If history will be remembered via images that defined time and reminded us how far we have come and all our achievements in the Nigerian music arena, no better images will give accurate perspectives than those created by Philip Trimnell.

He epitomizes everything great the Nigerian art and entertainment industry has achieved in the past decades from the photography/ cinematography point of view. If anyone deserves a hall of fame award for their sheer contribution to the Nigerian music industry, few can match his record.

Philip TrimnellI was blown away recently when I came across the 1992 photo he shot for Daniel Wilson & Lemi Ghariokwu for the release of the hit single ‘Omo Lakeji.’ If you take away the contribution of all his projects that includes the musical show ‘Music Africa’ which he masterminded (a pivotal Music TV program currently running on STV Network with over 15 years of airing and still counting) from the Nigerian music industry, you will understand how empty the history of this modern-day industry will be.

The evolution of Nigerian music videos, it quantum leaps and boundless success stories cannot be complete without the pioneering roles played by the likes of Philip, who direct and produced musical hit videos for Nigerian mavericks and song divas like Majek Fashek, Onyeka Onwenu, The Mandators and Mike Okri. Also worthy of note, from my research, he was one, if not the only Nigerian that was a privilege to shoot an interview or mini-documentary on Fela.

Today he is more into landscapes, dishing visually stimulating and artistically compelling photographs cum digital art infusions. Philip likes to project the beautiful landscapes of Africa, its people, sights, and sounds through the eyes of his lenses and digital brush of his pen. According to him, “My picture brings hope and aspiration.”

 

 

THE MAN PHILIP TRIMNELL

Hardly will you encounter an enigma like Philip Trimnell; MD/CEO of the Philip Trimnell Consortium. For over two decades, Mr. Philip Trimnell, an adequate blend of artistry and modesty, continues to reinvent himself, maintaining his reputation as a dominant force in photography and television production. An old boy of the prestigious Loyola College, Ibadan and St. St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, he advanced his educational career by earning a Ba in arts in the University of Ibadan, before enrolling for a Master program in film and television from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA. At a time when most Nigerians were seeking greener pastures abroad, Philip moved back to Lagos, Nigeria, rolled up his sleeves and launched out his photography company in 1985 specializing mainly in corporate and industrial photography. Within a short period of time, his client base included foremost blue-chip companies and conglomerates like; Nestle Nigeria PLC, PZ Industries, Unilever PLC, State numerous advertising organization, Cadbury Nigeria LTD, Shell Nigeria PLC, Mobil Nigeria PLC, to name a few.

 

-Words by Sesan Adeniji