Olukemi Lijadu

January 18, 2024

Olukemi Lijadu was born in Nigeria and educated in both the UK and US. Olukemi Lijadu, also known as "Kem Kem,” is a is a multi-disciplinary artist, DJ and philosopher.

Born in Nigeria and educated in both the UK and US, Olukemi Lijadu has a multicultural background that reflects her broad range of interests and talents. Olukemi, also known as “Kem Kem,” is a is a multi-disciplinary artist, DJ and philosopher. Her work particularly focuses on the power of cinema, which she uses to create sonic journeys to draw attention to different cultures and moments in time.

Olukemi Lijadu has been featured for her artistic projects across various platforms and has created a multi-channel film installation titled “Guardian Angel.” Her cinematic work explores personal experiences and the intricate network of relationships within African anthropology and society. Themes that Olukemi is particularly interested in often relate to the body as an art form and draw attention to Black womanhood. “Kem Kem” is also known for her popular live performances and DJ sets that create immersive soundscapes.

Olukemi Lijadu is also fascinated by African philosophy and the different ways in which it is interpreted within the context of a Western world. According to Olukemi Lijadu’s thesis research, “the Western world priorities the written word as law. However, a lot of African philosophical thought has been passed down orally. The problem with Western modes of research is that they prioritise the written text as the foremost source martial. So, when looking at African philosophy, there is a tension, as most of that is oral”.

Olukemi Lijadu’s interdisciplinary approach to art, music, and philosophy underscores her role as a visionary thinker and cultural provocateur. Through her creative pursuits and intellectual engagements, she continues to push boundaries, provoke thought, and advocate for a deeper understanding of African cultural heritage and its intersection with global discourse. Her ongoing contributions to cinema, music, and philosophical discourse ensure her place as a trailblazer in the exploration of identity, culture, and knowledge.

In Exploring African Philosophical Systems episode of The Pearl Lam Podcast, Olukemi Lijadu, in a fascinating discussion with Pearl Lam, delivers an articulate take on the dismissal of African philosophy within Western academia.

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