Bucknell University was abuzz with anticipation as we had the privilege of welcoming back Ibiyinka Alao, the UN Cultural Ambassador of Art from Nigeria. It was a delightful experience to reconnect with Alao, especially after our first interview with him in 2021 during his initial visit to our campus. This time, Alao returned with even deeper insights into the art of storytelling, enriching our Spring series on Black Joy.
During his previous visit, Alao eloquently tied his narrative to the theme of family and fatherhood, relating it to the biology and environmental focus of the event. Upon his return, we had the opportunity to delve into his latest perspectives and endeavors, touching upon various departments within the university, including the Theatre and Dance Department, the Science Department, and the Griot Institute.
Reflecting on his return after almost four years, Alao shared exciting developments in his artistic journey. He discussed projects such as “Fireflies at Concerts,” a musical choreographed by students, which he hopes to showcase on Broadway with organizations like Carnegie Hall and The Shed. Additionally, he unveiled a new painting, a colossal 100-foot masterpiece that serves as the backdrop for the musical, emphasizing the interdisciplinary collaboration between the visual arts, science, biology, and storytelling.
One of the highlights of our conversation was Alao’s and his wife’s dedication to working with children. He emphasized the importance of simplifying complex themes, such as peacebuilding and climate change, to make them accessible to young minds. Through his art and storytelling, he strives to provide children with a platform to discuss complex topics like life and death, offering them solace and understanding in the process.
When asked about the theme of Black Joy, Alao eloquently addressed the disparity between Western media portrayals of Blackness and the rich tapestry of joy within his culture. Despite facing challenges, he radiated with pride as he emphasized that joy stems from intangible, spiritual sources rooted in a deep sense of identity and heritage instilled during his upbringing, inviting the audience to share in this cultural pride.
As a UN ambassador of peace, Alao shared insights into the evolving landscape of diplomacy and peacebuilding. He lamented the politicization of international organizations, advocating for a new approach to effecting positive change through art and dialogue. He says his art is about joy, but there are a lot of challenges. The source of one’s joy is not tangible or perishable; it is spiritual. The Black race has a lot of joy that is not shown in Western media; slavery, crime, and poverty are shown, and people see that as an absence of joy, but he understands the source of his joy comes from other things.
Our conversation also delved into the fascinating realm of bioluminescence, fireflies, and storytelling. Alao highlighted the importance of using storytelling to convey scientific concepts, particularly in addressing pressing issues like climate change in an easily digestible and understandable forum rather than through metaphors that verge away from post-apocalyptic Zombie universes. He underscored the interconnectedness of all living beings, urging us to recognize our responsibility to the earth and each other and apply the life of fireflies to our day-to-day life as the enzyme that oxidizes to create the light is still being researched and may revolutionize the way we live.
In conclusion, our interview with Ibiyinka Alao was a testament to the transformative power of art and storytelling in fostering understanding, joy, and peace. His insights inspire us to embrace our cultural heritage, engage with difficult topics, and work towards a brighter, more harmonious world for future generations. As we explore the intersection of art, science, and humanity, we may find inspiration in Alao’s unwavering commitment to creating a better tomorrow through creativity and compassion.