waf.Lemi Ghariokwu from waf. on Vimeo.
King of covers, Ghariokwu Lemi, is a self-taught fine artist, graphic designer and illustrator. He has designed over 2,000 album covers but started this journey when journalist, Babatunde Harrison entered a pub, was in awe of one of his posters on the wall and requested to meet him. Harrison then introduced him to Fela Kuti and thus his album cover journey started. He designed logos for Fame Weekly, Ivory Music and National Encomium.
Born December 1955, The Delta native has lived all his life in Lagos, Nigeria where he attended Yaba College of Technology Secondary School. He is best known for his with work legendary acts such as Bob Marley, Osita Osadebe, Lucky Dube, Kris Okotie, Tony Tetuila, Sound Sultan and more.
In the last two decades, Lemi’s work has features in about 19 exhibitions all over the world which includes a group exhibition titled Black President: The Art and Legacy of Fela Anikulapo Kuti showcased in New York in 2003, his 2008 solo exhibition in Lagos called Lagos: Paradigm Shift and more recently the Afro Art Beat Exhibition in partnership with Temple Management, here in Lagos. His career spans over four decades not just because of his undeniable talent but also his drive to continually research and follow trends within his field.
“I overstand (understand) that to move forward and remain relevant, you must constantly evolve.“
Inspired by his legacy and works, waf. will release a collaboration featuring Lemi Ghariokwu’s artworks and album covers on Tee Shirts as well as an interactive session with the Legend himself on Thursday, June 16, 2022.
