Laolu Senbanjo

Laolu Senbanjo, or 'Laolu NYC,' is a Nigerian-born, Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist whose work spans music, performing arts, visual art, human rights law, and activism. Laolu's creative journey began in the legal field, where he practiced law in Nigeria for three years. However, driven by a desire to help people reveal their truths, he redirected his path toward art, settling in New York City to pursue his passion full-time. Guided by the philosophy that everything is a canvas from paper and walls to buildings, cars, and even people Laolu infuses Yoruba heritage into each piece. His mission is to embed his essence and culture across the globe, one artwork at a time. Laolu has collaborated with notable figures such as Beyonce, Burna Boy, J. Balvin, Serena Williams, Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Bad Bunny, and Lupita Nyong'o. His unique 'Sacred Art of the Ori' technique adorned Beyonce’s Grammy award-winning 2016 visual album, Lemonade. His extraordinary talent has been recognized on the covers of The New York Times and in prominent publications like The Fader, Vogue, Vice, CNN, and BBC. Laolu's ever-growing list of collaborations includes prestigious brands and organizations such as Lladr, The Recording Academy, Parkwood Entertainment, Nike, Equinox Fitness, Belvedere, Bvlgari, and TED. With each collaboration, he continues to push boundaries and inspire others with his captivating artistry. Laolu is a passionate advocate for the causes he believes in, championing changemaking as he forges new paths and inspires vital, sustainable dialogue. His art captivates and remains relevant, serving as a powerful vehicle for social impact. As a thought leader, he has graced pivotal platforms, including TED Talks, the United Nations General Assembly, Global Citizen, SXSW, and Harvard and Columbia's Africa Business Conference. In 2024, Laolu released The ORI EP, which earned a place on the 67th Grammy Awards ballot in the Best Global Album category. The EP showcases Laolu’s unique fusion of traditional African sounds with contemporary influences, creating a vibrant tapestry of music that resonates on multiple levels. The project features collaborations with celebrated artists Seun Kuti, the son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, and the dynamic pop sensation Yemi Alade, among others. Each track reflects a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, celebrating the beauty of heritage while inviting listeners to connect with their own origins. The ORI EP is available now on all major streaming platforms.