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Tag: Tolani Alli

  • Tolani Alli announces ‘The HaTricks’ photography, storytelling masterclass

    Tolani Alli announces ‘The HaTricks’ photography, storytelling masterclass

    Award-winning photographer and visual storyteller, Tolani Alli, has announced the launch of The HaTricks Masterclass, a four-day photography and storytelling programme scheduled to take place from January 21 to January 24, 2026.

    The announcement was made via her Instagram page, where Alli described the initiative as a deeply personal project shaped by years of intense creative work, high-pressure assignments, and the responsibility of documenting defining moments as they unfold.

    “The HaTricks Masterclass was born from years of giving everything to this craft. The long nights. The early mornings. The pressure of getting it right when history is unfolding in front of you. It carries the lessons I learned through discipline, mistakes, correction, faith, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.”

    According to Alli, the masterclass goes beyond teaching camera techniques, focusing instead on the principles that underpin powerful visual storytelling and professional presence.

    “This is where I share not only how to make photographs, but how stories are truly built. How to see before you shoot. How to prepare before the moment arrives. How to show up with confidence in important rooms. How to tell real stories in a way that people remember and trust.”

    Participants will be guided through topics including intentional composition, editing choices, narrative clarity, and the emotional intelligence required to communicate effectively across different platforms.

    Alli further explained that impactful storytelling is not defined by visuals alone.

    “Every frame I have made was intentional. From how it is composed, to how it is edited, to knowing when to add sound and when to let silence speak. From guiding leaders on how to show up well, to helping organizations and projects communicate clearly across platforms. The work is not just visual. It is about emotion, intention, and human connection.”

    She described the programme as an open invitation to creatives who feel a deeper calling within their craft.

    “If any part of this sounds like you. If you have ever cared deeply about getting it right. If you know you are meant to do more with your craft than just take pictures. Then this is me opening my hands and inviting you in.”

    Registration for The HaTricks Masterclass is available in two categories. The General package, priced at ₦250,000, runs from January 21, 2026, while the VIP package, costing $2,000, will take place from January 23 to January 24, 2026, offering expanded access and deeper engagement.

    The masterclass is sponsored by Payaza, with organisers noting that spaces are limited. Through this initiative, Tolani Alli continues to strengthen her reputation not only as a respected documentarian of leadership and power but also as a mentor committed to nurturing the next generation of African visual storytellers.

  • Tolani Alli’s meteoric rise to World Bank

    Tolani Alli’s meteoric rise to World Bank

    One of Nigeria’s best documentary photographers and visual storytellers, Tolani Alli, has put the country on the global map again. Her latest entry into the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, United States where she will work with the institution’s leadership team to shape global conversations around development, impact and progress through the power of visual storytelling, has elicited cheers.

    This new role follows Tolani’s time as Executive Digital Storyteller to the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, where she documented the Bank’s work across several African nations.

    For Tolani, this sterling accomplishment is down to grit, hard work, perseverance and determination. This is indeed a motivation for many young Nigerians in constant pursuit of excellence in their various callings.

    A life of adventure is what some people like Tolani wear like a second skin. Her feat has brought glory not just to her but also to Nigeria. It is a reflection of her resilience and passion. It also embodies the true spirit of doggedness and tenacity of purpose.

    Kneeling, running, squatting, jumping, all of these characterise the efforts Tolani put in place to get her impeccable shots. She goes even as far as riding atop moving vehicles to capturing shots, telling stories and documenting histories.

    With a meteoric rise to fame, Tolani’s intuitive approach to photography has helped her gain prominence over the years. Tolani first documented the late Abiola Ajimobi, a former Oyo Governor, at a time when photography at that scale had limited female representation, before stepping into Novo Isioro’s shoes when she left the job to pursue other endeavours.

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    Tolani credits her photography journey to a chance interest in a camera after watching an Aston Kutcher cannon commercial while battling a grave illness. As her true passion for photography emerged, she transformed from being medical school bound to becoming obsessed with photography and telling stories with her lens.

    Before settling into photography, Between September 2013 and December 2014, Tolani Alli worked as a Software and Hardware Technician at Apple in the United States. Before her employment at Apple, she worked as a Health Specialist in Genesee County, Michigan.

    Tolani popularly known as ‘The Hat’ has the late Legendary American basketball player Kobe Bryant as her role model.

    In her new role at the World Bank, she will serve as a Creative Campaign Coordinator and Director for one of the world’s largest development finance institutions.

    Tolani’s latest feat is to encourage more Nigerian women to break barriers and compete favourably with their male counterparts in any sphere of life.