Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active Internet users worldwide? Can you imagine all the different ways in which we all use the internet? Obasanjo’s Internet is our interview series where we speak to some of our Internet favorites on how they relate to the Internet and what it means to them […]
6 months ago
Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active Internet users worldwide? Can you imagine all the different ways in which we all use the internet? Obasanjo’s Internet is our interview series where we speak to some of our Internet favorites on how they relate to the Internet and what it means to them and their work. This week, multidisciplinary creative, Niyi Okeowo talks to us about how he uses Obasanjo’s Internet.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I go through my phone but I think mostly to check the time. The thing is these days, because I support AC Milan and this is the transfer period I’ve been checking the website first in the morning. But on a normal day, I check my phone to see what time it is.
How do you use the internet for work or pleasure?
I think both. I would say I use the internet more for research because I’m visually inspired and my work deals with visuals. So I tend to consume a lot of visual information every day.
What moment or episode in your life would you say captured the essence of the internet?
I’d say COVID when we couldn’t see our families. I have a very close family and my grandma died shortly before COVID, so around that period. We created a group chat on WhatsApp to keep everybody close. I think that was my first family group chat. I just realized how cool the internet can be because we have people in Canada, America, UK, Spain, Malta, and different places all being connected because of the internet.
Your favorite social media platform and why?
Instagram because it allows me to consume content without having to contribute too much or say too much. I can just scroll and look at pictures continuously then move on with my day. I’ll say Twitter is second.
What was the last meme you saved?
Do you remember the first time something you posted went viral? What was it? How did it make you feel?
There was something I did that sort of tricked people. I photoshopped my Instagram notifications to look like Kanye West liked my Instagram post. The reception was very interesting because I started getting comments like “You’ve finally made it,” which I found weird. After all, it’s like, so if Kanye hadn’t liked the picture – which he didn’t anyway, would people react this way? It was very interesting seeing people be nice to me just because they thought Kanye West liked that picture.
What’s the most outrage you have ever generated over something you posted? How did you react to it?
Ironically, it’s the Rema logo because there was some confusion over plagiarism. They thought I copied so people just kept on putting side comments on Instagram and Twitter about how I copied someone else. Outside that, I’m not a provocative person online so I barely have posts that outrage people. I only post work and my work isn’t political. It is what it is, maybe a flying bird with a gold statue. It’s rare for someone to be outraged by that.
What rules do you live by on the internet?
Never post your naked pictures, never share family issues, and never reveal too much about yourself. There are more rules from a cyber security-conscious perspective. I’ve seen videos where people can follow you for six months and in six months they’ve gotten all the information they need to know – your date of birth. You never know, you just keep posting and you think nobody is paying attention but people are using it for social engineering.
What is your guiltiest online pleasure?
Mehn. Shade Room and Instablog. I dedicate a day where it’s like “time to look at Shade Room and Intsablog.” Especially when I need to wind down. I consume a lot of pop culture as well.
Would you say you have an online persona?
Not really because I mostly post work so it’s very hard to note my personality from what you see online. But if I have one then it’s just the guy who comes, post design, always retweeting design, talking about design.
Are you particular about feed?
100%. I want my need to be creative-led. Things with creativity. I block people who post spammy tweets like the BBN season now, those people who keep posting about it. I block people who post porn. If I see it on my timeline or it’s directed towards me.
What’s your favorite emoji and why?
My favorite emoji would be the side-eye emoji. I’m a very sarcastic person so it feels like a reflection of my face when someone is saying something and I do not know what the hell they’re talking about.
I hate the googly eye emoji with a passion. I think they call it a ‘pleading face.’ I just think you’re a childish person if you’re using that emoji. Just speak up.
Youtube or TikTok? Which do you prefer and why?
YouTube, just because I’m much older and I know TikTok is Vine that was rebranded. Also, I can get long-form information. TikTok is very brief so if I’m going on TikTok it’s mostly for entertainment but I’m not a fan of stories being split into eight different posts.
Which Nigerian creator do you think the world needs to see and hear more of?
Layi Wasabi. I love that he doesn’t use degrading humor because that is one thing I find very odd in Nigerian comedy. It’s either we’re shitting on the country, or we’re shitting on women or mocking women. It’s just always something very derogatory but Layi finds ways to touch on topics that are a bit difficult in a graceful way. And he is rarely vulgar so it’s something that even children can consume if they stumble across it. I mean, I don’t see why children will be on TikTok watching vulgar content, but I am just saying that if anybody came across it, it is very easy to digest. I like what he’s doing. I think he’s very intelligent with how he does comedy and social commentary.
Who is the coolest person you follow and the coolest person who follows you?
The coolest person who follows me is my mum, first of all. Then the coolest person I follow? I would say Pharell.
What is your favorite Nigerian podcast?
The thing is I don’t listen to a lot of podcasts. I will just say Submarine and a Roach then I Said What I Said.
Have you ever hooked up with someone you met online? Did you regret it?
Yes and no. There are people that I’ve regretted, there’re people that it’s been nice.
5 people you’d love to see answer these questions
Seun Opabisi, Wale from SDC, Renike Olusanya, Opemipo Aikomo and Seyi Vibez.
Read previous Obasanjo’s Internet entries here.
