This publication collects the ideas behind the designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello’s three-part Oríkì Design Series. Using the traditional concept of Oríkì—the multi-generational practice of praise poetry and spoken affirmation amongst the Yoruba people of West Africa—to celebrate histories and achievements as a metaphor, the series explores the cultural significance of materials in Nigeria, specifically bronze, aluminum, and copper. This exploration is envisioned by Marcus-Bello as three distinct “acts” that structure the book, taking into consideration the extraction, refinement and production of the objects produced for each: ACT I - Friction Ridge (Bronze); ACT II - Tales by Moonlight (Aluminum); and ACT III - Reclaimed Luster (Copper). Revealing how materials, like Oríkì, carry deep values and identities, reflecting their pivotal roles in Nigeria’s artistic and societal frameworks, the publication offers a comprehensive analysis of these materials—underscoring their cultural and artistic significance. By highlighting the interplay between tradition and innovation, the Oríkì Design Series enhances understanding of how materials shape and are shaped by Nigerian society, celebrating both their historical roots and contemporary roles.

Nifemi Marcus-Bello is an African designer based in Lagos, Nigeria, whose work draws inspiration from the continent’s cultural values. He views design as a sacred exchange between tradition, function, and place, seeing his role as a facilitator of dialogue between materials, culture, and context. Through thoughtful engagement with Nigerian life, he creates work that authentically reflects African design’s richness. His design practice blends commercial and artistic endeavors, founded on intuition and resourcefulness. He embraces design as a process of discovery, letting go of preconceptions, and approaching each challenge with humility and openness to growth. Marcus-Bello is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including Wallpaper* magazine’s Life Enhancer of the Year Award (2021), Hublot Design Prize (2022), Monocle magazine's Emerging Designer of the Year Award (2023), and Design Miami’s Curator’s Choice: Design for Good Award (2023).