By Onyeka Ezike

In a bid to create an enabling platform for young artists to thrive, the organisers of Next of Kin (NOK) Series 8, an annual art competition set up to celebrate young, emerging, and talented artists, has announced 20 finalists for this year’s edition. The theme for NOK series 8 is “Fragments of Being”. This year’s edition sees a surge in international interest, receiving more entries from London, South Africa, and Nigeria, along with applications from Africans in the diaspora across the globe. The shortlisting event was held recently at the Thought Pyramid Center, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The shortlisted artists include Adetoro Debas, Ahmed Adeleke Sadiq, Chimzuroke Ogbuagu, Dumbor Kkemgbara Debeeh, Elijah Imisioluwa Adegbite, Emmanuel Cyril Ekong, Emmanuel Gbenga Eweje, Emmanuel Merit Adeyeye, Gugulethu Brendan Ndlalani (South Africa), Hamed Qozeem Olamilekan, Ifeanyichukwu Joy Munachimso, Joseph Odeh Ogbole, Julius Ojomugbo Odah, Michael Oluwatomileyin Shrounke, Progress Jesutomiwa Giwa, Taiwo Taoheed Olawale,Theophilus Chinonso Agunwa, Tosin Paul Ajayi, and Zayyad Abdulkadr.

This year’s theme challenges artists to explore the shifting nature of human existence. It reflects on how memories, culture, and time shape an identity that is never fixed but constantly in motion.

The competition, inaugurated in 2018 by Thought Pyramid Art Centre, was created to plan and prepare the future of visual art in Nigeria. Since its inception, the series has evolved into a powerful catalyst for emerging visual artists in Nigeria and across Africa.
The yearly juried art project is both a competition and an exhibition that offers guidance, mentorship and a platform to propel emerging artists to the limelight by discovering from the horde of current emerging visual artists, one who possesses that peculiar artistic originality and creative disruptiveness with transcending futuristic abilities and traits.

At the event, Olatoye David delivered a presentation titled “The Art of Standing Out: Becoming a New Vanguard in the Global Art Stage.” He advised young artists to stand out in the art industry with their craft, emphasising the essence of mentorship. “Standing out involves being honest with your artwork, and a true definition of who you are,” Olatoye said. He emphasised the importance of standing out in the global art industry, urging young artists to develop a distinct artistic language of their own. He noted that art functions as a powerful medium of communication, through which artists connect meaningfully with their audiences.

Olatoye also noted that every artwork is a form of communication, and that one of the key factors that distinguishes an artist is the discovery of a personal visual language, one that authentically reflects their identity. He emphasised the importance of self-awareness, encouraging artists to position themselves as innovators and emerging vanguards through their work, while maintaining consistency in their creative practice.

During the question-and-answer session, Olatoye advised young artists to actively engage with and leverage their communities, noting that strong community networks can play a vital role in shaping and sustaining their artistic careers.

Dr. Adeola Balogun, a master sculptor and senior lecturer at Yaba College of Technology, delivered a paper titled “The Art of Endurance: Sustainability of Career and Creative Vision.” He underscored the importance of mentorship, encouraging artists to add value to their mentors’ work while exercising patience as they grow within their creative journeys.

Dr. Balogun emphasised that young artists should actively seek opportunities to volunteer and be mentored. A genuine commitment to mentorship, he noted, often leads established artists to recommend and invite emerging talents to exhibitions. He cautioned against assuming that mentors intend to take advantage of mentees, stressing instead the importance of focus and patience. According to him, mentorship remains one of the most effective ways for artists to open doors, develop their practice, and carve out a distinct niche for themselves.

Dr. Balogun also admonished artists to pay critical attention to savings and finance, especially with the new tax reform policy. He encouraged them to have more than two account for financial accountability, as this will not just help them in their career but also in life.

Mr. Ovie Omatsola, the Program Coordinator and the Exhibition Director, who is also the initiator of the program, said, “So many things have been happening recently with people suddenly changing and taking up new characters. Many have forgotten who they are, so we thought to see how our visual artists can interpret that through research.”

The finalists will showcase their works in a grand exhibition scheduled to run from Sunday, 5th April to 8th May 2026. At the exhibition opening, one Main Prize Winner will be announced. The winner will receive a Solo Art Exhibition Prize worth N6,000,000 for 2027.

Next of Kin Series 8 is proudly sponsored by Nigeria Machine Tools and Trustbanc, continuing their dedication to artistic excellence and cultural development in Africa.