Bayo Brahms… Changing The Nigerian Perception Through Filmmaking

Filmmaking in Nigeria continues to set standards in the international stage as Bayo Brahms recently screened his short film “A Portrait of Durbar” at the Foundation Takeover Films event in London.

Born Bayo Akanbi from Ikire, Osun State, Bayo considers himself a purist of the artform. His films are emotionally driven, using socio-cultural impact and shared experiences as pillars for artistic expression. “I always want to reach people with my films”, he said.

Bayo’s expertise can be chalked up to an experimental approach to work and a diverse portfolio that spans corporate commercials, documentaries, events, short films, television and music videos, “I just love being behind the camera”, he said. "Let me press record and do what I do best." This is proof of dedication and excellence to craft that makes one stand out.

An Industrial Design graduate of Federal University of Technology, Akure - Bayo Brahms began to hone his craft creating graphic designs and shooting music videos for his friends in school. “I always did it because I wanted to, the money didn’t matter to me most of the time.” Bayo said. “It’s always the output that matters. it had to look good and carry something deeper than the surface.”

After a brief foray into real estate videos, Bayo pivoted to entertainment joining the ranks of VIACOMCBS Networks Africa (now Paramount Networks Africa) as a Video Editor. Despite work with MTV Base he still managed to make short films and commemorative adverts about pressing societal issues like gender equality and nation building. These films, made for just the passion, have gone beyond Bayo’s grasp to touch people all around the world.

In the year 2020, Bayo in collaboration with three other creatives made over six videos touching on various subjects that concern the average Nigerian. One of the films was acquired by CACOVID during the pandemic and was selected as media to strengthen people during the lockdown period. Another film, centered on the 2020 EndSars protests went viral and has garnered more than 12 million views circulating social media. To this day, it remains one of the most memorable pieces of media around the event.

In the year 2020, Bayo in collaboration with three other creatives made over six videos touching on various subjects that concern the average Nigerian. One of the films was acquired by CACOVID during the pandemic and was selected as media to strengthen people during the lockdown period. Another film, centered on the 2020 EndSars protests went viral and has garnered more than 12 million views circulating social media. To this day, it remains one of the most memorable pieces of media around the event.

His last released film, “A Portrait of Durbar” was centered around the eponymous festival in Kano. It is as intriguing as it is poetic, introspecting and bursting out. Stylistically rust in its colours, there is frenzy in it, capturing culture as moments. This film is an intimate encounter with another subset of Nigerian culture.

When asked why he chose to make this film, Bayo said “There is a negative perception about Northern Nigeria that I feel needs to change. Nigeria might be dealing with some issues as regards security but most of the North is safe. The area is exciting, vibrant and rich in culture."

A Portrait of Durbar since release in 2022 was screened at Foundation Takeover Films and was also recently accepted to be screened by the Manchester Museum in commemoration of Black History Month. It involves some of Bayo’s frequent collaborators– Oyedele Alokan in a scripting role, and Basil Okache alongside Brian Okorie in voice over and sound engineering roles respectively.

On immersion into the film industry on a global scale – Bayo’s dreams have expanded from shooting commercials to full blown filmmaking that strives to tell a different, more human story of the African experience.

Bayo Akanbi recently pursued and acquired a Master of Arts in Directing Film & Television at Bournemouth University and is currently based in London, where he works as a Film Editor on a true crime documentary show commissioned by SkyCrime.