suya
2024
The best suya is made in the dark
the story
Mallam Ali loves the lively chatter of evening customers—the taxi drivers, late-night workers, and friends sharing laughter over spicy, peppered suya. Ali sets up his suya stand, the air thick with the scent of sizzling meat and smoky spices. Ali takes pride in dressing with style, especially when doing what he loves. Clad in a sleek sateen thawb and an intricately embroidered cap, he carries himself with effortless elegance. His appreciation for quality is evident in every detail, from the rich fabrics he chooses to the unique gold rings adorning his fingers—each carrying a story of its own.
mallam ali
Mallam Ali, a young man in his late 20’s from Gobirawa (Sokoto) is known for his friendly yet businesslike demeanor, sharp bargaining skills, and a keen sense of humor. He works with precision, expertly slicing and seasoning the meat while engaging customers in playful banter. His patience is unmatched, especially when dealing with indecisive buyers.
Ali bears a prominent tribal mark across his face, a testament to the deep-rooted history of the Gobirawa people. Once without distinct markings, the Gobirawa developed their own unique identifiers as a result of frequent wars and migration. These marks became more than just symbols—they were a bond of identity and unity, allowing them to recognize one another wherever they went.
Migration for the Gobirawa was always a communal affair; they moved together, ensuring that no one was left behind. In times of intertribal conflict, these marks served a crucial purpose—helping them distinguish friend from foe and preventing unintended attacks on their own people. What began as a necessity of survival became an enduring emblem of heritage and belonging.
the suya stand
Mallam Ali loves the routine of setting up his Suya stand at his favorite spot; His customers are not only drawn to his spicy meat but love his charisma and cheerful nature. Lighting up the charcoal fire and marinating the meat with his special oil and spice, without a doubt confirms Ali’s love what he does.
Suya is primarily sold at night because of the cooler temperatures, which make grilling less strenuous for vendors who spend hours tending to the fire. The evening also brings more foot traffic, as people finish their daily routines and look for a satisfying, affordable meal to enjoy.
exploration
team
director
emmanuella edeh
concept art
omotoyosi sholanke
modeling + lookdev
abiola badmus
animation
funmi kayode ● michael onyeme
lighting
emmanuella edeh
tooling
aderemi adesada ● fausan hassan
sound design
saye bawa
