A profile on visiting artist and established legend in the world of Album covers, Lemi Ghariokwu

Last week, the Centre of West African Studies (CWAS) was lucky enough to play host to one of Africa’s pioneering designers, Lemi Ghariokwu. Best known for designing album covers for Afrobeat star Fela Kuti, Lemi has worked as an artist and designer in Nigeria and abroad for many years. Perhaps one of his most recognisable works is the cover for Fela's 1976 album Yellow Fever, which Lemi explained by talking about the title song and how it addresses the trend of skin bleaching in Nigeria. Fela's lyrics tell how the inferiority complex that lies behind this phenomenon cannot be solved by expensive bleaching creams, but is one more deeply rooted. In the role of a cover designer, Lemi sees himself as trying to express the message of the song. His designs are supplementary rather than complimentary, they are able to stand on their own and Lemi sees this as the marker of his success.

It was special to hear of Lemi's relationship with the legend that is Fela Kuti, in which Lemi saw himself as a son, an advisor and a comrade in arms. Lemi shared many of Fela's political views, particularly his pan-Africanism. Lemi's more recent work is markedly different in style and larger in scale, but maintains a powerful articulation of his political views, dealing with issues such as border control and child soldiers. He terms this work as 'Afro-pop art' and one of the most striking recent pieces is E-mind-cipation, where Lemi has superimposed Barack Obama's image on the classic drawing of an Atlantic slave ship. Lemi's message is 'set your mind free, express your culture and be conscious'.

It is refreshing to see an artist who is so excited to share their own work with others, open about both their process and the reception they have received. He describes himself as 'free' from formal artistic training and believes that this has influenced his eclectic style. As inspiration for the vibrant quality of his work, Lemi names everyday movement, colourful environments and interaction with fellow human beings. Lemi says he has tried to become more business-like recently during his time in the US, but just imagining him in a gallery meeting with a pair of trendy New York curators brings a smile to one's face. His untainted passion for his work and for people is a great thing to see.

Written by Caitlin Pearson