Amivi Homawoo

Amivi Homawoo, born on January 1, 1975, was a vibrant soul whose art and laughter lit up every room he entered. He taught me that a camera is not just a tool, but a portal to the heart of the world. I’ll never forget the first time he showed me his early video projects—tiny, hand‑held reels that captured the bustling market stalls in Lomé, the quiet prayers in a chapel, the spirited dance of a street performer. He’d always say, “The world is a canvas, and we’re just the brushes.” His passion for visual storytelling was contagious; it made us all want to see the world through a different lens. Family was Amivi’s truest north star. He was the eldest of five, and from a young age he took on the role of protector and mentor. He would sneak us into the village’s old cinema, where the flickering screen became a shared secret. He was a devoted brother, a loving son, and a doting uncle who could always be counted on for a hearty laugh or a shoulder to lean on. When the family’s only television broke, he didn’t just fix the screen—he improvised a mini-theater in the living room, complete with homemade popcorn and a cardboard projector. Those moments of ingenuity are etched in my memory, a testament to his resourcefulness and his unwavering love for those around him. Amivi’s creative passions were as boundless as his generosity. He loved capturing the rhythm of everyday life, from the rhythmic pounding of drums in a village square to the delicate brush strokes of a grandmother’s hand on a pot. His work often blended traditional African motifs with contemporary visual techniques, creating pieces that resonated both locally and internationally. He also had a quiet love for gardening; his backyard was a riot of color, where he would spend hours trimming roses and planting new seedlings, always telling us that plants, like people, needed patience and care to flourish. His hobbies were never just pastimes—they were extensions of his soul, teaching us that joy can be found in the simplest of acts. The impact Amivi had on everyone he met was profound. He was a mentor to young filmmakers, often staying late to help them edit scenes or to explain the subtleties of composition. In the community, he organized film festivals that gave local artists a platform to showcase their work. He inspired countless students with his belief that art could spark change, and he taught us that empathy is the most powerful tool an artist can wield. Even after his passing on April 14, 2026, his legacy lives on in the vibrant murals that adorn our streets and in the countless hearts that continue to be moved by his stories. Amivi’s spirit will forever be the gentle hum behind every frame he captured, the warm smile in every brushstroke, and the love that bound us all together.