Nike Okundaye’s 74th birthday bash, lit up by the Osun State governor’s tribute, threads together an inspirational tale of resilience from a childhood of loss to global artistic triumph. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports
Fate – startlingly unpredictable in its ways – oftentimes pulls a white rabbit off the hat when it comes to changing narratives. Take the inspirational story of Olufunmilayo Oyenike Okundaye, for instance. Her early life – fitting well into all known grass-to-grace archetypes– had all the colourations of a bumpy start. First, losing her mom at just six years old was tough enough; then her grandmother slipped away from this earth-life just a year later. But then, those losses – fraught with uncertainties as they were – led her to a rather unexpected guardian: her great-grandmother, the head of local weavers, who eventually brought her up and taught her what she needed to learn about weaving textiles and making adire fabrics.
Adversity, as fate would have it, became the woman fondly called Mama Nike’s unwitting muse, nudging her towards her true calling. When lack of funds threatened to derail her education, she hijacked the setback and turned it into a catalyst for her passion. At just 14, she made a break for it – literally running away from home with her trusty sidekick Justina to escape a fate worse than homework: marriage to a polygamous junior government minister. Her first stop was Olosunta Travelling Theatre, where she honed her craft before boldly breaking free to forge her own path. This bold move marked the beginning of her journey to Osogbo, the vibrant hub of artistic expression that would soon become her creative Mecca.
This explains why the Osun State Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke rolled out the drums on Friday, May 23 for the inimitable Mama Nike on her 74th birthday, deeming it a “well-deserved tribute and celebration” in the truest sense. In addition, the Osun State government has another ace up its sleeve. Sources close to the government spilled the beans that Mama Nike is set to be crowned the Global Ambassador and Queen of the Adire Osun Carnival, a vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture that is scheduled to take Osogbo by storm in November. And the master plan behind this grand fiesta? Governor Adeleke’s vision to reclaim Osogbo’s rightful throne as the Adire capital of the world! With Adire Osun Carnival, the state is set to unleash a kaleidoscope of creativity, highlighting the rich heritage of Yoruba culture in all its glory.
Embracing the vibrant art scene of Osogbo, Mama Nike’s creativity truly flourished. It was here that she dipped her toes into the world of indigo-dyeing and adire-making under the mentorship of the legendary Ulli Beier and his wife Georgina at the town’s informal art school. With her artistic flair and marketing mojo, she effortlessly wormed her way into the tight-knit art community of those years, becoming a beloved fixture in the local scene. Her first gallery, aptly named “Africa No. 1 Shop”, was a modest affair – literally, her bedroom! But the real game-changer came in 1974 when she scored a coveted spot among just 10 African artists selected to teach traditional weaving in the US. Accompanying her husband Twins Seven-Seven on his instructor gig at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine, Mama Nike seized the opportunity to explore new horizons. She not only got her museum fix but also picked up new skills, including quilt-making.
Dramatically, Mama Nike’s life story attests to her unbridled spirit, having defied conventions and soared to great heights. From polygamous plot to artistic triumph, she broke free from the complexities of her life as one of Twins Seven-Seven’s wives, took matters into her own hands, and catapulted herself to new heights. With her modest gallery and studio work behind her, she continued to rise. Today, she is not just a celebrated artist but a chieftainess twice over – the Yeye Oba of Ogidi-Ijumu and the Yeye Tasase of Osogbo. And there is her frequent jet-setting across the globe, lecturing at top universities in the US, Canada, and the UK, all without a traditional university degree and owing her education to the school of hard knocks!
Actually, she owes her international acclaim to her textile artistry, which has been displayed at various institutions, including her iconic Nike Art Centre in Lagos, Abuja, Osogbo and her hometown Ogidi-Ijumu. Her workshops in Europe and North America have been revelatory, while her vibrant paintings, infused with Yoruba mythology, have secured her place among the art world’s upper echelons. Since her 1968 solo debut at the Goethe-Institut, her figurative masterpieces have been the subject of intense scrutiny and admiration. As a result, her works have found a home in esteemed collections like The Smithsonian Museum, The Gallery of African Art, and The British Library, with other high-profile institutions and private collectors, including the former US Vice-President Walter Mondale, proudly displaying her art in their spaces. Given her artistic heritage – a mother and aunt who were both artists, and a father with a multitude of talents – it is little wonder she has left such an indelible mark on the art world.
This remarkable woman, who recently took her rightful place on ARISE TV’s honours list as one of the women of power during International Women’s Month, has defied the odds with her unbridled joie de vivre. Despite navigating life’s twists and turns, including years of hardship, she’s retained her sunny disposition and effervescent charm. Whether in poverty or prosperity, she’s remained a beacon of warmth and generosity, proving that true happiness can’t be bought – but it can certainly be infectious! Her disarming smile and effortless charm have won hearts, making her a delight to be around.
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