Temi Adegbayibi: Capturing the Energy and Joy of British Jazz

Photographer Temi Adegbayibi, 26, has risen from hobbyist to exhibiting at the Royal Albert Hall, documenting the UK's vibrant jazz scene. His work, featured in the V&A East's inaugural exhibition 'The Music Is Black', focuses on Black joy and the dynamic movement of musicians. Adegbayibi, who grew up in Enfield, north London, began photographing Ezra Collective at his cousin TJ Koleoso's request, eventually shooting their 2022 Love Supreme Jazz Festival performance and their 2023 Royal Albert Hall show. That led to a solo exhibition and a role as an in-house photographer at the venue. His technique, inspired by artist Kat Anderson, employs slow shutter speeds and layering to create images that feel like 'painting with light'. Adegbayibi's portfolio includes shots of Jorja Smith, Basement Jaxx, Fireboy DML, and CKTRL. He sees his photography as a counter to negative portrayals of Black people, emphasizing 'Black joy and the truth behind Black communities'. Despite the competitive London scene, he uses it as motivation, hoping his images will serve as a historical record of jazz gigs and Black musicians for future generations.