Between roofs the color of turmeric and old sun, a man leans his full weight onto the flank of a yellow minibus, palms splayed, heels digging into dust. The vehicle seems to yield by degrees, its paint scabbed and flaking, windows clouded with the breath of many journeys. Around him, other buses idle in mute formation, their corrugated tops catching the light like weathered shields. Laundry hangs from a wall at the edge of the yard, blue and patterned clothes stirred as if by a faint, indifferent air. The ground is a palette of grit, oil, and discarded scraps.
These minibuses, also known as danfos, thread the daily arteries of Lagos, carrying traders, students, workers, and gossip from dawn to night. Here, off the road, their motion pauses. The scene belongs to the backstage of the city’s movement, where transport is coaxed and persuaded by human effort
— Olaniyi Omiwale
The photograph was taken on October 6, 2023, during an early morning solo photo walk along the CMS Bridge on Lagos Island, Nigeria. While observing the environment from an elevated position, I noticed a bus driver in a yellow shirt pushing a yellow bus, surrounded by other yellow buses. I was drawn to the visual repetition and harmony of color, which naturally reflects the identity of Lagos public transport. The moment was candid, and I focused on timing and framing to emphasize movement, form, and color.
I chose this photograph because it captures a quiet yet powerful moment within the everyday rhythm of Lagos life. The dominance of yellow in the frame is not just aesthetic but symbolic of the city’s transport culture and energy.
The image reflects resilience, labor, and movement elements that define the experience of many people in Lagos. It is a simple scene, yet layered with meaning, showing how ordinary moments can carry strong visual and cultural significance.
I believe photography is impactful because it has the power to document reality, preserve memory, and evoke emotion without the need for words. It can bring attention to overlooked moments, amplify cultural identity, and create a visual connection between people and their environment.
Olanrewaju Adekunle is a Lagos-based photographer and member of the African Photojournalism Database (APJD). He is an alumnus of the VII Academy for Africa, an internationally recognized photography program. His practice centers on documentary storytelling, exploring identity, environment, and human cultural experiences. Through a reflective and observational approach, he captures everyday moments that reveal deeper social narratives and the complexities of contemporary African life.
See more of Olanrewaju Adekunle’s work on his Instagram.
