Yinka Shonibare CBE has announced a new artist residency opening in Lagos in 2021. Guest Artists Space Lagos will complement Shonibare’s London creative hub, Guest Projects.

In this episode of the BBC Four One to One series Yinka Shonibare CBE talks to the architect Elsie Owusu about his ambitious and challenging project in Nigeria where he is building two residential centres for artists.

In addition to the residency centre in Lagos designed by Elsie Owusu Architects, which will feature a gallery, a studio and accommodation spaces — all barrier-free and wheelchair accessible — artists both emerging and established will be invited to the Nigerian state of Ogun.

The term ​“African art” can produce a visceral reaction: those who are used to seeing their own country’s history and legacy mushed into one generic paste will, rightfully, recoil at hearing the phrase.