John Abe

b. 1956, Nigeria
d. 2024

John Abe (b.1956, Ekiti, Nigeria – d. 2024, Alagbado, Lagos State, Nigeria) developed an interest in photography at age 12 when a photographer was commissioned to take portraits of his mother and grandmother at their home.

He recalls watching the photographer at work was like seeing a magician perform magic. Determined to pursue his passion, he apprenticed under Mr. Oladiran Asaiya, also known as "Yankee Photo," in Ogun State between 1968-1969. After moving to Lagos in 1969, Abe was able to purchase his first camera and a bicycle, which he used to travel around, advertising his services with a bag labelled "Abi Morocco." Over the years, the studio operated under various names in independence and partnership with his wife including "Young Abi Morocco Adeomosun Photos," "Young Abi Morocco Photos," and "Abi Morocco Photos." Specialising in many forms of portraiture Abe continued his photography career and ran the studio until his retirement in 2006. Abe passed away in June 2024 at the age of 77.