Being a born and bred Londoner of Nigerian descent, Grace Ladoja is an inspirational force, driving the new generation of creatives. Whether it’s her work as a film maker, or her work in charge of Metallic Inc. (offering music management, brand direction, production and more), or her project Homecoming, you cannot talk youth culture today in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, without her name being mentioned. Showing immense support for emerging talents, she has created a community that is united by creativity, collectively sharing a vision to promote Nigerian music, fashion, sport and art as a whole.
It all started, when her late mother moved to London in 1985 as an asylum seeker. In 2013, Grace visited Nigeria for the first time, where she connected with her identity, family and Nigeria itself. This led to her starting the movement called Homecoming - a three day cultural festival in Lagos spanning fashion, music and sports. Homecoming harnessed the influence of international stars as a gateway for African creative talent to breakthrough onto the world stage. From exclusive streetwear pop-ups by Nigerian and global design stars, to limited edition fashion collaborations and workshops, an inaugural football tournament, and electrifying headline performances by musicians at the very top of their game, Homecoming pushed the creative spirit of a young Nigerian generation and placed it on the world stage.
Grace is a culture custodian, a filmmaker, manager, curator and consultant to brands and institutions worldwide.
As a filmmaker, her work spans the worlds of fashion, music, art, and street culture. Ladoja is also a consultant and ambassador for the world’s most coveted brand, Supreme. From Vans and Thrasher, to Samsung, Cottweiler, and Nasir Mazhar, Ladoja’s partnerships have been consistent through their unique energy.
She helped propel the career of grime musician, Skepta, which in turn built the genre to new heights. In 2017, Ladoja was awarded a Music Week Rising Star award, she was celebrated in the The Woman’s Hour 2018 Power List, featured in Vogue’s 25 most influential women of the year and awarded an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)—proof of her crucial role in Britain’s burgeoning music scene, and her talent for shaking up the status quo.
Beyond her professional successes, Ladoja’s true passion lies in youth culture. In all her pursuits, she is dedicated to executing projects with meaning and long-term impact.
Recently becoming a mother to baby Zacai with her partner, Teni Zaccheaus Jr., she frequently donates her time to speak on panels with the goal of sharing her practical knowledge and bringing an alternative point of view.
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