Two exceptional alumni return to the Department for Culture, Media and Creative Industries at King's College London for an evening dedicated to creative leadership.

Through spotlight interactive talks and networking, Bayo Omoboriowo (MFR) and Vikesh Godhwani will share their experiences developing independent projects in the cultural sector in different national contexts. The event will allow students to explore diverse career routes in the creative industries—from theatre production to visual storytelling and cultural entrepreneurship.

Schedule

16:00-16:30 - Tea and Welcome

16:30-17:00 - Spotlight Talks

17:30- 18:00 - Q&A and Networking

This session will be held in person. If you have any access requirements or special needs, please feel free to contact Dr Mabel Machado (mabel.machado_lopez@kcl.ac.uk) or Dr Roberta Comunian (roberta.comunian@kcl.ac.uk) in advance so we can ensure the event is inclusive and welcoming for all.

Speakers' info:

Bayo Omoboriowo (MFR) is a globally acclaimed visual storyteller, entrepreneur, and cultural innovator redefining creativity in Africa. A graduate of Pure and Applied Chemistry from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, Bayo discovered his true calling behind the camera—using photography as a tool for social transformation and historical documentation. For eight years, he served as the Official Presidential Photographer to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, a role that deepened his commitment to visual storytelling with purpose. His celebrated project, Discover Nigeria, earned a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest photobook—an iconic tribute to the nation’s beauty, diversity, and resilience. Today, Bayo leads Tikera Africa, a pioneering social enterprise developing sustainable creative ecosystems across the continent, and its innovation hub, MADHouse by Tikera, which empowers thousands of young Africans to turn creativity into scalable enterprise. Through education, mentorship, and funding, his initiatives have impacted over 5,000 creatives globally. He is also the founder of The JT Agency, a leading visual storytelling firm producing compelling narratives for high-profile individuals, governments, and global brands. A King’s College London alumnus andmultiple award-winning storyteller, his work has been featured by CNN, BBC, and The New York Times. Bayo’s life and leadership embody the conviction that African creativity—anchored on excellence, discipline, innovation, and purpose—can shape global transformation.

Vikesh Godhwani is an award-winning freelance theatre director, writer, producer & workshop facilitator & the co-artistic director of Chalk Line Theatre.

Vikesh has primarily worked in new writing making work both in the UK and Malta for venues and organisations including Bristol Old Vic, Southwark Playhouse, New Diorama Theare, Underbelly, Edinburgh, Pleasance, London, Vault Festival, Theatre Peckham, Battersea Arts Centre, Mercury Theatre Colchester, NGYT, Manoel Theatre, Spazju Kreattiv, Ziguzajg International Festival for Children and Young People, Teatru Malta, Victoria International Arts Festival & Esplora. He has directed political new writing, family shows, musicals, autobiographical material and shows in the dark, putting innovation at the forefront of his practice.

Vikesh has also participated in various R&Ds as a director and dramaturg in collaboration with various venues and organisations including The National Theatre Studios, MAC Birmingham, Camden People's Theatre, Artsdepot, Artsadmin & Teatru Malta.

Vikesh was previously the Projects Producer/Programmer at Theatre Peckham and has previously worked as an Assistant Producer at China Plate. He has a Masters in Arts & Cultural Management from King's College London, is a Stage One bursary recipient, a JCI Malta TOYP Cultural Impact Recipient, a three-time Malta Arts Award recipient, has been nominated for an OffFest Award & won a Standing Ovation Award for The Nobodies and was a finalist for an Offie for Blanket Ban. Vikesh has also directed the longest run in the history of Maltese theatre with his production of Jamie Cardona's Mid-Djarju Ta' Student Fi Skola Tal-Knisja.