"The New Oba" invites reflection on the growing influence of China in Africa, questioning how global powers interact with and impact one another. In my work, I imagine a unique cultural exchange—where traditional, secluded Chinese culture not only nurtures but also borrows from African traditions, and vice versa. This reciprocal flow of influences creates a new narrative in which foreign iconographies are intertwined, provoking a deeper exploration of the ironic complexities of geopolitics.

By weaving these disparate cultural symbols together, I aim to raise questions about power dynamics, identity, and the evolving relationships between continents. In this sense, my work is not unlike the actions of people and artists throughout history who have sought to merge ideas, traditions, and influences from across the globe. The fusion of these ideas is a process of reinterpretation, a dialogue between cultures that transcends borders.

I do not claim to control my ideas; rather, I see myself as an interpreter, allowing these ideas to materialise organically and honestly. My role as an artist is not to dictate meaning but to give space for it to unfold in the most authentic way possible. Through this approach, "The New Oba" becomes an exploration of how cultural exchanges shape our understanding of history, power, and the global narrative in ways that are often unexpected and complex.