Laeila Adjovi, reporter, photographer, artist and AMA grantee, travelled from Dakar (Senegal) to Cotonou (Benin) in order to conduct research towards a new project titled “Les Chemins de Yemoja” (The roads of Yemoja). She was hosted by the Zinsou Foundation from January 3 to 19.
Laeila Adjovi works between documentary photography and artistic practice. Photography is, for her, a means of “creating links between cultures and worlds.” After working as a BBC correspondent for Francophone Africa for several years, she recently decided to devote herself entirely to her artistic career. In 2018, she was the recipient of the Grand Prix Léopold Sédar Senghor a the Dak’art biennale for her project “Malaika Dotou Sankofa”, a collaboration with photographer Loïc Hoquet.
“Les Chemins de Yemoja” is a multidisciplinary project (photography, text, audio) on a Yoruba deity, whose rituals travelled to the Americas with the Triangular Trade. Laeila’s stay in Benin will be the first of several research, collection and production trips: her project will soon lead her to Nigeria, Cuba and Brazil. With this production, Laeila wishes not only to document Yoruba religions and its sister religions in the Caribbean, but also to shed light on the processes of resilience, creolization and the infinite possibilities of cultural hybridity.
We are very proud to have supported Laeila’s project and wish her safe travels and strong inspiration for her trips to come!
Photo credit: Laeila Adjovi
