Through the Lens: A Conversation with Stylish Sinner
Lagos-based photographer Stylish Sinner has a way of capturing moments that feel cinematic—raw, intimate, and unmistakably his. In this exclusive interview, Spektrum Entertainment’s Eniola Olayemi dives into his journey, and creative process.

Q: How did you first get into photography? Was there a specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?

A:  I’ve had different phases as a multifaceted creative. Before photography, I was deeply into fashion and modeling. Back then, my circle was made up of creatives. We lived together, created together, and constantly fed off each other’s energy. My twin brother actually picked up photography before I did, but he eventually shifted into film.

After I finished school, I decided to dive into photography fully. I became the “studio rat,” constantly learning the basics, assisting other photographers, and only going home to sleep. I was mostly a second shooter in those early days, so I didn’t have much room to experiment wildly, but the hunger to create never left. Even before I started shooting raves, I had already been documenting alternative spaces, artists, concerts, and communities for a couple of years. It was a gradual journey but those early, intimate experiences built the foundation of how I shoot today.

Q: Your photos have a distinct feel—almost like you’re telling a story in a single frame. How did you develop your style?

A: Without realizing it at first, I’ve always been a storyteller in how I shoot. Long before nightlife and raves, I was working with LASEMA, documenting natural disasters, and I was fully active during the End SARS protests. When you shoot under those intense circumstances, your eye naturally sharpens toward narratives, toward telling layered stories in a single frame.

Over time, I realized that life is clearer when you slow it down. The details people usually miss when a scene feels “frozen” are the very things I focus on. Those small shifts where you can capture multiple emotions in one image. That’s why I enjoy revisiting my work and discovering something new every time.

I’ve always had a love for color, composition, and cinema, so when all those elements collide, the final product just feels like an instinctual response.

Q: Lagos is a city full of movement and contrast. How does living here influence your work?

A: Lagos has always been a blur to me. Right from the beginning. The contrast here is wild: rich and poor, educated and uneducated, fast yet slow, the constant disparity between the mainland and the island. Lagos teaches you duality. You can be working behind the scenes and still be right in front of everyone’s face. You can be winning and losing at the same time.

I’ve always been drawn to documenting alternative spaces, and when you move through these spaces, you constantly find yourself interacting with both the wealthy whether that’s wealth in ideology, talent, or finances and the very modest, who may be navigating life with less in those same areas. It’s this rich blend of people and energies that I’m naturally attracted to.

I’ve experienced both sides myself, commuting from Egbeda to Ikoyi for school, living and schooling in Yaba, working and partying on both the mainland and the island. Having that full spectrum of Lagos life has shaped me. I’m able to relate to anyone as long as the energy feels right. That sense of balance, of straddling both worlds, is something I always bring into my work.

I’m passionate about capturing collective energies rather than just isolating a single subject. Even when I focus on one person, I try to show multiple sides of them in one frame. I’ve always felt like a roadman constantly moving, but Lagos also taught me the importance of knowing when to be still.

That’s why I found myself gravitating toward protests early in my career. Today, I still document protests, but now it’s in underground spaces where identity and expression are raw and unfiltered. The biggest thing Lagos taught me is how to adapt, to know when to blend in or stand out. That’s why I’m always tweaking my camera settings, adjusting to the light, the energy, and the space. That’s also why my work carries so much variety.

Q: What’s been the most defining moment of your career so far?

A: Honestly, I’d say my most defining moment was the day I consciously decided to start documenting and promoting the electronic music scene in Lagos. At that point, it wasn’t about chasing clout or making money; it felt like a necessity. I saw a story that needed to be told, a narrative about a resilient, vibrant community that was building something remarkable against the odds.

It’s difficult to pinpoint a single rave or a specific publication as the standout moment. I’ve documented countless rave events, from Element House and Group Therapy to SweatItOut and Mainland House etc. My work has also been featured in various local and international magazines like GOAT and MixMag. Highlighting one particular experience as the defining moment feels premature because, truthfully, I know I have yet to fully explore my potential.

Whatever recognition I’ve received so far, including my contributions during the End SARS protests, can largely be traced back to the decision to consistently show up, turn on my camera, and remain committed to telling this evolving story

Q: You’ve captured so many different types of moments — what kind of photography excites you the most?

A: Capturing subcultures and the raw, unfiltered energy they exude has always been my passion. I thrive in spaces where people are fully immersed in their truth, whether it’s at a rave where the crowd collectively feeds off the music, at a protest where voices fight to be heard, or during avant-garde album cover shoots for artists pushing creative boundaries.

What truly drives me is documenting people stripped of their societal masks, existing authentically, whether that authenticity is loud, chaotic, vulnerable, or defiant. I’m drawn to collective energy, yet even amidst the noise and movement, I seek out the quiet, singular moments, the glances, gestures, and emotions that might otherwise slip by unnoticed.

Ultimately, I’m most alive in spaces where joy and struggle coexist, where complexities intertwine. In those moments, I know I’m not just taking photos, I’m preserving stories and experiences meant to resonate long after the shutter clicks.

