Maga Envulanza, stylist and art director based in Abuja, Nigeria

Maga Envulanza is a 25-year-old Nigerian stylist, art director, and multidisciplinary creative. Through an Afro-surrealist lens, his work explores identity, power, and memory. He blends personal mythologies with pop culture to create cinematic worlds where femininity is both weapon and performance.

His work is rooted in African narratives but shaped by global references. He balances beauty and chaos, desire and envy, tradition and rebellion with his visuals.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I started taking photos for fun and, coincidentally, made money from doing that. I love making art; I'm not worried about anything else, and I make art from what I see and like.

How did you first get into photography?

I am primarily a stylist and art director. The photography I do is Polaroid, which started after I got a Polaroid camera in my final year of university. I used the camera to get the attention of girls who wanted a Polaroid picture of themselves, and over time, I got better at the craft.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I specialise mostly in polaroid photography.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

I will say the underlying theme of my work is surrealism.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

Two achievements that hit the mark for me are when Erykah Badu reposted and followed my Instagram, and when City Girls followed my Instagram and told me she loves my work. The work was a feature on Nylon Japan.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges for me was trying to please people. I was so obsessed with producing what people would like, but now I just do what satisfies me. I had a mental breakdown in May, I became hospitalised and had to get anti psychotics and therapy. When I recovered, I became determined not to worry about what people would say; I decided just to do what I liked best.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

My dream collaboration isn't even individuals! It is GLOBAL PUBLICATIONS— I want to see my work in Dazed, i-D, Complex, Numero, Pap Magazine, Harper's Bazaar and other global youth and culture magazines. That is my dream.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I am pleased with the 54Ruum platform. I have taken a good look at the talents featured, and indeed I'm impressed by the sheer quality. I feel honoured to be featured on such a platform.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

Honestly, the scene in Nigeria is advancing so fast, and that is not surprising because Nigeria has talent and a lot to offer. I am based in Abuja, known as the land of government contracts, not creativity, so things move more slowly than in Lagos, but I'm happy to be spearheading a new movement in the city.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

I will say just start, nobody will give any chances or opportunities. I started and got better over time. As with everything in life, you get to learn on the job and improve over time.