We recently had the chance to connect with OGO and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning OGO , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
INTEGRITY! 1000%
Without it, I have nothing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
To think that the majority of the material world we live in at one point only existed in someone’s mind is proof alone of how powerful ideas are. So, why have we become accustomed to disregarding our own ideas and failing to treat them with the level of importance they are due?
My name is OGO, a saxophonist, vocalist, and community builder committed to connection. This time last year (Aug. 2024), I had recently parted ways with my job and decided to pour my time and energy into putting on a creative show to highlight local and emerging creatives and makers. My dedication to seeing through that one idea snowballed. As I followed my ideas, one after the other, they set me on the path of building the community I craved for. And through this, Artchives was birthed. Through intentionally curated experiences, we offer a space for individuals to uncover, connect to, and express their creativity. We believe everyone is creative, and the more people who tap into it, the better off this world is. Our events are centered on three simple pillars: creativity, connection, and play–quintessential aspects of our humanity.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
From a young age, I leaned on the power of imagination to see the things that were not yet present and to dream of what could be. And someone who has always believed in me was my mother. I saw it through her actions. She invested in my creative skills and encouraged my ambitious pursuits, believing in me as much as or more than I believed in myself. I grew up in a fairly creatively affirming environment, which is not the norm in a Nigerian household, and, early on, had little doubt that anything was beyond my grasp. (I’m also a fairly persistent person, so do with that information what you will.)
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
This past year, I’ve felt confused, frustrated, and lost. This season of life has pushed me to show up with more consistency and discipline, more love, integrity, and presentness. I’ve been able to grow in very needed ways that I may not have if this year had gone exactly how I wanted it to go. As creatives, entrepreneurs, visionaries, etc., we are often forging our own path, and with it comes ambiguity. Through it, I’m ultimately learning how to show up for myself, developing my character, skills, and knowledge, and most importantly, how to be trustworthy towards myself.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to connection. Connection with self, others, and nature. This is a large reason why I am committed to community and relationship building. If we aren’t intentional about connection, it’s something that can easily be lost. I think remaining connected to these three entities is what makes life rich and gives it meaning.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people closest to me are able to say that I lived boldly and truly. That I was a source of encouragement, care, challenge, and support for them. That I lived with integrity, authenticity, and spent my life on meaningful endeavors. That i was endlessly curious and pursued and lived in truth. That I challenged them to think about the world, themselves, and others differently. That I remained grounded in truth, and connected to myself, to others, and to nature.
And I hope those not as close felt cared for and seen by me in word and in deed. I hope they feel inspired to live boldly and bring their ideas to life, actively shaping their world and those who live in it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ogosworld.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: ogo.music: https://www.instagram.com/ogo.music/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_self_edit_contact-info%3BSBW8aYAkTGyt6r9Q6M5UOg%3D%3D
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ogoexperiences?si=Ccx8qNpQPv2eH48N
Image Credits
Bstills
Visuals by Ola