Q: Is there a dream project or collaboration you’d love to take on?

A: My dream project feels like a natural extension of the life I’m already living, a continuation of my journey to document underground and alternative movements across Africa and beyond. Starting with Lagos as my base, I envision expanding into cities like Kampala, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, as well as creative hubs in the United Kingdom, Berlin, and the Netherlands. These are places where the same spirit of rebellion and creativity thrives, albeit with unique textures and rhythms.

But this vision goes beyond photography; I aim to build an archive that fuses visuals, sound, community, and fashion — a dynamic platform where I collaborate with fellow creatives like DJs, filmmakers, artists, set designers, and cultural historians. I want to work with people who truly understand how nightlife, protest, sociocultural issues, and identity converge across the continent.

Ultimately, my goal is to create spaces and narratives that people don’t just observe but deeply experience. Imagine stepping into an exhibition that immerses you in a Lagos warehouse rave, a frontline protest, or a hidden DIY venue in Nairobi. I want to craft immersive worlds that challenge how African underground culture is perceived, spotlighting its resilience, innovation, and quiet power.

At its heart, this project is about amplifying the movement we’re building, showcasing to the world that these often hidden spaces are not just subcultures but vital forces shaping a larger narrative.

Q: Your photos at Element House have this raw, electric energy. What do you look for when shooting nightlife and music?

A: In the beginning, before the scene grew and before I was more recognized, I could easily blend into the crowd and capture everything, the entire energy of the night. Back then, I was able to document every angle without any pressure. But as the nightlife rave culture expanded, so did my role in it. The focus shifted, and I began honing in on the energy that surrounds the DJ and the ravers in close proximity. With more attention on key players, I find myself capturing the moments in between. The sweat, the glances, the body movements, the way people respond to the music.

I look for the unspoken moments; the chaos, the tension, and the release of energy in the crowd. I’m more intentional about showing how nightlife rave culture feels and not just the flashy lights or the DJ behind the decks. It’s about documenting the collective experience of music. The vulnerability, the connection, the way the space comes alive. The more I shoot, the more I’m drawn to capturing how people interact with the music, with each other, and with the rawness of the environment around them.

Q: Every photographer has a shot they’ll never forget. Do you have one that stands out in your journey?

A: Tough one but If I had to choose, I would likely pick one of my photographs from the End SARS protests, the one that eventually gained recognition and was featured on CNN Africa. That moment was pivotal for me, especially since it came at the early stages of my career. It served as a powerful reminder that photography is not merely about aesthetics; it’s about impact, about capturing moments that resonate far beyond the frame. That image holds significant weight for me, both personally and historically.

Q: What’s next for you? Where do you see your photography taking you in the future?

A: Looking ahead, my photography is evolving beyond its roots in rave culture and underground movements. While I’ve always been dedicated to capturing the energy of these spaces, my future work will delve deeper into the intersections of culture, music, and identity. Projects like “What Really Is Love” and “We Own The Night” reflect my desire to move beyond documentation into fine art, exploring the complexities of human emotion, relationships, and community. I see myself expanding into more experimental, interdisciplinary spaces, combining photography with other forms of art to create immersive, large-scale installations and exhibitions.

I’m also committed to continuing my growth in both the African and global art scenes, pushing my work into galleries and international exhibitions. I want my photography to not only represent the vibrant culture of Lagos but to contribute to the global conversation on art, identity, and storytelling. Collaborating with musicians and other creatives will be central to this evolution, as I aim to elevate the underground and show the world the untold stories of people and movements shaping modern culture.

While I’ve gained some form of recognition, I believe this is only the beginning. The next chapter for me is about challenging myself and pushing the boundaries of how I capture the world around me. I envision my photography reaching a global audience, showcasing diverse voices, and contributing to a broader understanding of culture and humanity. My work will continue to evolve, becoming more immersive and impactful, while always staying true to the raw energy and authenticity that has defined my journey so far.

Q: . If your photography had a soundtrack, what song would be playing?

A: How To Listen To This Album” by Stereoclip feels like the perfect match. It has this introspective energy that mirrors how I move when I shoot. There’s a quiet tension in the track, like you’re floating but still grounded which is how Lagos feels to me most times. My photography lives in that same duality: raw but thoughtful, chaotic yet composed. It reflects how I experience nightlife, where you’re surrounded by energy but still deeply tuned in to every micro-moment. The song feels like walking through the city at night after a rave, with images and emotions still lingering. It’s the same space I try to create when people look at my photos calm on the surface but layered with so much underneath.

Behind the Vision is our weekly series where we dive deep into the minds of artists, DJs, and creatives shaping the electronic music community. Stay tuned for more stories that uncover the passion and vision driving the scene.

Next up—Element House on April 12th featuring Culoe De Song, Jamiie, Earthsurfing (making her debut and opening the night), and Proton (also making his debut and closing the night). Don’t miss it!

🎟 Get tickets here