Benin Boys

The Benin Boys are a group of graffiti artists who have been active in the streets of Benin City, Nigeria, since the early 2000s. The group is made up of five members: Osagie "Osagz" Aideyan, Stanley "Stancy" Ogbebor, Samuel "Shibi" Isioma, Osaro "Osawaru" Aibangbee, and Osazee "Daze" Osagie.

The Benin Boys are known for their vibrant and colorful graffiti, which often incorporates traditional Benin motifs and symbolism. Their work has been featured in exhibitions around the world, and they have been commissioned to create murals for both public and private spaces.

In addition to their graffiti work, the Benin Boys are also active in the community. They have founded a non-profit organization called the Benin City Graffiti and Street Art Project, which provides graffiti workshops for young people and promotes the use of graffiti as a positive force for change.

The Benin Boys are a unique and talented group of artists who are making a significant contribution to the contemporary art scene in Nigeria. Their work is both beautiful and meaningful, and they are an inspiration to young people around the world.

The Early Years

The Benin Boys grew up in Benin City, a bustling city in southern Nigeria. They were all drawn to graffiti as young teenagers, and they quickly began to develop their own unique style.

The Benin Boys were inspired by the graffiti they saw in magazines and on the internet, but they also wanted to create something that was uniquely Nigerian. They began to incorporate traditional Benin motifs and symbolism into their work, and they soon developed a style that was both distinctive and eye-catching.

Making a Name for Themselves

The Benin Boys began to make a name for themselves in the early 2000s. They started to paint their graffiti on walls and buildings all over Benin City, and they quickly gained a following. Their work was both beautiful and thought-provoking, and it soon caught the attention of the international art world.

In 2004, the Benin Boys were invited to participate in an exhibition in London. This was a major opportunity for them, and it helped to launch their career on the international stage. Since then, they have exhibited their work in galleries and museums around the world, and they have been commissioned to create murals for both public and private spaces.

Giving Back to the Community

In addition to their graffiti work, the Benin Boys are also active in the community. They have founded a non-profit organization called the Benin City Graffiti and Street Art Project, which provides graffiti workshops for young people and promotes the use of graffiti as a positive force for change.

The Benin Boys believe that graffiti can be a powerful tool for social change. They use their workshops to teach young people about the history and culture of graffiti, and they encourage them to use their art to express themselves and make a difference in the world.