Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale, widely recognized by his artistic moniker Olaolu Slawn, has taken on the prestigious task of designing the English FA Cup trophy for the highly anticipated 2024 final clash between Manchester City and Manchester United. The grand finale is scheduled to unfold at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, marking yet another milestone in the annals of football history.
The Football Association Challenge Cup, affectionately known as the FA Cup, stands as an iconic annual knockout football tournament within English domestic football. Its inception dates back to the 1871-72 season, rendering it the oldest national football competition globally. Spearheaded by The Football Association (The FA), this revered tournament has etched its name into the fabric of football tradition.
A prodigiously talented British-Nigerian designer and artist, Olaolu Slawn, has lent his creative prowess to fashion the revered English FA Cup trophy for the 2023-2024 season. Here’s a glimpse into the remarkable journey of this artistic luminary:
Born on October 24, 2000, in Lagos, Nigeria, Olaolu Slawn has garnered acclaim for his vibrant and dynamic artworks, ranging from spray paint masterpieces to large-scale pop art canvases, graffiti, caricatures, and awe-inspiring murals.
At a mere 23 years old, Slawn etched his name in the annals of history as the youngest individual to design the prestigious Britannia statuette for the esteemed BRIT Awards in 2023.
During his formative years, Slawn found kinship and creative synergy at Wafflesncream, Nigeria’s pioneering skate shop, where he collaborated with like-minded individuals to produce art, indulge in skating, and craft compelling films. This collaborative endeavor laid the foundation for the emergence of the acclaimed apparel group, Motherlan, which swiftly garnered attention in Nigeria and even caught the eye of the renowned Virgil Abloh.
In pursuit of his artistic journey, Slawn embarked on a new chapter in London in 2018, subsequently delving into the realm of graphic design at Middlesex University in 2019. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for Slawn’s prolific artistic output, prompting him to immerse himself in painting, showcasing his creations at social gatherings, and cultivating a robust presence across social media platforms.
The burgeoning success of his artistic endeavors culminated in Slawn’s inaugural exhibition at Truman Brewery on Brick Lane in September 2021. Notably, in 2022, Slawn orchestrated a charitable auction in collaboration with Sotheby’s, where celebrated artist Skepta unveiled his maiden painting. Furthermore, Slawn’s multifaceted talents were on full display as he assumed the roles of both statuette and set designer for the esteemed 2023 BRIT Awards.
On May 22, 2023, Slawn realized yet another milestone as he unveiled BeauBeau’s Cafe, a charming family-run eatery nestled in East London, aptly named in honor of his beloved son.
In crafting the emblematic English FA Cup trophy for the 2024 final showdown, Olaolu Slawn continues to leave an indelible mark on the intersection of art and sport, solidifying his status as a visionary artist and design virtuoso.