About

The Kikọ script is a newly developed alphabetic system designed to write the Yoruba language, offering a fresh reimagining of its written form through the lens of type design. The name Kikọ means “writing” in Yoruba, reflecting its purpose and cultural roots.

The development of this script was inspired by a deep appreciation for writing systems and their connection to cultural identity. Many languages possess unique scripts or adapt existing ones with a distinct aesthetic, yet Yoruba, written in the Latin script, often feels cumbersome and lacks visual harmony. For a language celebrated for its melodious beauty when spoken, its written form does not fully capture that essence.

This endeavor was driven by a desire to create a script that is visually captivating and invites closer examination of its form. It was also designed to be highly functional: easy to write, especially in handling tone markings, straightforward to learn, and clear to read. Beyond its practical attributes, Kikọ aims to enrich Yoruba's literary and cultural heritage.