts of the world and was named the UNESCO Artist of Peace in 2005, in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of dialogue across races and cultures.

Twins Seven Seven’s works were exhibited in many solo and group shows in Africa, Europe and America and have been purchased by public and private collectors such as the Contemporary Art Museum, Houston; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; National Gallery of Modern Art, Nigeria; National Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C.; Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam; Iwalewa-Haus, Bayreuth and the Museum für Völkerkunde, Frankfurt am Main.

Ever since the news of his death was announced, many prominent Nigerians and especially members of the art community have been reacting in a very shocking and depressed manner as his death. came just few months after the death of one of his mentor,Ulli Beier.

Reacting to his death, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, described him as a leading light among the crop of great artists that Osun State has produced. Speaking through the Director of the Bureau of Communication in the State, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola noted that Twin Seven Seven was a consummate artist who won honour for himself, Nigeria and Africa in general.

“We will surely miss him,” He said adding that , “But we are consoled that he left behind a legacy that will always inspire others to excel.” Aregbesola, however, regretted that the artist died at a time the government was planning a major programme in which it wanted to recognise and celebrate the best that hailed from the state.

On her part, renowned artist and CEO of Nike Art Gallery, Lekki, Nike Okundaye-Davies who was a former wife of Twins Seven Seven described him as a painter, musician, actor, dancer and writer and said that his death is a great shock to Nigeria and the entire art community. “He was one of African heroes and the best artist in Africa.” She added.

Sadly,Twins Seven Seven died at 67, he lived a fulfilled life: His involvement with the culture establishment and his avid sustainance of the workshop shop tradition originated by the Beiers through their activities with the Oshogbo Culture Club and the Mbari helped to nurture a great deal of disciples who have risen to sustain and promote his peoples heritage.