Easter Weekend 2026 at POP Landmark was a moment to remember in Nigeria’s art scene. It brought to life The Illustration Bazaar – a three-day international illustration art fair and festival, organised by the art collective Illustrator Cohort and the art-centred organisation Umuala, that put illustration on the centre stage.
Opening the event, Ikechukwu Anyiam-Osigwe, the Festival Director, noted “The Illustration Bazaar was conceived as an opportunity for all to experience the democratic medium that is illustration.” He also added that the Bazaar’s theme “The illustration universe, truly shows the breadth of illustration, it being the silent powerhouse of the creative industry, for film, music, books, everything. Our world is illustrated and we’re invited, in the Bazaar, to step into that universe.”
The three days was indeed an immersion into the world of illustration, with talks by Onyinye Dike (editorial illustration), Kimson Osaghae (illustrating for brand building), Mayowa “ShutaBug” Alabi (digital illustration), Somto Ajuluchukwu (comic book production), Uzoma Dunkwu (character design), Renike (book covers), Uzo Njoku (turning illustrations into scalable assets), Yèga (fashion illustration), Danny Kundzinsh (game design), and a panel by Ibrahim “SirGai” Ganiyu, Sunkanmi Akinboye, Mamode Ogbewele, and Mujeeb Jummah (what makes a good illustrator or artist).
There were also live demos by David Nnogo and Maria Chiabua (Riachan Zero Three, or Ria), as well as an activation by Chamberlin Ukenedo – one of the fastest illustrators in the country.
The exhibition at the Bazaar featured the works of Chamberlin Ukenedo, Dami Mojid, ‘Fioda, Freddie Jacob, imit0r, Kimson Osaghae, Lamidi Abloh, Muktar Mustafa, Muyiwa Akhigbel Olivia Onuk, Oluwatimilehin “The Milkiwaey” Osunneye, Oluwatoyin Fagbamila, Owolawi Kehinde, Seye Sanyaolu, Sherif Apampa, Tonari, Uzo Njoku, and Uzoma Nduka, further showcasing the different sides and applications of illustration.
Workshops enabled illustrators and audiences to refine their skill or engage in a new hobby under the guidance of expert facilitators. The fashion Illustration, in partnership with Medrar Hub, was led by Tilux Illustration and Ktizo (Oghenekome Edogho); successful engagement in the webtoon industry was led by Rune King; still life drawing, in partnership with Bloom In Full Effect, was led by Chinaza Nkemka; and the SirGai comic and illustration workshop for children engaged students of Greensprings School.
The Bazaar also featured a market that provided an opportunity for artists to have direct contact with customers, and build a following beyond digital arenas. Artists at the market included Chinaza Nkemka, David Nnogo, Dfuture Art, Ekpere, Freddie Jacob, Greypaper, HokkageRebekah, Judemadethis, Lulu, Nengi Uranta, Miikel-da-artist, Oc., Temi Alabi, Tonari, urbahn_99, Uzo Njoku, and Wavycreations.
And we can’t forget side attractions including life drawing and mural walls.
In all, everyone at The Illustration Bazaar stepped into the world of colour, whimsy and imagination, where they rediscovered wonder, celebrated creativity, and relived carefree years.
Learn more about The Illustration Bazaar: https://theillustrationbazaar.com.
