The World According to Abdulkareem Baba Aminu

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I was born on the 7^th of July 1976, in Kaduna, where I mostly grew up and went to school. Growing up, I’ve always wanted to be a bunch of things, all depending on my mood. I guess that’s why I read Science in secondary school, even though my artistic talent was clear earlier than that. In university, I toyed with studying Architecture, considered Fine Art seriously, but went for Business Administration instead. While in school, I drew cartoons for a then-upcoming newspaper, Weekly Trust. From that, I pioneered the entertainment section, and I soon began to report human interest stories as well. Now, it’s a major national paper. Finally, I became a full-time journo, loving every minute of it. I rose through the ranks, and today I’m General Editor at Daily Trust, after a 12-year stint as Editor of the Saturday edition. I’ll be honest: It’s all been a whirlwind.

What comics or characters inspired you to be an artist and illustrator when you were growing up and why?

My ‘comic book journey’ began very early, as all three of my older siblings were heavily into reading them. Each sibling had a different interest, so the comics I was exposed to as a little one, were from such a wide spectrum that I was often spoilt for choice. But it began with the British ones, then the European ‘albums’ like Asterix, Tintin and Iznogoud, then Marvel, then DC (there aren’t that many comic books from the Big Two that I’ve not read, at least casually or at best in great depth). Writing and drawing versions of mine, at a point, was a no-brainer.  

What is the most challenging aspect of being an artist in Nigeria?

In the past, I’d have said exposure, in the days without social media. But now, your masterpiece can be seen by millions at the push of a button. I guess today, I’ll have to say today the challenge remains a fully-formed Nigerian market.

You’re involved in a lot of other projects outside your regular job. Can you tell us which ones you’re currently most excited about?

There’s my first novel, a sci-fi/fantasy story that I’m having so much fun writing. Hopefully, it’ll be released sometime next year. I’m also currently writing a feature for Full Bleed (IDW) based on a super-long interview of Chris Claremont, arguably the most important and influential writer of Marvel’s X-Men comic books. I’m also doing illustrations for a very cool book on the Yoruba pantheon, written by some of my favourite people, three brilliant writers who will be announced at this year’s Ake Festival online. I’m also doing character designs for an exciting new animation project which my lawyers swear I can’t talk about right now.

What strategies do you use to carve out time for writing?

None. I write when I feel like writing. I’m just lucky it’s usually at a convenient time. The few occasions where the timing is weird, I take notes which I later flesh out. Actually, I love it when notes pile up. It fires me up to sit down and write.

What TV shows would you sneak out to watch right now?

No need to sneak. TV is part of my life, and currently I’m enjoying Ozark a lot. In the recent past, I have dug Little Big Lies (HBO), The Umbrella Academy (Netflix), Game of Thrones (HBO), Dark (Netflix), I May Destroy You (BBC One/HBO), ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ (Hulu), and many more. Believe me when I say many more. There is so much great TV out there right now, and I’m glad to be alive to enjoy them.

What are the most exciting writers and artists on the Nigerian market right now?

Wow. Do we have space? For writers, I’d say Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Nnedi Okorafor, Richard Ali, Safiya Ismaila Yero, Hadiza El-Rufai, Leye Adenle, Toni Kan, Suyi Davies Okungbowa, TJ Benson, Ekpeki Oghenechovwe Donald, Michael Afenfia, and more. The artists, varied in their art, are legion.

What was the most discouraging time in your career and how did you overcome it?

You’d have to check back on that. I began working professionally aged 14, so you can imagine that I’d been fortunate enough to have had many motivating factors. Discouragement, honestly, is something I can’t really say I’ve gone through.

Looking back, is there anything in your career that you would do differently? Any major decisions you regret?

I’d probably make the same mistakes.

What is it you would most want to be remembered for when you’re gone?

For having been here, told the stories I’ve told, created the images I have, and occupied the hearts I’ve been privileged to. That’s all.