Daniel Obasi captures the immersive energy of Nigeria’s biggest carnival for Atmos Magazine

Shot for Atmos Magazine, multi-disciplinary artist Daniel Obasi documents the dream-like euphoria that courses through Nigeria’s biggest carnival in short film The Way of the Birds. Alongside the accompanying photo project, featured in Volume 8: Rhythm, the film translates the undefinable energy of Calabar on carnival days: where performers sashay through the streets, adorned in flamboyant costumes, vibrant body paint, and ethereal wings, everyone moving in effortless rhythm.

Taking the carnival from the streets to more intimate settings around the city, Obasi lenses the sense of freedom and power carried through its performers, casting Calabar locals – with the exception of Tobi Momoh – most of whom already dance with carnival bands. Styled in costumes reliant upon upcycled materials, worn alongside pieces by Nigerian designers, inspiration is taken from the natural landscape, with each carnival band likened to a flock of birds for their collective energy and vibrant colours.

An exploration of Afrocentric concepts intended to expand how the rest of the world talks about the African continent, Obasi offers an authentic picture of carnival culture through the landscape, characters and rich cultural traditions that bring it to life.