Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Rotimi Fani-Kayode moved to England at the age of eleven to escape the Biafran War. He pursued his education in the United States and the United Kingdom, eventually establishing himself as a significant voice in the British contemporary art scene during the 1980s.

His photography is characterized by a blend of African iconography and Western art historical references, often utilizing the human body to examine themes of desire, displacement, and spiritual identity. His practice was deeply personal, frequently incorporating elements of Yoruba culture alongside homoerotic imagery to challenge conventional representations of Black masculinity.

Fani-Kayode's legacy continues to be institutionalized through major museum acquisitions and retrospectives. His work remains a focal point for discussions on the African diaspora in contemporary art, as evidenced by his inclusion in significant international collections and recent acquisitions by institutions such as the Tate.