Celebrated Nigerian Artist Prince Tunde Odunlade Comes to Birmingham June 27

By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times

One of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary artists is bringing his innovative visual art, music, and theatrical performances to Birmingham.

Prince Tunde Odunlade, who is internationally known for his batik textiles, fiber art, woodcut prints, music, spoken word and cultural advocacy, will be performing at East Village Arts on June 27 to mark the opening of a new exhibition of his work.

Odunlade is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary artists and cultural ambassadors. His career — which has spanned more than five decades across Africa, Europe, North America, and the Middle East — represents a fusion of artistry, cultural activism, education, music, theatre, and international engagement.

“Prince Tunde is a delight to experience,” said LaDonna Smith, artistic director of East Village Arts. “His affable personality, his storytelling, drumming and singing, and his visual art will all be featured at the opening reception at East Village Arts.”

In addition to his visual art, Odunlade is a poet, recording artist, performer, and cultural organizer whose artistic practice extends beyond galleries and museums into public engagement and community activism, Smith shared. He has recorded musical projects integrating spoken word, percussion, and African rhythms, while continuing to participate in cultural conferences, exhibitions, workshops, and international art dialogues.

Through the years, Odunlade has built a body of work that reflects the spirit, philosophy, rhythm and resilience of Yoruba culture while engaging contemporary global conversations about identity, memory, spirituality, migration and social transformation. He has helped to position African art not as a peripheral tradition, but as a living, evolving, and globally significant force.

Odunlade is no stranger to Alabama. He first came to the state in the 1980s when he served as an artist-in-residence at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa.

“He has many friends in Tuskegee, Birmingham and Atlanta, all of which resonate as vital stopping points in the South and frequently a launching pad for his tours and exhibitions in the United States,” Smith said.

His new exhibition will be on display at East Village Arts through mid-July.

“His superb giant beaded batiks of museum quality advance a strong statement with modern modalities juxtaposed with traditional Yoruban fabric art,” Smith said. “Certain works may include objects such as cellphones, wood sculpture and other unexpected objects.”

The opening reception, set for Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m., will feature singing, storytelling, drumming and an artist meet-and-greet. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is free to attend, but donations are accepted and encouraged.

East Village Arts is located at 1711 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35206.