In an era where creativity and impactful storytelling are crucial, Nigerian advertising and creative professional Dele-Balogun is set to launch his highly anticipated literary project, Don’t Tell These Stories. The book, described as a “multi-modal project,” promises a riveting exploration of narratives often left unspoken in society. Dele-Balogun, Co-founder and Chief Impact Director of The Hook Creative Agency, brings over a decade of experience in advertising and communication to this venture.

As an alumnus of the prestigious Cambridge Judge Business School and the Orange Academy, Africa’s first practical school of brand experience, Dele-Balogun’s background is rooted in excellence. With a proven track record of delivering strategies and creative solutions for top businesses across sectors, Dele-Balogun is no stranger to producing work that resonates. His creative prowess and strategic ingenuity have earned him numerous awards, including accolades from international and local platforms.

READ MORE: Reviving Literature for the Distracted Generation: Toheeb Dele-Balogun’s Vision

In an interview, Dele-Balogun delved into the inspiration behind the project, shedding light on the book’s thematic underpinnings. According to him, Don’t Tell These Stories is an endeavor that reflects his belief in the transformative power of literature. He emphasized, “Literature, like every other art, has the power to shine light on things we are trying to look away from. The stories in this project explore narratives and themes that we need to talk about but are often reluctant to discuss.”

Dele-Balogun, a seasoned brand communication expert, explained that the messages within the book are intentionally left open-ended. Readers are invited to draw their interpretations, as he expressed, “Like every work of art, Don’t Tell These Stories is vulnerable to both over-interpretation and misinterpretation. Some will grasp the intended message, while others may perceive it differently.”

The project, which has been in the making for a decade, saw Dele-Balogun facing several personal challenges along the way. He revealed that the recurring hurdles often involved attempts at self-censorship. “I have made several attempts to censor myself but chose to persevere. Defying bouts of self-doubt was essential to bringing this project to completion,” he reflected.

The official launch of Don’t Tell These Stories is scheduled for October 27th at The Temple Company, a venue Dele-Balogun chose because of its alignment with his project’s vision. He acknowledged Idris Olorunnimbe, the founder of The Temple Company, for his unwavering support for local content and stories. Describing the launch, Dele-Balogun noted that it would go beyond a traditional book unveiling. It will be an immersive experience, featuring illustrations, photography, installations, and performances to bring the book’s themes to life.

Several key individuals contributed to the project’s realization, including Ayo Ishola, Sam Ochonma, Wale Muse, Bayo Owosina, Abraham Babajide Cole – UK-based artist, and colleagues from The Hook Creative Agency. Their support, according to Dele-Balogun, was instrumental in shaping this endeavor.

For Dele-Balogun, Don’t Tell These Stories represents his first literary and artistic adventure beyond his longstanding advertising career. With over fifteen years in the industry, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to impactful storytelling. However, this project allows him to channel his creativity beyond the corporate sphere into the literary world.

Dele-Balogun emphasized that his target audience is the “distracted generation,” a demographic he hopes to re-engage with literature and art. He expressed his passion for evolving literary works to accommodate societal changes, stating, “Literature is not meant to be consumed solely by the literary community; it is for the whole community.”

Anticipation for the launch has been building, especially with the release of teaser snippets online, which have been met with positive responses. Dele-balogun described the upcoming event as an evening of “unprecedented storytelling,” expressing excitement for the reactions the project will elicit. He noted that the goal is to sustain the excitement and dialogue surrounding Don’t Tell These Stories for as long as possible.

Dailylight.com has it that Dele-Balogun’s career is a testament to his ability to blend creativity with strategy, whether in the corporate, political, or philanthropic space. Beyond his professional achievements, his commitment to humanity is evident through Teartear, a charity organization he founded to provide free school uniforms to children from underserved communities.

With the impending launch of Don’t Tell These Stories, Dele-Balogun is poised to further cement his legacy as a storyteller capable of sparking conversations that matter. The public can expect a thought-provoking exploration of narratives that push boundaries, challenge norms, and encourage deeper reflection on the untold stories in society.