When Chief Bassey Nsa’s visa was denied and he was unable to travel and make final adjustments to the masquerade ensembles he created for the exhibition New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations, he recorded this video for American audiences.
In the video, he tells the story of how he became an Ekpe society artist under the training of his father and introduces Chief Dr. Jordan Fenton, a co-curator of the exhibition who came to Calabar to study Ekpe. He also explains how he trained Chief Fenton—who he considers a brother—and gives permission for Chief Fenton to speak on his behalf.
About Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa
Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa, born in 1973 in Creek Town, Nigeria, is a renowned third-generation Efik artist specializing in the creation of masquerade ensembles, beadwork, chieftaincy attire, cultural knowledge, and funeral shrines. He learned his craft from his father, who is credited with modernizing masquerade ensembles for the Ekpe secret society central to Efik culture as well as throughout southeast Nigeria and west Cameroon. Bassey Nsa’s artistry is deeply tied to the Ekpe society and his father’s legacy. Initiated into Ekpe at a young age, he was conferred with the Ekpe chieftaincy title, Obong Murua Okpoho, in 2009. His art is intertwined with family and tradition, with every work beginning with a libation to his father, seeking guidance through dreams and prayer. His commissions extend throughout the Cross River region as well as to international institutions.
Two raffia Efik Ekpe masquerades with Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa during his Ekpe chieftaincy installation, Creek Town, Nigeria, December 31, 2009. Photo by Jordan A.
Fenton.
About New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations
New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations spotlights the work of four contemporary artists working in cities across West Africa: Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa, Sheku “Goldenfinger” Fofanah, David Sanou, and Hervé Youmbi.