Lemi Ghariokwu is a veteran graphic artist who has designed album covers for iconic musicians such as Afrobeat Legend Fela, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Miriam Makeba, 2Baba, Sound Sultan, Kenny St. Brown, and many others.
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In an exclusive interview with NET TV caught up with, Lemi reveals how he met and designed 26 album covers for the late Afrobeat legend while he was alive and 3 more after he died.
He also spoke about the first time Fela complained about an album cover he made. It was for the song titled ‘JJD’ meaning Johnny Just Drop, a title which stemmed from the ‘fake’ accent and attitude Nigerians imbibe when they return to the country from overseas. Lemi confessed that he felt irritated and saddened because that was the first time Fela would suggest what he should do.
Though he made a new cover, he decided to get back at Fela by suggesting to the record company that both artworks be used as a double sleeve design, a move which he says infuriated the legend.
Watch the full interview below –