Tayo Fatunla, a renowned cartoonist, storyteller, and illustrator, has been creating vivid and thought-provoking works for over 40 years. His art is celebrated worldwide for its insightful commentary on social issues, African history, and vibrant storytelling. Through his unique style, Tayo has firmly established himself as one of the most respected cartoonists globally, demonstrating how African art can resonate on an international level.
Born in Wimbledon, England, in 1961 to Nigerian parents, Tayo’s love for art was sparked early in life. Raised in Nigeria, his childhood was filled with the comics his mother brought home from her job at the hospital bookstore. British comics like Beano and Buster and Marvel’s The Mighty Thor captured his imagination, inspiring him to create his own stories and illustrations.
At Lagos Baptist Academy, Tayo’s talent started to gain attention. His classmates admired his comic creations, and Tayo began charging a small fee to those who wanted to read his work—a glimpse of the entrepreneurial spirit that would define his career. At just 17, he had his first cartoon published in the Nigerian children’s magazine Apollo, marking the beginning of what would become an illustrious career.
Breaking Boundaries: The Kubert School and Global Recognition
In the 1980s, Tayo broke new ground as the first African student to attend the prestigious Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in New Jersey. There, he learned from legends like Joe Kubert and Hy Eisman, who helped him refine his unique blend of humor, satire, and historical insight. His time at the Kubert School broadened his horizons, exposing him to new techniques and styles that would shape his future work.
After completing his studies, Tayo’s cartoons started gaining international recognition. His work appeared in The New York Times, the BBC’s Focus on Africa magazine, and British publications like New African, African Business, and The Voice. His talent for combining sharp socio-political commentary with African history and culture helped him stand out in the world of editorial cartooning.
One of Tayo’s most influential creations is his comic series Our Roots, launched in 1989. This educational series celebrates the achievements of Black people throughout history, from ancient civilizations to modern-day trailblazers. Initially featured in The Voice, the series quickly gained a global audience and was later syndicated in U.S. publications like the Chicago Defender and the Sacramento Observer. Our Roots has become an important tool for educating young people about Black history and is used in schools, museums, and beyond.
Tayo has consistently used his platform to tell African stories. His collaborations with the British Museum produced illustrated worksheets on African kingdoms, while his comic Spirit of Lagos explored the rich cultural history of Lagos, Nigeria. In 2015, he illustrated Hooked, an award-winning digital comic for the BBC World Service, which delved into the lives of drug addicts in Guinea Bissau.
Throughout his career, Tayo has exhibited his art and led cartoon workshops in over a dozen countries, including the U.K., U.S., Nigeria, South Korea, Finland, France, and Italy. His work has been displayed at the International Museum of Cartoon Art in Florida, and he has received numerous accolades, including the Crayon de Porcelaine for international press cartoons and the ECBACC Pioneer Lifetime Achievement Award for Our Roots.
Tayo’s influence extends beyond the cartoon world. His iconic image of Fela Kuti was featured in Burna Boy’s Afrobeat hit “Ye” in 2018, showing how his art continues to shape and celebrate African culture.
His art has transcended borders, inspiring a new generation of artists and historians to explore their African heritage and share their stories with the world. From his early days in Nigeria to his global acclaim, Tayo’s work demonstrates how art can bridge cultures, educate, and inspire across generations. In a world where African artists are often overlooked, Tayo remains a vital voice, using his art to challenge stereotypes, celebrate Black excellence, and ensure that African history is preserved for future generations.
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