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 favourites on how they relate to the Internet and what it means to them and their work. This week, Photographer and Creative Director of OfTheBuj, Pelumi Obanure talks to us about how he uses Obasanjo’s Internet.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I say a short prayer before I start my day. I believe it’s important to start your day with God.
How do you use the internet for work or pleasure?
I use it for both, to be honest. I’m in a series of things that involve the internet. I work at a school as a Communications Director, so I’m handling PR and social media. I do creative work for OfTheBuj as well so it’s definitely 80% work 20% pleasure.
What moment or episode in your life would you say captured the essence of the internet?
I would say during Covid. I feel like people just realised how much smaller the world has become because of the internet. That period felt like “yeah this is it. This is essentially what we’ve been saying the whole time.”
Your favourite social media platform and why?
I’d have to say between Instagram and TikTok. I don’t really give TikTok that much love because I forget to go on it sometimes, but its so fun. It’s random, chaotic and hilarious.
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?
I posted a picture of Eva Apio and Father DMW and I tagged it power couple. It just kind of solidified what I already thought of myself; that I’m funny. I think I’m really funny and people can attest to that.
What’s the most outrage you have ever generated over something you posted? How did you react to it?
I’m not very problematic on the internet. I generally stay away from drama. I say what’s on my mind, but there’s a lot I don’t say. Now that I think about it, I don’t think I have generated outrage.
What rules do you live by on the internet?
“Not everyone has to know.”
What is your guiltiest online pleasure?
There’s this page called “natureismetal” and it just shows how cold mother nature is. It could be a disaster, it could be an animal being preyed on or a pack of lions just brutalising a Zebra, but it’s so cold. It makes you realise that that’s life for you. Shit could just happen and it’s the course of nature.
Would you say you have an online persona?
I feel like I do, and I hope to God that people think I’m mysterious because that’s like the whole thing I’ve been working on, probably since High School. I wanted to make sure people were talking about me or looking at me in the corner of the room like “who’s that guy.”
My online persona would be mystery, fine boy, creative while real life is 9-5, working in a high school, doing administrative work but also still maintaining that fine boy persona.
What’s your favourite emoji and why?
It’s probably the heart emoji with hands. I feel like that’s my emoji, cause you know, show love!
Are you particular about your feed?
Yes and no because I’d decide not to post anything for 4 months and then post something completely unrelated to what you think the aesthetic of my page is. I think its somewhere in the middle – I don’t care but I care.
YouTube or TikTok? Which do you prefer and why?
I feel like YouTube is more practical. I’m constantly trying to do DIY things so if there’s something I’d like to figure out, I’d go to YouTube.
Which Nigerian creator do you think the world needs to see and hear more of?
I’d say Adanna. She’s an influencer in Abuja. She’s a very talented and driven young woman.
Who is the coolest person you follow and the coolest person who follows you?
I haven’t thought about that before. There’s this guy who makes content using drones, his name his Mike Visuals. I just love his page.
All my people are cool, I actually don’t know who the coolest I follow is.
What is your favourite Nigerian podcast?
I Said What I Said.
Have you ever hooked up with someone you met online?
Of course.
5 people you’d love to see answer these questions.
Coco, Nathan, Telz, Oluchi, Tomi Obanure.
Read previous Obasanjo’s Internet entries here.