Pounded yam and egusi, lunch with Samir Le Blanc, Cotonou, Benin. #JujuFilms

Pounded yam and egusi, lunch with Samir Le Blanc, Cotonou, Benin. #JujuFilms

Exactly two years ago today (May 25th 2017) I ate lunch (pounded yam and egusi soup) with Samir Le Blanc, a good friend from Parakou, Benin. Samir introduced me to the beautiful people of Benin, from little Marie to the artist Sincelor and musician Maasta I’Indomptable MC.

Samir was a gentle soul, going through life in slow motion. He assisted me with crossing the Benin/Nigeria border on several occasions. Samir transitioned suddenly last year, a shock to his family and friends. Rest in peace Samir you are deeply missed. – @OgbeniAyotunde

Market Scene, Dutse Market, Abuja, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Market Scene, Dutse Market, Abuja, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Market Scene, Dutse Market, Abuja, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Quidah, Atlantique, Benin. #JujuFilms

Quidah, Atlantique, Benin. #JujuFilms

Quidah, Atlantique, Benin. #JujuFilms

The African Empire

Haiti recently gained membership in the African Union, making it the first country outside the continent to be African. If other Island countries like Jamaica, Belize, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahamas, Cuba, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines including the American and British Virgin Islands follow in the footsteps of Haiti, Africa could once again be the greatest empire ever. – @OgbeniAyotunde

Street Market, Lagos – Badagry Expressway, Lagos State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Street Market, Lagos - Badagry Expressway, Lagos State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Street Market, Lagos – Badagry Expressway, Lagos State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Street Food, Roast Corn, Lagos – Badagry Expressway, Lagos State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Street Food, Roast Corn, Lagos - Badagry Expressway, Lagos State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Street Food, Roast Corn, Lagos – Badagry Expressway, Lagos State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Public urination, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Public urination, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Public urination, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Sunset over Ushafa Village, Abuja, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Sunset over Ushafa Village, Abuja, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Sunset over Ushafa Village, Abuja, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Woman frying yams by the roadside, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Woman frying yams by the roadside, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Woman frying yams by the roadside, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Street Market Scene, Lagos – Badagry Expressway, Lagos State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Street Market Scene, Lagos – Badagry Expressway, Lagos State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms

Street Market Scene, Lagos – Badagry Expressway, Lagos State, Nigeria. #JujuFilms