Renowned Nigerian visual artist and designer, Lemi Ghariokwu, has urged young creatives to stay true to their unique voices during an event organized by the Department of Painting and Sculpture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.

“Be brave to be yourself. Be brave to be an outlier. Don’t rush with the crowd trends come and go. Find your own rhythm,” he advised.

The event, organized in collaboration with BlaxTARLINES, brought together graduate students and faculty members who engaged with Ghariokwu, the iconic artist known for designing more than 26 album covers for Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Mr. Ghariokwu took the audience on a journey through his artistic beginnings, his collaborations with Fela Kuti, and the evolution of his style over the years. He recounted how his early fascination with reggae music, Pan-African literature, and Black consciousness shaped his worldview and inspired his bold, politically charged art.

The Head of Department, Professor Edwin Kwesi Bodjawah, described the session as both inspiring and timely. He noted that Ghariokwu’s visit was part of ongoing efforts to expose students to real-world experiences in the creative industry.

The talk also featured an engaging Q&A session, where students sought advice on navigating the art world, preserving authenticity, and building lasting careers.