It’s not just textiles, it’s about opening doors — Hafsat Sani Sami
Hafsat Sani Sami is a digital textile designer originally from Kebbi State, born and raised in Kaduna. Hafsat studied Business Management at Coventry University and Interior Architecture & Design at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. The self-taught artist started her creative journey painting on canvas, evolved into traditional tie and dye, and eventually […]
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Hafsat Sani Sami is a digital textile designer originally from Kebbi State, born and raised in Kaduna. Hafsat studied Business Management at Coventry University and Interior Architecture & Design at the Academy of Art in San Francisco.
The self-taught artist started her creative journey painting on canvas, evolved into traditional tie and dye, and eventually blossomed into a deep love for digital textile design. Beyond textiles, Hafsat is passionate about art therapy and healing through art, using creativity as a gentle but powerful tool for transformation.
Your work with textiles is very unusual and truly contemporary. Can you walk us through your kind of art and your journey into digital textile design?
My journey into textile design started with a deep love for storytelling and a fascination with how patterns and colours can evoke emotion. I’ve always been drawn to creating things with my hands and my heart. But when I discovered digital textile design, it was like the skies opened up. Suddenly, I had this beautiful blend of tech and tradition right at my fingertips.
I work primarily with silk and natural fabrics, designing bold, expressive prints that tell stories often inspired by nature, spirituality, personal experiences, and the beautiful chaos of everyday life. My designs are layered with meaning, but they’re also playful and vibrant because I think art should make you feel something—joy, nostalgia, freedom.
Digital textile design gave me the freedom to break the rules a little. I get to experiment, go wild with colours, test concepts instantly, and bring my designs to life faster and more sustainably. It’s a modern-day brush for artists like me. I like to think of each piece I create as wearable art—whether it’s a scarf, a dress, or a custom fabric for another brand. I get to work with other creatives and small businesses to bring their dream prints to life, too. It’s honestly a dream job, and I’m just getting started.
Many might describe you as an Ankara designer, but your designs seem to draw heavily from nature. What draws you to natural forms, and is there a deeper reason behind this?
That’s such a thoughtful question. Thank you!
Indeed, my early work was heavily inspired by Ankara. The bold patterns and vibrant energy really helped shape my foundation as a designer, and those influences are still visible in some of my prints. But I wouldn’t describe myself strictly as an Ankara designer. I see myself more as an artist who expresses through textiles. To me, that title allows more freedom to explore and evolve creatively without being boxed into a specific category.
I’m naturally drawn to the beauty around me—especially in the details of creation. I believe there’s so much design inspiration in the world if you just slow down and look. Whether it’s the colours, shapes, or rhythms of everyday life, I find myself constantly pausing to appreciate the intentional beauty in things. That’s what flows into my work: organic, layered, expressive designs that feel both familiar and fresh.
At the core of it, I just love creating from a place of wonder. My work is a reflection of what I observe, what I feel, and what I hope others will connect with.
What is the landscape like for digital designers in Nigeria today? Are there many working in this space, particularly in Northern Nigeria?
The digital textile design space in Nigeria is still very much growing and in Northern Nigeria, it’s even more rare. There aren’t many digital textile creatives in this region yet, but it’s something we’re slowly catching up with, and that makes the journey even more exciting.
It’s a space that takes a lot of courage to step into, especially when there isn’t a clear roadmap to follow. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding. I’m incredibly passionate about not just creating, but also creating space for other designers and artists to explore textile design in a new way. Whether it’s printmaking, digital illustration, or custom fabric production, I want people to see that it’s possible and that the possibilities are truly endless.
We’re at the beginning of something special. And being part of that shift, especially in the North, feels like a bold and beautiful adventure. I love that I get to play a small role in helping open up this world for others because once you see how much you can do with it, there’s no going back!
How has the decline of our textile factories shaped this terrain?
The decline of our textile factories has definitely left a huge gap in the industry. What was once a thriving space for fabric production and innovation became quieter, and that affected everything from local craftsmanship to our cultural expression through textiles.
But at the same time, that gap has created space for a new kind of creativity to rise. It’s pushed a lot of us to think differently, to find new methods, and to build from the ground up. That’s really where digital textile design comes in. It allows us to reimagine what’s possible, even without the large-scale infrastructure that used to exist.
I’m finding ways to bridge that gap—not just by creating original prints and products, but by offering textile printing services to other creatives and small brands who want to tell their own stories through fabric. It’s about rebuilding, but in a more intentional and accessible way.
So while the decline has been challenging, I also see it as a call to action and an opportunity to create something brand new, for that’s truly ours.
With your brand, Kweyve, in what ways are you looking to empower younger Nigerian women to explore this art form? Have you encountered young women who inspire you back with their interpretations of textile art?
Empowering young Nigerian women is one of the most important parts of what I do with KWEYVE. For me, it’s not just about creating beautiful textiles—it’s about opening doors. I want young women to see that textile art isn’t just something “out there” or reserved for fashion capitals around the world. It’s something they can own, shape, and bring to life in their own unique way.
