In 2024 Autograph opened Spirit of Lagos, the first exhibition of works from Abi Morocco Photos, one of the most vibrant photographic studios operating in Lagos. Following the exhibition, Autograph added 10 of the remarkable black-and-white portraits celebrating the rich style and joyous spirit of Lagos to our collection of photography.
The photography studio, located on Aina Street in Shogunle from the 1970s to 2006, was operated by husband-and-wife duo John Abe and Funmilayo Abe. While these collection highlights demonstrate a more formal approach to studio portraiture, the Abe’s oeuvre encompassed a variety of styles including commissioned photos at home and moments of celebration.
In the 2000s many studios, including Abi Morocco Photos, transitioned towards digital photography. As a result, many negatives and physical records were at risk of being lost or destroyed in favour of new technologies. The works above are now cared for as part of Autograph’s collection and are the result of the ongoing efforts of the Lagos Studio Archives project, which aims to preserve and present the legacy of Nigerian studio photography. Through their research – supported by a residency at Guest Artist Space Foundation – the contributions of studios like Abi Morocco Photos are now recognised in the cultural history and discourse of African studio portraiture.
Funmilayo Abe (b. 1953, Mushin, Nigeria) specialised in various forms of commercial portraiture, including studio portraits, documentary, and street photography.
She chose not to pursue formal schooling after primary school and instead followed her passion for photography. Between 1967 and 1970, she apprenticed with a local female photographer known as "Nike Photo" in Shogunle, where she honed her skills in photography and enjoyed the solitude of the darkroom. Gaining respect in her community as a talented photographer, Abe established several studios from 1969 to 2021, both independently and with her husband. These studios included “Funmilayo Photo,” “Young Abi Morocco Photos,” “Abi Morocco Photos,” and “Jadesola Photo.” She retired in 2021, she continues to live in Alagbado, Lagos State.
John Abe (b.1946, Ekiti, Nigeria – d. 2024, Alagbado, Lagos State, Nigeria) developed an interest in photography at age 12 when a photographer was commissioned to take portraits of his mother and grandmother at their home.
He recalls watching the photographer at work was like seeing a magician perform magic. Determined to pursue his passion, he apprenticed under Mr. Oladiran Asaiya, also known as "Yankee Photo," in Ogun State between 1968-1969. After moving to Lagos in 1969, Abe was able to purchase his first camera and a bicycle, which he used to travel around, advertising his services with a bag labelled "Abi Morocco." Over the years, the studio operated under various names in independence and partnership with his wife including "Young Abi Morocco Adeomosun Photos," "Young Abi Morocco Photos," and "Abi Morocco Photos." Specialising in many forms of portraiture Abe continued his photography career and ran the studio until his retirement in 2006. Abe passed away in June 2024 at the age of 77.
View more images from Abi Morocco Photos in this online gallery of highlights from Autograph's Spirit of Lagos exhibition.
ViewImages on page: 1+2) Abi Morocco Photos, Aina Street, Shogunle, 1979. Courtesy Lagos Studio Archives. © Abi Morocco Photos. 3) Abi Morocco Photos, Aina Street, Shogunle, Lagos [detail], c.1970s. Courtesy Lagos Studio Archives. © Abi Morocco Photos. 4) Courtesy Lagos Studio Archives. © Abi Morocco Photos. 5) Abi Morocco Photos, Ikeja [detail], c.1970s. Courtesy Lagos Studio Archives. © Abi Morocco Photos.
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