Nollywood’s vibrant storytelling and iconic hairstyles have not only reflected Nigerian culture but also inspired hair fashions in Nigeria, across Africa and beyond.

Afros, braids, threading, weaves, cornrows, pink wigs, locs… The hairstyles of Nollywood stars have become famous in their own right. Fans of Nollywood – or just amazing hair – will enjoy the insights of writer and producer Oghomwen Adeyinka-Edward, who has turned fandom of Nollywood hair into a serious topic of research. Join Oghomwen as she follows the threads (and braids!) of culture that tell us how belonging, identity, politics, and gender can be expressed in something as simple (and sometimes very complex) as a hairstyle.

About Your Facilitator

Oghomwen Adeyinka-Edward is a PhD researcher in Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Salford. Her research focuses on Nigerian women feature film directors. She is particularly interested in issues of representation and cultural identity in African and Nigerian film. Prior to undertaking her PhD, she worked with O’Naturals Beauty Ltd, a hair salon in Lagos, Nigeria specialising in natural hair care and styling.

She is a graduate of the Toronto Film School. She has professional experience as a screenwriter and producer in Nollywood working across television, music videos and digital media. She is the founder of Esopip Africa, a children’s media platform whose flagship programme, Esopip Africa Arts and Crafts, has streamed on YippeeTV, KweliTV, and Simeon’s Oasis. Her screenwriting has received industry recognition, including being longlisted for the 2023 BBC Alfred Bradley Bursary Award.