Through KWEYVE, I try to create access through internships, collaborative projects, or simply sharing the process behind my work. I want them to see that textile design is more than just making prints. It’s a powerful tool for storytelling, entrepreneurship and self-expression.
And yes, I’ve definitely come across young women who inspire me deeply! Sometimes it’s the way they see colour, the questions they ask, or how they reinterpret traditional patterns in bold, fresh ways. It’s in those moments I’m reminded that this movement is bigger than me. We’re creating a new design language; one that’s proudly Nigerian, deeply creative, women-led.
There’s so much talent out there. Sometimes all it needs is a little spark. And I’m grateful that my work gets to be part of that spark.
Are you confident about the future of independent digital designers in the country?
Oh, absolutely—I’m very confident. I mean, the future is clearly in safe hands. We’re here doing what needs to be done, so no pressure!
But seriously, I do believe the future for independent digital designers in Nigeria is bright. We’re in a time where creativity and technology are more accessible than ever, and young designers are beginning to realize that they don’t have to wait for permission or perfect conditions to start creating.
Beyond challenging or reflecting social and political ideals, what does art mean to you on a personal level?
For me, art is deeply personal — it is more than just a way to challenge norms or reflect society. It is a form of self-expression, storytelling and connection. Art is where I process emotions, capture memories and translate feelings that words sometimes can’t express.
Beyond that, art brings me pure joy and fulfillment. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing people light up when they experience my work. Whether it is a sense of wonder, nostalgia or inspiration, knowing that my art touches people on an emotional level makes everything worthwhile. Seeing smiles on people’s faces, watching them connect with a piece in their own unique way are the real magic of creating.
Art, for me, is also about legacy. Long after we are gone, it remains. It tells stories about our time, our struggles, our joys and everything in between. Whether I am painting something deeply personal or creating work that resonates with a larger audience, I see art as a way to leave something meaningful behind.
Beyond all that, art is simply joy. The act of creating — mixing colours, seeing a blank canvas come to life, losing track of time in the process — is therapeutic. It is where I feel the most like myself.
Your husband has been publicly supportive of your art and what you represent as a female artist in Nigeria. Could you share a little about your love story?
Oh, I love this question because our love story has such a unique twist —my husband didn’t even know I was an artist until after we got married.
When we first met, our connection was built on so many other things — deep conversations, shared values and mutual respect — but I never really talked about my art. It wasn’t that I was hiding it, I just never led with it. To me, painting was something deeply personal, almost like a part of my soul that I hadn’t fully shared yet.
It wasn’t until after we got married that he truly discovered this whole other side of me. I will never forget his reaction when he saw my work for the first time — he was completely in awe. It was like he was seeing a new dimension of me that he hadn’t known before.
But what I love most is how he didn’t just admire my work, he became one of my biggest champions. From that moment on, he has been incredibly supportive, always encouraging me to share my gift with the world. As a female artist in Nigeria, I have faced my share of challenges, but having a husband who believes in my vision amplifies my voice and celebrates my journey has been such a blessing.
It is funny to think that something so important to me wasn’t even part of our early love story, yet it has become such a big part of our journey together. His support means everything, and I love that he is not just my partner in life but also my biggest fan when it comes to my art.
You recently had an exhibition to celebrate International Women’s Day. What is your message to women in Nigeria, particularly those in arts?
That exhibition was such a special moment for me, not just as an artist but as a woman celebrating the strength, resilience and creativity of Nigerian women.
My message to women in Nigeria, especially those in arts, is simple: Your voice matters, your creativity is powerful and your story deserves to be seen and heard.
Being a female artist in Nigeria comes with its challenges, but we belong in this space. Our perspectives, emotions and experiences bring something unique to the world of art. Whether you are a painter, sculptor, writer, designer or performer, know that what you create has value. Don’t wait for validation; own your talent, take up space and keep pushing forward.
I also want to encourage women to support one another. The art world can sometimes feel isolating, but we are stronger when we lift each other up. Share opportunities, mentor younger artists, collaborate and celebrate each other’s successes. There’s room for all of us to thrive.
Who are some female artists you admire?
There are so many incredible female artists I admire, but if I had to highlight just a couple, Peju Layiwola and Frida Kahlo would definitely be at the top of my list.
Peju Layiwola is such a powerful force in African art. I love how she weaves history, culture and identity into her work, especially in the way she explores themes of colonialism and heritage. Her pieces always feel deeply intentional, carrying both a sense of the past and a vision for the future. She is not just an artist, she is an educator, mentor and an advocate for the arts, which I find incredibly inspiring.
Then there’s Frida Kahlo, an artist whose raw, emotional storytelling has left a lasting mark on the world. What I admire most about her is how she painted her truth, no matter how painful or personal. Her self-portraits, filled with symbolism and deep emotion, show a level of vulnerability and strength that I find truly inspiring. She turned her struggles into art that still speaks to people today; and that’s something I deeply respect.
These women, in different ways, remind me of the power of art, not just as a form of expression but a tool for storytelling, healing and advocacy.