Behind the lens with Solomon Usuanlele: capturing Afrocentric stories through powerful visuals
"It’s very beautiful to tell the stories of young people who begin in vulnerable circumstances and then evolve through the game of chess and other skills. Working with Chess in Slums as a Hybrid Shooter has been by far the most rewarding part of my career," says Solomon Usuanlele, a talented photographer and filmmaker with a unique gift for bringing Afrocentric stories to life through powerful visuals.
From capturing the everyday lives of African people to highlighting the authenticity, impact and positivity of the African people, Solomon helps creatives and businesses tell authentic stories that resonate deeply with their audiences. But what truly goes on behind his lens? What drives his passion for documenting these narratives? In this interview, we go into the world of Solomon Usuanlele, exploring his creative process, inspirations, and the impact of his work.
We would love to hear more about your background? Could you introduce yourself?
I’m Solomon Usuanlele, a filmmaker and photographer with a primary focus on documentary filmmaking. I am the Creative Director of Solfilms, a visual production company dedicated to crafting compelling narratives through visuals that leave a lasting impact.
What elements do you focus on to bring authenticity to your work
For me, storytelling is paramount. Most of my work is non-fiction, telling real-life stories that must be authentic to resonate. This authenticity is what makes the stories unique and impactful. Another key element is the camera I use—specifically, the Sony Alpha mirrorless camera, paired with either a 35mm or 50mm lens. These tools are essential to my process. I almost forgot to mention—sound is also crucial, both in real-time capture and post-production.
What inspires you to capture the everyday life of African People
At the core of my work is the story. It’s what inspires me to document everyday life. Africa, as a continent, holds millions of untold stories. When I encounter a story that resonates with me—one that is authentic, impactful, and inspires positivity—I’m fully invested.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you prepare to capture the perfect shot that tells a meaningful story
My process begins with gathering my tools: camera, lenses, and the plan for the project. If I need assistance, I reach out for help; otherwise, I’m ready to head out on my own. I capture elements that contribute to the story—whether video, pictures, or sound. After gathering the footage, I return to my studio to edit, pulling together all the pieces—videos, audio, and every other element that forms the essential framework of the narrative.
Get more of these images by Solomon here
What do you look out for when selecting locations, subjects and themes for your Images
The story drives every decision, from location to subject to theme. For example, while working with Chess in Slums, a brand focused on empowering vulnerable youth, I served as a hybrid shooter—taking both photos and videos. It was eye-opening and rewarding, especially collaborating with the creative and communications team to tell the stories of young people who begin in vulnerable circumstances and evolve through the game of chess and other skills. I’ve documented their journey across several locations in Nigeria, capturing their growth over time. It’s powerful to witness the transformation of these young individuals into better versions of themselves, and I’m honored to be part of documenting that journey. I see this work as a way of giving back to society and to Africa at large.
Can you share an example of a project where you worked with a brand or a creative team to develop a powerful Afrocentric visual narrative
For example, while working with Chess in Slums, a brand focused on empowering vulnerable youth, I served as a hybrid shooter—taking both photos and videos. It was eye-opening and rewarding, especially collaborating with the creative and communications team to tell the stories of young people who begin in vulnerable circumstances and evolve through the game of chess and other skills. I’ve documented their journey across several locations in Nigeria, capturing their growth over time. It’s powerful to witness the transformation of these young individuals into better versions of themselves, and I’m honored to be part of documenting that journey. I see this work as a way of giving back to society and to Africa at large.
What has been your most rewarding project to date in terms of Afrocentric storytelling and what made it special for you
The Chess in Slums . This project has been the most rewarding of my career because it allows me to preserve and document people’s stories and personal journeys.
As our conversation draws to a close, one thing is clear: Solomon Usuanlele’s passion for storytelling and authenticity is woven into every frame he captures. His dedication to documenting the evolution of vulnerable youth through projects like Chess in Slums is not just a career highlight—it’s a testament to the power of visuals in creating lasting impact.
When asked what’s next for him, Solomon shares that he’s always on the lookout for more untold stories to bring to life. “There’s so much more to explore across Africa, and I feel like I’m just getting started,” he says with a smile.
Whether it’s capturing the essence of a moment, telling Afrocentric stories, or documenting real lives with his camera, Solomon’s journey is far from over. For those who want to stay updated on his work and upcoming projects, follow his visual journey by connecting with him here on social media.