Back in the wild and vibrant ‘70s, as a young artist in Lagos, my education came from the streets. Art exhibitions, private studios, and the ever-dynamic cartoon pages of newspapers were my classrooms. Lagos minibuses, with their philosophical slogans, were my pulse check for the city’s mood. Nigeria, with its broken infrastructure and self-serving political elite, has always been a hotbed of conflict and hardship. Yet, despite the chaos, there’s an unkillable spirit of optimism.
Over the past fifty years, artists like Fela Anikulapo-Kuti have used their craft to push back against political rot. Fela’s Afrobeat music was a sonic revolution, challenging oppression and corruption head-on. A few years ago, I found myself at an exhibit in Paris, surrounded by student protest posters from the ‘60s. The curator explained how this art helped reshape society. It got me thinking about the power of art to reflect and influence our world. While industrialized nations use art to critique life’s superficiality, we in Africa grapple with raw, immediate issues. Our art and music mirror our realities and lay the groundwork for future generations.
Meeting Fela Kuti in 1974 felt like destiny. His music was a potent force that needed a visual counterpart to match its depth. This challenge sparked my career. As an illustrator, I captured the spirit of Fela’s rebellion, turning his powerful messages into iconic album covers. My art became an extension of Afrobeat’s fight against societal chains. Rebellion, after all, is the path to freedom and meaning.
Art wears many hats. It can be visually stunning, thought-provoking, or downright confrontational. It records history, celebrates life, and spreads ideologies. Fela’s Afrobeat music and my art aim to awaken societal consciousness. Nigeria’s rich artistic traditions fuel my work, allowing me to critique the country’s social, economic, and political landscape. Social commentary through art is my lifelong mission. In my journey, I’ve seen how art can provoke and inspire. It’s a powerful tool that can capture the essence of our struggles and triumphs. Whether it’s a picturesque landscape or an avant-garde piece, art has the unique ability to evoke thoughts and feelings that can drive change. Art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about making a statement, recording history, and challenging the status quo.
Imagine a day without music. How would we inspire ourselves, reflect, or simply survive? Music helps us understand our cultural and historical roots. It uplifts us and expresses our identities. Like art, music can record history, evoke emotions, and promote ideologies. Nigeria’s music scene has exploded, with Afrobeats gaining global recognition. However, today’s Afrobeats often focuses on sensuality and materialism, losing the activism that defined original Afrobeat. The difference in ethos is glaring. Music, like art, should challenge and enlighten. It should be a mirror to society, reflecting both its beauty and its flaws. Music is a universal language, capable of bridging divides and fostering understanding. It’s more than just entertainment; it’s a tool for mental liberation. It offers us the opportunity to imagine, communicate, and explore our own personalities and beliefs. Music can record history, memorialize events, and celebrate life. It’s a barometer of our times, reflecting our joys, sorrows, and everything in between.
“My art became an extension of Afrobeat’s fight against societal chains. Rebellion, after all, is the path to freedom and meaning”
“Today’s Afrobeats often focuses on sensuality and materialism, losing the activism that defined original Afrobeat. The difference in ethos is glaring.
Music, like art, should challenge and enlighten. It should be a mirror to society, reflecting both its beauty and its flaws”
My work goes deeper than meets the eye. I see myself as a catalyst for change, pushing for mental liberation. I’m honored to be recognized by those who share my passion. The youth discovering my work realize the continuity of my mission. Despite distractions, the core issues persist, and we must look beyond the surface.
Our society remains underdeveloped due to external systems that perpetuate struggle. Art and music must reflect and challenge this environment. In Africa, they can’t be just for entertainment; they must enlighten. If something bothers you, act on it or stay silent. Art and music are powerful tools for social change. They can expose injustices, inspire action, and foster a sense of unity and purpose.
I believe in living the change we seek in the world. Recognizing inspiration in others and motivating society is a tough journey, but it’s necessary. No society can thrive without its artisans and philosophers. Fela broke societal taboos, sparking crucial debates. I stand firm in his ideals, pushing for enlightenment and change. To the youth of today, I say this: Keep pushing, keep questioning, and keep creating. The power of art and music is in your hands. Use it wisely, and let it be a force for good. Our history, our struggles, and our triumphs are all captured in the art we create and the music we make. Let’s continue to use these powerful tools to drive change and inspire future generations.
I remain committed to my art, to my vision, and to the fight for a more conscious and liberated society. Art is more than just a reflection; it’s a call to action. It’s about seeing the world not just as it is, but as it could be. It’s about pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and igniting change. The journey is long, and the challenges are many, but through art and music, we have the power to reshape our reality. Let’s create, let’s rebel, and let’s strive for a world where our art and music not only entertain but also enlighten and empower. The future is ours to shape, and the time to act is now.
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