GOLDEN BOY

by ene ijato - September 04, 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet Ugwu Onyebuchi Michael

“Buchi,” I said “I shall title this post golden boy not because of the shade of brilliant yellow wrapped around the buzz short strands on your head, but because this is you. You’re golden because you choose to be nothing but who you want to be, because you’re unapologetically yourself and this is rare.”

Buchi and I were first acquainted online, the small talks of admiration of the other’s work and how amazing it is that we study in the same Uni. Then proceeded a couple of fleeting “What’s ups” and “How fars.” around campus because I was either always on the Go or there was the presence of this abstract silent distance you share with an acquaintance, cautiously trying to measure the surface. But then we happened to be put together in the same room for work, the both of us modelling (I really still cannot honestly call myself a model.) and we both saw a side of our capacities and related on the sheer desire to damn dress cultures and do as we are creatively led! (well at least to an extent)

We made plans to collaborate soon, but then, you know life. The hassle of our different schedules, of Uni going on a strike and him zooming off to parental residence, the collaboration plan sat heavy and laid more stale eggs.

But finally, it happened and the visual work is what I present to you.

Buchi is an easy, hassle-free model to work with especially for this first-time photographer. “The I’m cooler than you stare,” “Buchi just pose…” he made it seem effortless. And except for the first outfit, I had no input whatsoever in the rest of his clothing, it is all him.

We drifted through the city of Minna striking random conversations with drivers and bystanders alike, his hair and multiple piercings were enough to leave locals gawking and wondering about such blatant insanity. (Minna absolutely is a small and conservative city, nobody minds their business really. lol)

It’s not every day you get to meet people who aren’t afraid to stand out for the things they are passionate about and stand out does he do well because, I mean, he’s Golden boy.

Shall I add photographer to my resume now or is it too soon? I mean not to beat my own gong or anything but I did do a pretty decent-ish job…or didn’t I?

Thanks you guys for the love and support, you indeed fuel my drive to do what I do.

Ahinya! With love, x E

Photography and editing: Ene Ijato @ene_ijato

Model: Onyebuchi Ugwu. Instagram: @oddwave and @2canslay