Nigerians today connect more with Fela’s music – Lemi Ghariokwu

lemi-ghariokwu

Designer of some of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s album covers, Lemi Ghariokwu, has said that the late legend’s music is more relevant now than when he began.

Mr Ghariokwu, a veteran artist, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Nigerians relate more with Fela’s music now considering the recent happenings in the country.

“Musicians like Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz sampled Fela’s music — ‘Zombie’, JJD did ‘Waka waka waka’, and Ayodeji Balogun, a.k.a. Wizkid — ‘Lady’ and they all came out well,’’ he said.

Ghariokwu designed Fela’s 29 album covers out of 56.

He said he also designed the van and logos the iconic singer used for his New York and Lagos shows.

Ghariokwu said that Fela did well in his lifetime and that is why his legacy
Afrika Shrine attracts world leaders and personalities.

President of France, Emmanuel Macron, visited Afrika Shrine when he came to Nigeria in 2018.

“My call to fame was because I designed Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s musical album covers which showed that Afrobeat music, its own art are packaged with it,’’ Ghariokwu said.