Nigeria/USA

Taoheed Bayo is a 25-year-old movement director, nomad, and director hailing from Lagos, Nigeria and currently residing in the United States. As an immigrant, he has come to recognize the prevailing bystander's perspective often applied to the tales of his community and is determined to transform this narrative by allowing immigrants to tell their own stories. In his artistic pursuits, Taoheed's focus lies in illuminating Black stories, reflecting an extension of his very being. Through his art, he discovers a profound sense of liberation and an opportunity to explore the world around him. It also serves as an expression of his commitment to humanity, embracing novel ideas and concepts while celebrating the universal essence of freedom.

Dance is a language that Taoheed speaks fluently, surpassed only by his native tongue of Yoruba and the English language. Within the realm of dance, he finds a boundless platform devoid of barriers and judgments, allowing him to experience true freedom. Through his dance, he brings to life an identity that is uniquely born through movement, telling the stories of his migration from Nigeria to the United States alongside his family and his nomadic journey. These artistic expressions mirror the journey of his life, encompassing years of adaptation, assimilation, and the pursuit of happiness and better opportunities.

As an artist, Taoheed takes on the crucial role of a culture bearer, engaging communities in their creative endeavors, and contributing to the celebration and preservation of culture.

Filmography

Ààrẹ (2022)