2016-03-02
Michael Reyes
Design Dispatch, New York
The Album Cover Bank exhibit showcases a diverse range of Nigerian music artwork from the 1950s to the present day. Featuring more than 400 albums, the collection offers a unique glimpse into the country's rich musical heritage and cultural evolution.
Album Cover Bank traces over 70 years of Nigeria’s album design and visual culture. We speak to Opemipo Aikomo of the Lagos-based collective wuruwuru about its industrious and culturally groundbreaking feat.
It’ll be a sad day when we stop revelling in the album covers that contribute to our visual cultures. And that day is lurking in the near future, with most of these artworks nestled in our phones, on computers, or lost in the depths of online archives. The physicality of album art, once a staple of music appreciation, is slowly becoming an afterthought in our digital age.
However, there are still those who are working tirelessly to preserve and celebrate this rich cultural heritage. Wuruwuru, a Lagos-based collective, has embarked on a mission to document Nigeria's album design history through its Album Cover Bank project. With a passion for music and art, Opemipo Aikomo, one of the co-founders, is spearheading this initiative. We sat down with him to discuss the significance of album covers, the challenges of preserving cultural heritage, and the importance of keeping our visual culture alive.
Nigeria's music industry has undergone significant transformations since the 1950s, when the country was still a British colony. The early years saw the rise of highlife, juju, and fuji music, each with its unique sound and style. As the music scene evolved, so did the design of album covers. Wuruwuru's Album Cover Bank project is an exhaustive collection of these vintage artworks, featuring some of Nigeria's most iconic musicians.
From the colorful graphics of early highlife albums to the more subdued designs of modern Afrobeats releases, each cover tells a story about the artist, their music, and the time in which it was created. The diversity of styles is staggering, reflecting the various influences that have shaped Nigerian music over the years. "We want to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria through its album covers," explains Opemipo. "These artworks are not just visual representations but also a window into the country's history and identity."
One of the significant challenges facing Wuruwuru is the fragility of physical media. Many of these vintage albums have deteriorated over time, making it difficult to preserve them for posterity. Additionally, the shift towards digital music has resulted in a decline in album cover design as an art form. With most music consumed through streaming services, the physical album has become less relevant.
However, Wuruwuru's Album Cover Bank project is working to counter this trend by creating a comprehensive online database of Nigerian album covers. The platform allows users to browse and explore the artworks, providing a valuable resource for researchers, artists, and music enthusiasts alike. Opemipo emphasizes the importance of preserving our cultural heritage: "We need to ensure that these artworks are not lost forever. We have a responsibility to future generations to preserve our cultural identity."
While some may argue that album covers are no longer relevant, Wuruwuru's Opemipo disagrees. "Album covers are an integral part of the music experience," he asserts. "They provide context and meaning to the artist's work, helping us understand the creative vision behind each release." Moreover, the design of album covers can evoke emotions and create a lasting impression on listeners.
In an era where music is consumed on-the-go, the physicality of album art has become more crucial than ever. Wuruwuru's Album Cover Bank project serves as a testament to the enduring power of visual culture in music appreciation. By preserving these artworks, we are not only honoring Nigeria's rich musical heritage but also ensuring that future generations can appreciate and understand the cultural significance of our beloved music.
As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital music, it is more important than ever to preserve our cultural heritage. Wuruwuru's Album Cover Bank project is a shining example of this effort. Through its tireless efforts to document Nigeria's album design history, Opemipo Aikomo and his team are ensuring that our visual culture remains alive and well.
As we look to the future, it is heartening to know that there are still those who are passionate about preserving our cultural identity. Wuruwuru's Album Cover Bank project will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resource for years to come, providing a window into Nigeria's rich musical heritage. Let us cherish these artworks and continue to celebrate their significance in our shared cultural landscape.
Wuruwuru's Album Cover Bank can be found online at [insert website URL].