Hello, my name is Mosope Adeyemi, but most know me as Shopé (a westernized phonetic pronunciation of my Yoruba name, Sope). I was born in Nigeria, West Africa, where I lived in Lagos for the first part of my life. In search of greener economic pastures, at 11 years of age, my family packed our bags, left everything, and relocated to Toronto, Canada.

Can you say culture shock? Think of all the things kids might say to the new, poor “African” kid. Yea, I got ‘em all. So being a Nigerian immigrant I was teased, and as a result, I spent many years ignoring my Africanness at best, and downplaying it at worst. As I matured, some things started to shift my perspective, one of which was coming to witness the lingering effects of racism, slavery and colonial structures on people of colour in the western world. In 2013 I visited Nigeria for the first time since leaving in 2000. Leading up to that, I had already been having convictions of re-connecting to my roots. Those convictions continually grew stronger, finally solidifying during that 2013 visit. I knew I had to find my way back home and somehow connect it to my Toronto identity. It took some more time to establish that connection, but now 7 years later, the signals are clear.

I value Canada immensely as it has offered my family countless opportunities, however, it’s taken me many years to truly value my African culture, heritage, and continent. For a myriad of reasons (one of them being internalized self-devaluing stemming from childhood experiences), I did not see my culture as something to be treasured. Thankfully, now I do. I now value my Nigerian heritage more than I ever have. That love grows by the day without diminishing my gratitude for Canada.

I am certain there are many others out there who are either currently experiencing this struggle of reconciling their dual identities, or need to experience it. Going (and growing) through this maturation process served as the seed for starting Culture Rich World, and thus, is my contribution at helping others like myself, bridge their western identity with their motherland.

I want Africans in the diaspora (and those on the continent) to be reminded that their culture is beautiful and valuable. Just as valuable as the western ones in which they inhabit. Because when we truly believe that, others will too. When you truly believe something in the core of your heart, your actions follow your convictions and others will have to take notice (as we are currently seeing with the global rise of Afro culture).

By extension, I want this same idea of pride in my blended culture (African & western) to extend to other non-African communities. There is inherent beauty in the cultures of the world. Ultimately, I believe God made the world diverse for a reason. An accurate display of His beauty and glory requires a vast array of human creative activity that no singular people group can completely embody.

That’s why God made a....Culture Rich World.

For more on my personal journey as a recording artist and entrepreneur, follow me on IG or text me at +1 (647) 560 1701.