Oghalé Ogbaudu | The Other Brother

Nigerian-American photographer Oghalé Ogbaudu’s project entitled ‘The Other Brother’ celebrates the bond of black brotherhood. It speaks of an unspoken bond between black men, ever-present maugre city, country or continent. 

The topic of black brotherhood is often overlooked in favour of more damaging stereotypes that we see perpetuated in popular culture. ‘The Other Brother’ gives special credence to a matter that shows the more tender, loving and caring nature of the black man and his relationship with his fellow black brothers. 

The Arizona photographer currently working in London, United Kingdom captures equally strong and delicate imagery of a set of twins in matching wardrobe in concrete spaces that juxtapose the hard nature black men have largely been associated with. Dressed in defiant military garb, the brothers show the urgent militancy to act immediately to change the general misconception surrounding the black man. 

Oghalé’s words resonate strongly with the black male in his powerful and inspiring essay:

The Other Brother 

It takes two to get through.

There is an unwritten and indescribable bond that exists between black men. It’s a bond that exists in the black owned barbershop on the corner, the basketball court in the neighbourhood with no nets, and in “white” spaces where you and another brother are the only two of your kind. It’s experienced in the subtle head nod and handshake with the black guy you just met and may never see again. This bond is always present and unites us across states, across countries, and across

continents. Although it’s a bond that can not be described, it can certainly be felt and experienced.

What I’ve found is that this bond is emblematic of anunspoken understanding of brotherhood and solidarity. It is a reminder of your familial support beyond your direct blood relatives. Your “Other Brother” is your help and reassurance, your shoulder to lean on. He’s your comfort knowing that in any given situation, there is another black man who is simultaneously going through the same struggle and understands your experience. As simple as that thought is, this empathetic reminder that you are not alone is sometimes all you need to get through.

Creative Director & Photographer: Oghalé Alex

Models: Dijon Graham & Devontay Graham

Stylist: Symone Keisha

Follow Oghalé Ogbaudu on Instagram for more riveting works.