Bolarinwa Olasunkanmi, known professionally as HorlarofLagos, has carved a niche for himself in the vibrant world of lifestyle photography. His journey began with a childhood passion for art, transitioning from sketching and abstract painting to the more immediate and realistic medium of photography. Driven by a desire to capture life’s moments as they unfolded, he embraced the camera as a tool for expressing his unique perspective. Initially met with parental indifference, his persistence and dedication eventually won their support, allowing him to navigate financial hurdles and pursue his artistic calling. A defining moment arrived with his first major gig, a commercial for LG featuring prominent figures from Big Brother Naija. This experience not only validated his talent but also fueled his ambition, propelling him further into the world of commercial photography.
While not a sportsman himself, Olasunkanmi maintains a keen interest in the sporting world, particularly basketball and, more recently, football. His admiration for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stems not only from the basketball player’s on-court prowess but also his distinctive fashion sense. He acknowledges a growing appreciation for footballer Victor Osimhen, whose dedication and energetic style of play he finds inspiring. Although his family wasn’t particularly sports-oriented, they united in support of the Nigerian national teams during major tournaments, fostering a sense of shared national pride. He expresses a particular interest in Super Falcons player Michelle Alozie, drawn to her musical taste as a reflection of emotional intelligence and shared interests. He sees in the successes of the D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, a powerful motivation for aspiring young athletes, especially women. Their consistent record of achievement serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and demonstrates the potential for success in Nigerian sports.
Olasunkanmi’s collaborations with major brands like Nike and Converse stand as highlights of his career. The Nike project, featuring a custom design he contributed, sold out within 48 hours, marking a significant breakthrough. His Converse collaboration, with nearly 400 pairs sold, further solidifies his impact in the fashion and design space. Driven by a desire to create a positive impact, he launched HOL HQ, a luxurious creative space designed to foster collaboration and amplify the voices of fellow creatives. This venture distinguishes itself from the typical coffeehouse or restaurant creative spaces, offering a dedicated environment for artistic exchange and development. He envisions this space as a hub for nurturing talent and promoting the vibrant creativity within the Nigerian arts scene.
His journey into the world of lifestyle photography was driven by an innate desire to bring his ideas to life. The transition from sketching and painting to photography was seamless, providing him with a more immediate and realistic medium for his artistic expression. He prioritizes capturing moments as they unfold, reflecting the dynamic energy of life and the unique stories of the people he encounters. Initially met with parental indifference, his unwavering passion for photography eventually won their support, allowing him to overcome financial challenges and pursue his creative calling. This initial skepticism transformed into encouragement as his parents recognized his dedication and the potential of his chosen path. Overcoming these initial obstacles further solidified his determination to succeed in the field.
Despite not actively participating in sports, Olasunkanmi maintains an appreciation for athleticism and its cultural impact. His preference for basketball stems from its energetic vibe and connection to fashion and lifestyle. While he admires Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s on-court talent, he is equally drawn to the basketball player’s unique fashion sense, reflecting his own appreciation for style. His admiration for Victor Osimhen transcends mere sporting prowess, acknowledging the footballer’s inspiring dedication and infectious energy. His recent interest in football is a direct result of Osimhen’s captivating performance, drawing him into the world of Turkish football despite not being a regular football viewer. Olasunkanmi sees in athletes like Osimhen a powerful force for motivating others, both within and outside of sports. This admiration for dedication and impact underscores his own philosophy of turning pain into purpose and striving to create positive change through his work.
The collaboration with Nike stands as a pivotal moment in his career, further validating his creative vision and influence. The rapid sell-out of the custom design he contributed to the project not only represented commercial success but also solidified his status as a sought-after creative force. The ongoing success of the Converse collaboration, with hundreds of pairs sold, demonstrates the continued appeal of his design aesthetic and his ability to connect with a wider audience. These collaborations are not just commercial ventures but also opportunities for Olasunkanmi to create a tangible impact, aligning with his core values and philosophy. He envisions HOL HQ as a catalyst for growth within the creative community, providing a platform for collaboration, networking, and the amplification of diverse artistic voices. He is committed to nurturing the next generation of creatives, providing them with the resources and support they need to flourish. He encourages aspiring photographers to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, emphasizing the importance of transforming adversity into purpose and remaining focused on their creative vision. He believes in the power of creativity to create positive change and encourages others to embrace their unique talents and strive for impactful contributions.
