Lakin Ogunbanwo’s “e wá wo mi” reflects on the nuance of identity – that of the brides and his home country.

Weddings in Nigeria have swelled into a thriving industry, with massive guest lists and color-coordinated wedding parties. A wedding is “very loud, very grand, and it’s a huge celebration,” where families and communities come together, Ogunbanwo said. Often there are two ceremonies, one with more traditional attire and ceremonies, and another more akin to Western nuptials.

In the series, myriad tribes are represented—including the Igbo, Yoruba, Benin, and Hausa-Fulani communities—and together they paint a rich portrait of Nigerian heritage. “[I want] to take away from the idea of Africa as a monolith,” Ogunbanwo said. “I find that when the world wants to talk about Africa it’s always Africa as one.” Photographers and artists have long treated the continent as a country, he said, but each country offers a culture distinctly its own.

Full story : https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-photographer-regal-portraits-nigerian-brides