Abuja: Legendary Nigerian artist and researcher, Zainab Odemwingie, has called for the preservation of African folklore to protect cultural identity and ensure traditional values are not lost to globalisation. She made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stressing the importance of safeguarding indigenous stories and customs for future generations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, preserving Nigeria's rich folklore helps prevent erosion of indigenous practices and ensures they are passed down authentically to promote cultural consciousness and shared community experience. Odemwingie questioned, 'The Western world celebrates Cinderella and Princess Elsa. But where are our African fairy tales, dolls, and storybooks that reflect our royalty, folklore, and cultural identity?'
Odemwingie said her flagship initiative, My African Baby, aimed to preserve African cultural heritage through storytelling, education, and creative expression for younger and global audiences alike. Her acclaimed works, including Ivie Ogho, Faces of Ancestry, Fulani Elegance, and Echoes Across the Humber, serve as visual narratives that connect history with contemporary African identity. She emphasized, 'Folklore is not just history, it is identity, resilience, and courage,' underscoring that culture must remain visible and valued in the face of rapid modern change.
Beyond painting, Odemwingie has explored comics and virtual reality projects to engage younger audiences and make African heritage more accessible through modern digital platforms. Her published works explore how traditional stories could be preserved through technology, ensuring culture stayed relevant, engaging, and adaptable for future generations.
Influenced by Bruce Onobrakpeya and Vincent van Gogh, Odemwingie embraced art as more than expression, viewing it as a duty to preserve and protect the soul of culture. Through her work, she sought to reintroduce Benin folklore and African heritage to younger generations at risk of losing connection with their cultural roots and ancestral wisdom. She asserted, 'At the heart of it all is this truth: our heritage must be protected. Through art and research, I'm committed to preserving our courage, wisdom, and cultural legacy.'