The founder of Nike Art Gallery, Nike Davies-Okundaye, popularly known as Mama Nike, has just commended the recently launched project of Toheeb Balogun, “Don’t Tell These Stories”, stating that its innovative expression has a great potential to influence global audiences.
Nike during a private meeting with the creative writer noted that the book is not just literature—it is a work of art that merges storytelling, visual elements, and performance in a seamless and thought-provoking way.
She said: “I love the artistic nature of this project; It is beautifully crafted, visually compelling, and intellectually stimulating. Toheeb has presented his work in a way that speaks deeply to both the heart and the intellect.”
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She went on to describe Don’t Tell These Stories as a bold step in redefining storytelling, adding that its multi-modal approach holds the power to resonate with audiences far beyond Nigeria.
Mama Nike included the project, a compilation of flash fiction stories with illustrating visuals, in her Nike Art Lagos gallery, a cultural hub visited by international art collectors and enthusiasts.
She said there are plans to feature the book and its accompanying artworks at the Abuja branch of the Nike Art Gallery, further expanding its reach.
“This is a work that needs to be seen by the world. It challenges conventional narratives and invites us to engage deeply with the stories we often suppress,” she said.
Expressing his excitement for the new collaboration, Balogun said Nike’s validation is a dream comes true.
He said: “Nike’s endorsement is a profound moment for me as an artist. Her support shows that Don’t Tell These Stories has not only been accepted but also recognized as an important contribution to the art world.