PhD student, African Cultural Studies
Faculty advisor: Luis Madureira
Tobi’s research interests include African popular culture, digital media, and global Black literatures. Before attending UW–Madison, Tobi completed his bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, then earned a master’s in Literary and Textual Studies from Bowling Green State University. His research interests have evolved, in part, from his experiences in cultural journalism, literary publishing, and digital media in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria.
“My research explores how African music, literature, and film reflect the ways people imagine their futures and respond to social challenges,” Tobi said. “By looking at Afrobeats, contemporary African literature, and Nollywood’s presence on digital platforms, I show how popular culture is not only a source of entertainment but also a space where young people and communities express creativity, negotiate identity, and make sense of their place in the world.”
Tobi received a WARF-supported Graduate School Fellowship in 2023-24.
“The fellowship enabled me to conduct exploratory research on my areas of focus,” he said. “This allowed me to have clarity on what I should study for my doctoral research.”