Diepiri Gordon MacPepple-Jaja’s journey from the vibrant streets of Kaduna, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Ikot Abasi in Nigeria to the bustling heart of London, England, reflects a remarkable blend of cultural influences. Born in West Africa, Diepiri’s early years were immersed in the rich heritage of Nigeria. At the age of six, he, his grandmother Evelyn Cookey, and his three siblings—Awalanyefori, Ibiwari, and Idakirinamgim—embarked on a journey to London in 1967 to reunite with their parents, Gordon George MacPepple-Jaja and Josephine MacPepple-Jaja. This move marked a new chapter in Diepiri’s life, shaping his interests in education and artistic development.
Professionally, Diepiri has built a career as a self-employed RICS Surveyor and Valuer in the property sector, but his passion lies in the arts and literature.
Reflecting on his path to authorship, Diepiri shares, “I discovered my passion for writing after years of explaining the concept of ‘Modern African Art (MAA)’ and the Modern African Art Movement (MAAM), both of which I pioneered.” His book, Modern African Art, explores this movement, examining the evolving narrative of African art in the modern world.
Diepiri’s academic achievements are as notable as his artistic pursuits. He holds a Master’s degree in Art from Ravensbourne University in Greenwich, London—an institution known for its distinguished alumni, including David Bowie and Stella McCartney. At Ravensbourne, he developed his skills in both traditional and contemporary art forms, further influencing his artistic approach.
Diepiri continues to explore new avenues of creative expression. His YouTube channel, DMJTV (@dmjtv3453), serves as a platform for his projects, including the documentary Sound System, Rave, Voice of Sound, and Windrush Generation. Initially intended for cinema, the film faced distribution challenges, prompting Diepiri to make it available on YouTube. This move makes his work more accessible to a broader audience.
Diepiri’s creative drive is shared by his wife, Ethel MacPepple-Jaja, a fashion designer with her own brand, EMJ Fashions. Together, they have raised two sons, Alayi—known as ‘Jaja Morph’ in the Hip-Hop Afrobeats rap scene—and Alabo, both of whom have pursued creative interests in arts, music, and film.
Looking ahead, Diepiri hopes to continue producing new books, to organize more global art exhibitions, and to make ongoing contributions to Modern African Art. He is dedicated to his craft and culture, with aspirations for his work to have an impact on the art world.
In Modern African Art, MacPepple-Jaja aims to share the diversity, resilience, and innovation of African art. Through his book, he encourages readers to gain a deeper appreciation for African creativity across art, music, fashion, architecture, and media discourse.
Readers will find detailed depictions of the intricate textures, vibrant colors, and rich cultural narratives that define African art, framed by MacPepple-Jaja’s reflections on how these elements could inspire global art practices. For art enthusiasts and collectors, Modern African Art offers a narrative that seeks to foster a greater understanding of African art’s influence.
With the release of Modern African Art, MacPepple-Jaja presents the idea of an ‘African Renaissance’ and coins the term ‘Modern African Art’ (MAA) to describe this emerging cultural movement. The associated Modern African Art Movement (MAAM) seeks to showcase the influence of contemporary African art on global culture.
This in-depth work explores MAA’s creative elements, which inspire MacPepple-Jaja’s broadcasting project, The Painting. Set against the backdrop of hip-hop culture, this project incorporates five MAA elements: sound, color, mood, rhythm, and form.
Historically, African cultures have influenced global civilizations, and MacPepple-Jaja highlights Africa’s role as the birthplace of humanity and explores how it shapes shared heritage.
MacPepple-Jaja’s research examines the influence of African cultures and art, encouraging readers to appreciate African contributions. He argues that African influence has often been appropriated and rebranded under terms like ‘Cubism’ and ‘Fauvism.’ For more than a century, African artistic contributions have often been overlooked, and MacPepple-Jaja’s work offers a platform to acknowledge these important influences. By promoting Modern African Art, he aims to enhance visibility and recognition for African creators, fostering an accurate appreciation and respect for their contributions.
Diepiri MacPepple-Jaja’s book aims to be an insightful resource for those interested in art, culture, and African creativity. It offers an overview of the Modern African Art Movement, illustrating how its influences might shape contemporary art.
About the Author
Diepiri MacPepple-Jaja is an artist and researcher dedicated to promoting the cultural heritage of modern and contemporary African art. As an accomplished author and art historian, Diepiri draws on his expertise to create works that highlight the richness of African culture.
Discover the world of African art and culture with Modern African Art by Diepiri MacPepple-Jaja, available on Amazon, Spotify, and other major platforms.
Diepiri’s work captures the essence of Modern African Art with a unique perspective that reflects contemporary themes and cultural narratives. He is interested in showcasing his pieces in museums, galleries, and art fairs worldwide. Art curators looking for engaging and thought-provoking artwork may find his pieces a valuable addition. For art collectors and institutions, acquiring his work provides an opportunity to support an artist focused on cultural storytelling and expanding perspectives within the art world.
For inquiries about potential exhibitions, collaborations, or acquisitions, reach out to Diepiri and join his artistic journey as he explores the vibrant narratives of Modern African Art.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
