British-Nigerian Artist, Adaeze Pushes New Frontiers for Black History Month

Yinka Olatunbosun

British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist, Adaeze Adinnu has proposed the inclusion of visual art in Black History celebration in Islington Borough. She made this call during a recent visit to Mayor Jason Jackson at the historic Islington Town Hall, London.

For her, including visual art in Black History Month celebrations is a powerful way to provide a platform for artists’ voices to be heard while conveying complex stories, experiences, and emotions in a way that resonates with the audience.

Beyond this, she observed that by promoting diversity and inclusion, visual artists can help to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes, promoting a more inclusive understanding of culture in Islington Borough.

The visit also heralded the presentation of a bespoke portrait painting created by Adaeze in honour of the Mayor — a work that has been widely acclaimed as one of the finest ever showcased within the Town Hall’s walls.

Mayor Jackson received the artist with warmth and admiration, praising the portrait’s emotional depth and cultural resonance. The artwork has since been selected to join the official portrait collection of past mayors of Islington Borough, solidifying its place in the borough’s civic and artistic heritage.

Adaeze Adinnu becomes the first UK based Nigerian female artist to have her painting of a Mayor of Islington permanently on display at the Islington town hall.

During the meeting with the Mayor, Adaeze presented a proposal for the Borough to designate October 9th as a dedicated day to celebrate Black History in Islington, using art as a bridge for unity, inclusion, and cross-cultural dialogue.

The initiative, which aligns with the UK-wide Black History Month commemorations, aims to establish an annual art-focused event that brings together local and international creatives — showcasing diverse forms of artistic expression such as painting, sculpture, fashion, performance, and storytelling.

“Art has the power to unite communities, inspire understanding, and honour every person who contributes to the British story,” said Adaeze Adinnu.

“This celebration isn’t just about people of colour — it’s for everyone who has shaped and continues to shape our cultural fabric. I believe Islington can lead by example, using art to remind us that diversity is our shared strength.”

Mayor Jackson expressed strong support for the proposal, confirming plans to discuss it with the Borough’s cultural leadership.

“What Adaeze is proposing is tangible and transformative,” said Mayor Jason Jackson. “Islington has always been proud of its diversity and creative spirit. This initiative adds a powerful new dimension to how we celebrate that.”

Adinnu and the Mayor also discussed future opportunities for collaboration, including youth art workshops, creative residencies and mental well-being programmes that integrate art as a form of social expression.

The Mayor, known for his progressive community-building agenda, acknowledged the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the borough’s sense of identity.

“It’s not every day you receive a portrait of such calibre,” the Mayor remarked. “This meeting reflects the power of art to shape civic memory and community connection.”
Adaeze Adinnu is a British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist, Founder and CEO of Fabloz Artistry and a member of the British Art Network (BAN). A graduate of the University of Northampton, Adinnu’s art combines realism, symbolism, and emotional depth to explore identity, resilience, femininity, and social transformation.

Her works have been showcased in prestigious exhibitions across the UK, US, and Nigeria, including The Holy Art Gallery (London), Mitochondria Gallery (Houston), Redwood Art Group (Dallas), and Rele Gallery (Lagos). She has also received awards and recognition from UNESCO and the Commonwealth London, where her paintings were displayed.

Through Fabloz Artistry, Adinnu continues to empower emerging talents — especially women in the creative industry — and advocate for art as a force for social dialogue, cultural empowerment, and collective healing.

The proposed event would feature local and international artists, showcasing creative expressions — from painting and sculpture to performance and traditional attire — as a way of shaping and promoting the borough’s cultural landscape. Mayor Jackson welcomed the proposal, promising to advance it through the council’s cultural programmes.

“Art has the power to bring people together,” Adinnu said. “My vision is to see Islington become a home for creative expression — a community where diversity, heritage, and shared stories are honoured through art.”

The Mayor praised Adinnu’s contribution and commitment to community engagement, further expressing interest in future collaborations, including youth art workshops and creative dialogues within the borough.

Adinnu’s visit underscores her growing global influence as an artist whose works and initiatives inspire social transformation. Her portrait for Mayor Jackson joins a lineage of her high-profile works.

Through her artistry, Adaeze continues to champion inclusion, creativity, and cultural pride — reminding the world that art is not just seen, but felt — and through it, communities find their voice.