John Akande is a Nigerian contemporary artist celebrated for his vivid figurative paintings that celebrate the richness of African culture in its unfiltered, everyday form. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Akande draws deep inspiration from the cultural rhythms, traditions, and moral textures of his environment, translating lived experience into emotionally resonant visual stories.

Largely self-taught but refined through formal studies at Yaba College of Technology, his practice fuses expressionism with realist techniques, often working in acrylics, mixed media, and oil on canvas. His signature works are marked by bold color palettes, dynamic storytelling, and layered textures, sometimes incorporating newspaper collage to reflect the dialogue between past and present.

Influenced by music and animation, his compositions possess a rhythmic, almost therapeutic quality that invites emotional connection. Akande’s art often addresses identity, memory, and the contagious spirit of African life—making each piece not just a painting, but a celebration of cultural presence.

John Akande has exhibited in both Nigerian and international art scenes, and continues to build a growing following among collectors and curators seeking authentic, vibrant African contemporary art.