Artist of the Month: December 2024
Multidisciplinary Artist, Editor, Theatre Producer & Creative Entrepreneur
Based in Calgary, Alberta
Samuel Kugbiyi is a multi-talented actor, writer, voiceover artist, songwriter, visual artist, speaker/host, and audio content creator and editor, bringing nearly a decade of experience in creating engaging content for stage, screen, and audio platforms.
He has collaborated with various media broadcasters, production houses, and theater companies, including his own ventures. In addition to his performing arts career, Samuel is also a visual artist, which led to a residency facilitated by ICAI with EMMedia Arts. He is also trained in social media strategy.
Samuel co-founded SAK Productions, a media and entertainment production company that has developed over a dozen performances and strategic content for organizations such as UNESCO, Global Rights, Amnesty International, and the BBC over the last five years.
As a voice talent, Samuel has contributed to numerous international projects, including BBC Media Action’s “Story-Story” and the highly anticipated Nigerian All-Star animation “Iyanu” for HBO Max and Cartoon Network, premiering in Spring 2025.
What sparked your passion for storytelling, and how has it evolved through your work in theatre, music, and visual arts?
My passion for storytelling started in childhood, inspired by Bible stories, cartoons, and late-night family storytelling sessions. Over time, this grew into an interest in writing plays, songs, and short stories. When I discovered High School Musical, I realized the powerful combination of music and drama. This passion has carried over into my theatre productions, where I blend music, drama, and visual arts to create immersive and meaningful experiences. I bring my unique blend of humor, personal experiences, and creativity to each project.
You co-founded SAK Productions, which has collaborated with major organizations like UNESCO and Amnesty International. What inspired this company, and how do you hope your art impacts your audience?
The inspiration behind founding SAK Productions was to create a platform for storytelling that is not only entertaining but also fosters dialogue, raises awareness, and inspires positive change. One of our most impactful projects was a play about irregular immigration, which received support from UNESCO and global human rights organizations. It deeply resonated with audiences, sparking conversations about a critical issue.
My art is aimed at inspiring, uplifting, and offering hope. Through every project, whether a play, song, or visual piece, I want to evoke empathy, understanding, and optimism. I aim for my work to make people laugh, reflect, and connect, so they leave feeling inspired and with a new perspective on important issues.
How does your involvement in the upcoming Iyanu project with HBO Max and Cartoon Network feel significant in your career, and what is your role in the project?
Being involved in the Iyanu project is a major milestone in my career. It’s an animated series for HBO Max and Cartoon Network, set in an ancient Yoruba world full of magic and science. My role is voice acting, and I’ve had the privilege of bringing a character to life in this fantastical universe. This project is significant because it allows me to be part of an international production, and it’s one of the first opportunities where my work will be seen by audiences around the world. It's incredibly rewarding to contribute to a project that blends rich cultural history with global appeal.
How has your experience at ICAI, including your residency at EMMedia, influenced your artistic journey, and what advice would you give to other newcomer artists in Alberta?
My experiences at ICAI, especially the residency at EMMedia, have significantly shaped my journey as an artist, giving me the space and resources to grow as a visual artist. Before this, I was sharing my work informally on Instagram, but the residency allowed me to refine my skills and gain the confidence to showcase my art more broadly. As an immigrant artist, ICAI’s mentorship and support have been instrumental in helping me develop my voice in the Canadian arts scene.
For newcomer artists in Alberta, my advice is to stay patient and persistent. The journey of establishing yourself as an artist in a new place can be challenging, but remember that your unique voice is valuable. Keep creating, learn from your experiences, and stay open to opportunities.
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