By Juliet Umeh

Founder of TattooLockdown, Olamide Adepoju popularly known as Silk, has called for stronger professional standards in Nigeria’s tattoo industry as the country’s growing cultural acceptance of body art sets the tone for the 2025 Lagos Tattoo Convention.

The convention, scheduled for December 28, 2025, at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos, is expected to bring together top tattoo artists, piercers, illustrators, stylists and creative enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking ahead of the event, Silk said the annual gathering had grown into a major platform for the industry.

“Now in its third year, the convention has become a major platform for tattoo artists, piercers, illustrators, style lovers, and creative minds from across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

Describing the convention as “a celebration of identity and artistic freedom,” Silk noted that it aims to inspire, educate and connect both professionals and enthusiasts.

According to him, “The 2025 edition will feature live tattooing, art showcases, fashion moments, music experiences, and discussions on safety and industry best practices.”

Silk, who has become one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s evolving tattoo culture, said maintaining proper hygiene and professional standards remains central to growing the industry. Outside the convention, he continues to mentor emerging talent and push the TattooLockdown brand into new cultural spaces.

His efforts, he said, are part of a broader mission to reshape perceptions about body art in Nigeria.
“We are moving tattoos from a misunderstood taboo into a respected form of modern expression,” he noted.

Silk’s rise in the industry has been marked by his flawless line work, artistic precision and highly personalised approach to custom designs. Over the years, he has earned the trust of top celebrities including Olamide and Burna Boy, who rely on his craftsmanship to interpret their artistic visions.

His Lagos-based studio has become a creative hub for individuals seeking bold self-expression in a culture that once viewed tattoos with skepticism.

With each new creation, and every edition of the Lagos Tattoo Convention, Silk says he is committed to pushing Nigeria’s tattoo culture forward, “boldly and unapologetically.”