EP16: "Creativity is what we owe Humanity" – Nkata with Ibe Ananaba

In this episode of Nkata Podcast: Art & Processes, host Emeka Okereke engages in a compelling conversation with Nigerian painter, designer, and multimedia artist Ibe Ananaba. A lifelong explorer of visual storytelling, Ananaba’s journey is one of relentless curiosity—one that traverses the bustling city of Aba, where he grew up, the creative crucible of Lagos, and his current practice in Canada.

At the heart of this discussion lies a fundamental question: What do we owe the world as creatives?

Ananaba’s artistic practice is deeply interdisciplinary, blending painting, fashion illustration, calligraphy, and design to create a visual language that is both dynamic and socially engaged. Having spent 15 years as an art director in advertising before transitioning fully into studio practice, his work bridges the commercial and fine art worlds, exploring contemporary sociocultural narratives with an acute sensitivity to movement, rhythm, and texture. His paintings—often characterized by fluid lines and layered storytelling—reflect themes of identity, urban culture, and the evolving human experience across physical and virtual spaces.

Drawing from formative childhood experiences—where sketching on any available surface became both an obsession and a path toward mastery—he reflects on how artistic expression has shaped his sense of identity, purpose, and open-minded approach to life. His years in Lagos’ dynamic creative ecosystem, particularly within the legendary Dolphin Studios, further expanded his understanding of the intersections between art, design, photography, and visual culture.

Through the lens of his practice, Ananaba unpacks the anatomy of creativity—its process-driven nature, the delicate balance between discipline and spontaneity, and the profound role of artistic intuition. In discussing the shifting landscape of visual culture, he highlights the ways in which art serves as a vessel for personal growth, storytelling, and the articulation of selfhood.

Key Themes:

• Creativity as a Responsibility – The role of artists in shaping narratives and giving back to humanity.

• The Power of Place – How Aba, Lagos, and Canada have each informed Ananaba’s artistic practice.

• The Anatomy of Creativity – Unpacking process, play, and the search for essence.

• Between Fine Art & Advertising – Navigating multiple creative worlds while staying true to artistic purpose.

• Movement & Stillness – What remains constant in an artist’s work when they move across geographies?

• Art as a Vehicle for Memory – The artist’s role in preserving, reinterpreting, and questioning history.

Throughout the conversation, Ananaba offers invaluable reflections on the creative process—both as a personal journey and a communal act of meaning-making. He underscores the idea that creativity is not merely a personal pursuit but a social responsibility—an offering that extends beyond the self.

This episode is essential listening for artists, cultural practitioners, and anyone invested in the transformative power of creativity. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue that weaves together personal narratives, artistic philosophy, and a meditation on what it truly means to create with in

Chapters

• 0:00 ntroduction: Creativity as a Responsibility
• 9:50 Growing Up in Aba: The Birth of an Artist
• 19:40 The School of Life: Self-Taught Beginnings
• 29:30 The Lagos Creative Scene & Dolphin Studios
• 39:20 Between Fine Art & Advertising: Finding a Creative Balance
• 49:10 The Anatomy of Creativity: Process, Discipline & Intuition
• 59:00 Movement & Stillness: Art Across Borders
• 1:08:50 Art as a Vessel for Memory & Social Commentary
• 1:18:40 Closing Reflections: Creativity is What We Owe Humanity