Photography is such an extraordinary art form. A very obvious thought. But it really is, capturing a moment in time forever in a little box at the click of a shutter, cheese. Extraordinary. Well there’s more to it especially from how Magapls, one of Abuja’s dopest stylist and creative directors sees it. Magapls, the mind behind the house of the realm campaign, recently released a Polaroid collection of stars and artists that he took pictures of in December of the previous year. The collection which featured artists like bloody civilian, the anti-world gangsters’ members and so many others.

I caught up with the stylists to discuss his love for Polaroids, why he takes pictures, and the Detty December culture like in Abuja.

p.s this interview has been edited for clarity and length

1. How does it feel to be the friend who stays awake sending pictures after a function?

(Laughs) I wouldn’t know because I’m not that friend. I scan my Polaroids whenever I have free time. In fact, as we speak, I still have Polaroids from as far back as September and December that I haven’t scanned yet.

2. When did you start photography, and what got you into it?

I won’t lie—I got my first camera in university back in 2022 as a way to impress girls. They’d always see me with a Polaroid camera and ask for a picture, which was a great icebreaker. Over time, I genuinely started enjoying the process and worked on improving my skills

3. Do you have a favorite Polaroid camera? Can you tell us about your first one?

Yes, my favorite is the Fujifilm Instax SQ1. I believe it was released in 2022, which is when I got mine. It was my first Polaroid camera, and I still love it. The only reason I got a second camera was because the SQ1 film isn’t always available, while my other camera’s film is easier to find.

4. Why did you choose Polaroids as your preferred form of photography or art?

It’s unique. I doubt anyone in Abuja—or maybe even Nigeria—has made it their primary form of photography. Polaroids capture a moment in its purest form. Unlike digital photography, where you can review and retake shots, Polaroids leave little room for error—you don’t see the result until the film develops. That forces you to be more precise and intentional.

5. Which stars have been your favorite to photograph?

Honestly, I’d say Mowalola and Prettyboy D-O. Mowalola’s was particularly funny because we were at an after party together when she tapped me to take a picture. Just as I was about to, Juliana Nalú (Kanye’s ex) crept up behind her and posed. It was such a spontaneous and cute moment.

6. Everyone talks about the need to capture moments and memories. Is that how you see it with your pictures?

Not exactly. I wouldn’t say I’m capturing moments or memories—I think I’m more focused on capturing the emotions my subjects are expressing. It’s similar to how Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa conveys a feeling rather than just being a portrait.

7. Every time people talk about the ‘Detty December’ culture, it’s always Lagos. But what’s it like in Abuja? How’s the vibe?

It’s growing. Six or seven years ago, it wasn’t really a thing. Back then, event season was more centered around summer, when kids were back from boarding school and international students were home for break. Now, the shift has moved to December, though summer in Abuja is still lively—just not the way it was from 2016 to 2019.

8. The Polaroid masquerade and the one where you burned Polaroids— those were crazy concepts. Can you take us deeper into them? It seems like you’ve always loved Polaroids.

Hahaha, I think it comes from my love of sustainability—I hate wasting materials, whether it’s plastic shopping bags or Polaroids. The Polaroid Masquerade was just a vision that came to me, and I executed it. The one with the burnt Polaroids was called Extinction of Death. I used Polaroids that didn’t come out well or featured people I had fallen out with as fuel for the ring of fire we built for that shoot.

9. The year is still fresh, but it seems like you’ve already been busy. Any new campaigns on the way?

Yes! There’s the Solar Dreams campaign, some pre-launch content I shot for a new running app, and a bunch of personal passion projects in the works.

10. Thank you so much for the interview! We can’t wait to see what you’re up to next. Thank you too for giving me this platform!