Matthew (Blaise) Nwozaku is a visionary cultural worker and activist at the nexus of decolonization, gender equity, and youth participation in Africa. Their interdisciplinary work bridges art, advocacy, and community-building, shaping radical new narratives around queer experiences in Nigeria and beyond. As the Executive Director of Obodo, a youth-led non-profit dedicated to normalizing queer realities, Matthew has pioneered transformative initiatives that intersect art, culture and social transformation. Their leadership has been instrumental in campaigns such as #QueerLivesMatter, #EndHomophobiaInNigeria, and #EndSARS, where they utilized strategic digital mobilization to foreground systemic injustice and amplify the voices of young queer Nigerians.
Matthew’s fellowship interrogates the enduring legacies of colonialism on sexuality and identity in Africa, engaging with themes of resistance, visibility, intersectionality and economic upliftment. Their advocacy and thought leadership have garnered global recognition, including the MTV EMAs 2022 Generation Change Award, the SOGIESC Activist of the Year Award (2021), and a nomination for The Future Awards Africa (2020). Their influence extends into cultural discourse, with features in Vogue, Bloomberg, TIME, and their inclusion in NATIVESON’s list of 101 Black Gay and Queer Men Who Made Global Impact (2020). A sought after speaker and panelist, Matthew has lent their voice to global platforms such as AfricaNXT, Women Deliver 2023, and The ILGA Conference, shaping critical conversations on queer African futures. Their work embodies the transformative power of advocacy, reimagining a world where young people, especially those at the margins, can live with dignity, joy, and self determination in order to contribute to society in their various capacities.