Onari Oruye: The Making of a Creative Visionary

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Inspired by great music and the arts, ace filmmaker and creative director Onari Oruye is Nigeria’s next big deal when it comes to visuals. Shooting the most visually compelling videos and collaborating with the industry’s top players like Victony, FalzTheBahdGuy, and Ajebo hustlers, it’s clear that Onari doesn’t play small. 

The art of storytelling is one that requires a lot of skill, grit, and talent. Onari's attention to the fine print and detailing gives him a swift edge and sets him apart from the pool of other filmmakers. "The cinematic edge I add to my work and how I manipulate colors to suit the story is what makes me stand out," he says. 

Photographed by Wale Adebisi

Through the span of his interesting career run, Onari maintains that talent can take you far, but teamwork will take you farther. "Collaboration is key; you cannot do it all on your own." This is quite admirable, especially because it conveys how much he values people and the power of collaboration in creativity. 

Onari's inspiring journey took off years ago, and he reminisces on the moments that have shaped him. "Coming 2nd runner-up in the 2019 MusicBed Filmmaker Competition alongside my colleagues at Prassars Collective. That was such a moment.”  So, when it gets difficult, he reminds himself why he started. "I always go back to the core of what I'm passionate about and remind myself why it pleases me the most."

Photographed by Wale Adebisi

Big dreams require hard work and diligence to become realities. Onari believes that the one thing that keeps him focused and grounded is his dream. "I'd like to work with Brthr and Gibson Hazard, and other professionals, making great films." Onari Oruye's path to becoming a cinematic genius is now glaring, and his superpower is imagery.

Photographed by Wale Adebisi