Amazing Klef
{{Short description|Nigerian photographer}}
{{Use Nigerian English|date = July 2024}}
{{Infobox photographer
| name = Amazing Klef
| image =
| birth_name = Okwuchukwu Martins Dominic
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|09|13|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
| citizenship = Nigerian
| alma_mater =
| occupation = Photographer, Multifaceted Creative
| years_active = 2016–present
| organization = AKtivated
| website = {{URL|theamazingklef.com}}
}}
Okwuchukwu Martins Dominic {{IPAc-en||audio=Okwuchukwu surnmae pro.wav}} (born September 13, 1994), known professionally as Amazing Klef, is a Nigerian photographer and creative director.{{Cite web |last=SALIU |date=2023-12-30 |title=100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2023 |url=https://topchartsafrica.com/100-most-influential-people-of-2023/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Top Charts Africa |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Khiran |first=Nikki |date=2022-11-03 |title=Behind The Lens – LeVogue Magazine |url=https://levogue.leadership.ng/behind-the-lens/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |language=en-US}}
Early life
Born in Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. He developed a passion for visual art, graphic design, photography, and cinematography when he was barely 18 years old.{{Cite web |last=Momoh |first=Siaka |date=2024-01-07 |title=Photography has grown into a multi-million dollar industry with advancing technologies – Amazing Klef |url=https://businessday.ng/interview/article/photography-has-grown-into-a-multi-million-dollar-industry-with-advancing-technologies-amazing-klef/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Businessday NG |language=en-US}}
Career
Amazing Klef began his career as a graphic designer and soon realized that he needed to learn photography to enhance his graphic designs. This necessity led him into photography.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-13 |title=Amazing Klef: The eccentric photographer revolutionising image creation in Nigeria |url=http://m.guardian.ng/amazing-klef-the-eccentric-photographer-revolutionising-image-creation-in-nigeria/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Guardian Nigeria News |language=en-GB|last1= Nigeria|first1= Guardian}}
He has collaborated with brands such as Pepsi, Bet9ja, MTN, GTBank, Hennessy, ASUS, Mirinda, UNICAF, Desperados, LG, European Union, TECNO Mobile, BBC News, OPPO, Mavin Records, Chocolate City, and many more.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNZWBjiK-Yw |title=Get a Scholarship to study for a British Master's Degree! |date=2023-06-27 |last=Amazing Klef |access-date=2024-08-02 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |title=Behance |url=https://www.behance.net/gallery/183170701/Bet9ja-Made-for-the-Moment-Campaign |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.behance.net|date=October 2023 }}{{Cite web |title=Published Photographer & Multifaceted Creative {{!}} Amazing Klef {{!}} Lagos |url=https://www.theamazingklef.com/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=amazingklef |language=en}}
Amazing Klef has also worked with notable personalities, including Tiwa Savage, 2face, Olamide, Flavour, DJ Khaled, Rema, Toke Makinwa, KiDi, Nancy Isime, Rita Dominic, Tayo Aina, Blaqbonez, Rudeboy, Laycon, Bimbo Ademoye, Ice Prince, 9ice, Sarkodie, Broda Shaggi, DJ Spinall, and many more superstars in the entertainment, creative, and professional fields.{{Cite web |title=Aktivated Vision: How Amazing Klef is Changing the Game in Photography and Beyond" – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/02/17/aktivated-vision-how-amazing-klef-is-changing-the-game-in-photography-and-beyond/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}{{Cite web |title=Rudeboy Serves Women in a Special Way – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/05/30/rudeboy-serves-women-in-a-special-way/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}{{Cite web |last=Soundcity |date=2018-02-01 |title=KCEE is drenched in new photoshoot, see photos! |url=https://soundcity.tv/kcee-is-drenched-in-new-photoshoot-see-photos/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Soundcity |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Published Photographer & Multifaceted Creative {{!}} Amazing Klef {{!}} Lagos |url=https://www.theamazingklef.com/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=amazingklef |language=en}}
= AKtivated =
He is the founder of AKtivated Studios, a content production brand, creative label, and studio space in Lagos, Nigeria. Amazing Klef also established the Amazing Klef Academy, an online and physical creative education platform that has partnered with brands like TECNO mobile to teach photography and provide courses and digital assets to people worldwide.{{Cite web |last=BellaNaija.com |date=2022-06-23 |title=Watch WhiteMoney's energetic performance of his single "Nà We-We" |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2022/06/whitemoney-na-we-we-aktivated-sessions/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Listen to Zlatan's Latest EP 'Road to CDK' - Okayplayer |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/zlatan-new-music-listen-to-road-to-cdk/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.okayafrica.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Africa |first=B. I. |date=2022-02-28 |title=TECNO partners the amazing Klef Academy, trains upcoming creatives in photography masterclass on studio portraits |url=https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/tecno-partners-the-amazing-klef-academy-trains-upcoming-creatives-in-photography/z8ylk0k |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Business Insider Africa |language=en}}
