To be Royal: A Nigerian Lens ©

To be Royal: A Nigerian Lens – A photographic perspective and collaboration by Canadian Photographer Allan Kliger, and Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, ‘Queen’ of Henshaw Town, Calabar, Nigeria.

Allan Kliger, Canadian cultural photographer describes his work as capturing emotions. In his latest project, “To be Royal: A Nigerian Lens”, Allan seeks to distill the special bond between African traditional royals and their people.

Traditional structures existed in African communities long before colonials brought their administrative structures. In many African communities these traditional structures still exist in one form or another wielding an effective and vital soft power, nurturing social cohesion and keeping ancient traditions alive, typically alongside democratic and executive structures.

The portraits, stories and emotional threads captured in this first project – “A Nigerian Lens” – seek to weave a majestic and soulful tapestry of Nigerian people and their royals, exploring and juxtaposing some of the seams. and tensions. between the respect and preservation of old traditions while embracing and adapting to modern values, administrative and cultural.

Inspired by a chance meeting in London, England, between Allan and Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, the Obonganwan ‘Queen’ of Henshaw Town, Calabar, Nigeria, Allan’s latest project promises to frame and preserve Africa’s and Nigeria’s rich and vibrant culture to Africans and internationals alike.

The project will include International photo exhibitions and a luxury coffee table book with all net proceeds given back to their local communities and cultural projects in Africa and Nigeria.