Imagine a young boy from Imo State who loved to draw. Now imagine that same boy growing up to become one of Nigeria’s most respected photographers. That’s the story of Kelechi Amadi-Obi. His journey from a small town in Eastern Nigeria to the big stages of fashion and art is truly inspiring.
Kelechi Amadi-Obi was born in 1969 in Mbaise, Imo State. From a young age, he showed a talent for art. He loved to draw and paint, capturing the world around him on paper. Little did he know that this hobby would one day become his life’s work.
But Kelechi’s path wasn’t straightforward. Like many Nigerian children, he was encouraged to pursue a “serious” profession. So, he studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He even practiced as a lawyer for a while. But his heart was always with art.
Profile Summary
Name: Kelechi Amadi-Obi
Born: 1969 in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria
Profession: Photographer, Painter, Lawyer
Known for: Fashion and portrait photography, founding AMADE Magazine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelechiamadiobi/
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Mbaise, Kelechi Amadi-Obi was surrounded by the rich culture and traditions of the Igbo people. This early exposure to art and creativity would later influence his work as a photographer and painter.
In school, Kelechi was a good student. He excelled in his studies, but he also found time for his artistic pursuits. His teachers and classmates often praised his drawings and paintings. Despite his obvious talent, Kelechi’s parents, like many Nigerian parents, wanted him to have a stable career. That’s why he ended up studying law.
At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Kelechi Amadi-Obi continued to develop his artistic skills alongside his law studies. He joined art clubs and participated in exhibitions. This was where he first started to gain recognition for his talent.
After graduating with his law degree, Kelechi went on to attend the Nigerian Law School. He became a qualified lawyer, but his passion for art remained strong.
The Transition to Art
Even while working as a lawyer, Kelechi Amadi-Obi couldn’t stay away from art. He would spend his free time painting and taking photographs. Gradually, he realized that this was what he truly wanted to do with his life.
In the mid-1990s, Kelechi made the bold decision to leave his law career and pursue art full-time. It wasn’t an easy choice. Many people thought he was crazy to give up a stable profession for something as uncertain as art. But Kelechi knew he had to follow his heart.
He started by focusing on painting. His early works were mostly portraits and landscapes. He quickly gained attention in the Nigerian art scene for his unique style and attention to detail.
The Move to Photography
While Kelechi Amadi-Obi was successful as a painter, he soon discovered another passion: photography. He found that photography allowed him to capture moments and emotions in a way that was different from painting.
At first, Kelechi used photography as a tool to help with his paintings. He would take photos of subjects and then use them as references for his artwork. But soon, he fell in love with photography itself.
Kelechi’s background in painting gave him a unique perspective as a photographer. He had an eye for composition and lighting that set his photos apart. He also brought an artistic flair to his work that was uncommon in Nigerian photography at the time.
Rise to Fame
As Kelechi Amadi-Obis skills in photography grew, so did his reputation. He started getting jobs shooting for magazines and advertising campaigns. His work stood out because it wasn’t just about taking pictures – it was about creating art.
One of Kelechi’s big breaks came when he started working in fashion photography. He brought a fresh perspective to the Nigerian fashion industry, creating images that were both beautiful and thought-provoking.
His photos began appearing in major Nigerian magazines. Soon, he was working with some of the biggest names in Nigerian fashion and entertainment. Models, actors, and musicians all wanted to be photographed by Kelechi Amadi-Obi.
AMADE Magazine
In 2008, Kelechi Amadi-Obi took a big step in his career. He founded AMADE Magazine, a high-end fashion and lifestyle publication. This was more than just a business venture – it was a platform for Kelechi to showcase his vision of Nigerian fashion and culture.
AMADE quickly became one of Nigeria’s top fashion magazines. It featured stunning photography (much of it shot by Kelechi himself), interviews with Nigerian celebrities, and articles on fashion and lifestyle.
Through AMADE, Kelechi has been able to promote Nigerian talent and creativity. The magazine has helped launch the careers of many Nigerian models, designers, and photographers.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Kelechi has received many awards for his work. In 2004, he won the St. Moritz Style Award for Photography. He’s also been recognized by the Nigeria Media Merit Awards and the Future Awards Africa.
But perhaps the greatest recognition of Kelechi’s talent is the respect he’s earned from his peers. He’s often called the “photographer’s photographer” because even other professional photographers admire his work.
Kelechi has also been invited to exhibit his work internationally. His photos have been shown in galleries in London, New York, and Paris, helping to put Nigerian photography on the global map.
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Net Worth and Assets
As one of Nigeria’s top photographers, Kelechi commands high fees for his work. His clients include major fashion brands, celebrities, and international companies. This, combined with the income from AMADE Magazine, likely puts his earnings well above the average Nigerian professional.
In terms of assets, Kelechi owns a state-of-the-art photography studio in Lagos. This studio is equipped with top-of-the-line cameras, lighting equipment, and computers for photo editing. The value of this equipment alone is significant.
Kelechi also likely owns property in Lagos, where real estate prices are among the highest in Africa. As a successful businessman, he may have investments in other areas as well, such as stocks or other businesses.