He also founded AKtivated TV, an online entertainment platform with over 25 million views cumulatively, known for creating breakout music content in Nigeria. Since 2019, Amazing Klef has signed and developed creatives through the AKtivated Creative Label, a platform that provides young and promising photographers, videographers, and creatives with the resources they need to succeed.{{Cite web |title=AKtivated TV's 5th Anniversary: Unveiling a Bold Vision at Terra Kulture – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/05/09/aktivated-tvs-5th-anniversary-unveiling-a-bold-vision-at-terra-kulture/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}{{Cite web |last=Tv |first=Bn |date=2022-06-13 |title=Lade delivers an energetic performance of viral "Adulthood Anthem" on Aktivated TV |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2022/06/lade-adulthood-anthem/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Tv |first=Bn |date=2020-12-17 |title=Rexxie & MohBad team up for the Live Performance of "KPK (Ko Por Ke)" on AKtivated Sessions |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2020/12/rexxie-mohbad-kpk-ko-por-ke/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=BellaNaija.com |date=2023-05-25 |title=Shallipopi Delivers Stunning Performance of "Sharpiru" on AKtivated Sessions {{!}} Watch on BN TV |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2023/05/shallipopi-performs-sharpiru-on-aktivated-sessions/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}
Achievements and recognition
Amazing Klef has gained significant achievements and recognition in the creative industry. He recently became the first Brand Ambassador for ASUS Laptops in Nigeria.{{Cite web |title=Aktivated Vision: How Amazing Klef is Changing the Game in Photography and Beyond" – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/02/17/aktivated-vision-how-amazing-klef-is-changing-the-game-in-photography-and-beyond/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}} Previously an influencer and official creator for OPPO Mobile Nigeria, he now holds the same role for TECNO Mobile Nigeria.{{Cite web |last=Africa |first=B. I. |date=2022-02-28 |title=TECNO partners the amazing Klef Academy, trains upcoming creatives in photography masterclass on studio portraits |url=https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/tecno-partners-the-amazing-klef-academy-trains-upcoming-creatives-in-photography/z8ylk0k |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Business Insider Africa |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Online |first=Tribune |date=2024-05-21 |title=TECNO's CAMON 30 photo challenge masterclass with Amazing Klef |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/tecnos-camon-30-photo-challenge-masterclass-with-amazing-klef/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB}} Notably, he is the first Nigerian photographer to give a TED talk.{{Cite web |title=Truth Zombie Concept |url=https://www.truthzombieconcept.com/view_event?id=43 |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=www.truthzombieconcept.com}} In 2022, he received the Trendupp Awards “Force of Creative” award, adding to his accolades which include the Scream Awards for ‘Best Photographer & Visual Artist’, the AFAA Photography Award. and he was nominated for the 6th edition NET Honours.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-06-23 |title=NET Honours: ID Africa Unveils Nominees For 6th Edition of People's Choice Awards |url=https://societynow.ng/net-honours-id-africa-unveils-nominees-for-6th-edition-of-peoples-choice-awards/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=SocietyNow |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2022-07-01 |title=NET Honours: Full List of Class of 2022 Winners - Nigerian Entertainment Today |url=https://thenet.ng/net-honours-full-list-of-class-of-2022-winners/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2016-10-13 |title=D'banj, Linda Ikeji, Don Jazzy grab Scream All Youth Awards 2016 nomination – Nigerian Entertainment Today |url=https://thenet.ng/dbanj-linda-ikeji-don-jazzy-grab-scream-all-youth-awards-2016-nomination/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Aktivated Vision: How Amazing Klef is Changing the Game in Photography and Beyond" – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/02/17/aktivated-vision-how-amazing-klef-is-changing-the-game-in-photography-and-beyond/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}}
In 2018, Amazing Klef worked on a project for the BBC, capturing images for graffiti artist INSA’s visit to Nigeria.{{Cite web |last=BellaNaija.com |date=2018-07-09 |title=BBC World Service commissions Huge Art Installation in University of Lagos |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2018/07/bbc-world-service-commissions-huge-art-installation/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Chris |first=Agabi |date=2018-07-15 |title='Make more of your world' campaign goes to Unilag - Daily Trust |url=https://dailytrust.com/make-more-of-your-world-campaign-goes-to-unilag-260975/ |archive-url= |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=dailytrust |language=en-US}} His photography has also been featured on Big Brother Naija season 5 and in cover images for a Netflix movie.{{Cite web |title=Day 55: Picture me |url=https://dstv-fe-africamagic-prod.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/africamagic/en-ng/show/big-brother-naija/season/5/news/day-55-picture-perfect-me/news |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Day 55: Picture me |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Aktivated Vision: How Amazing Klef is Changing the Game in Photography and Beyond" – THISDAYLIVE |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/02/17/aktivated-vision-how-amazing-klef-is-changing-the-game-in-photography-and-beyond/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=www.thisdaylive.com}} Additionally, he has been featured in several magazines, TV and radio interviews, and publications, including TVC’s Wakeup Nigeria, BeatFM, Wazobia FM, City FM, Spice TV, SHOWMAX’s afrobeats documentary.{{Cite web |title=Amazing Klef |url=https://mystreetzmag.com/tag/amazing-klef/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=MyStreetz Magazine |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=mobileapp |date=2020-02-20 |title=Amazing Klef Tries Returning To His First Love - Rapping {{!}} EP 673 |url=https://tvcentertainment.tv/2020/02/amazing-klef-tries-returning-to-his-first-love-rapping-ep-673/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=PURE ENTERTAINMENT |language=en-US}}