Legendary Artist Lemi Ghariokwu Commends Contemporary Afrobeats Stars for Unprecedented Global Export of Nigerian Music

Fela Kuti’s legendary designer Lemi Ghariokwu lauds Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido for taking Nigerian music to unprecedented global heights.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 5:14 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

A Generational Shift in Musical Influence

Lemi Ghariokwu, the iconic illustrator whose visual identity defined the discography of Fela Kuti, has offered a glowing assessment of the modern Nigerian music scene. Speaking on the global trajectory of the industry, the veteran artist argued that today’s performers are doing more than enough to solidify Nigeria's presence on the world stage. He identified a significant evolution from the fellowship-based success of the 1970s and 1980s to the mainstream global dominance currently enjoyed by the genre now collectively known as Afrobeats.

Comparing the Titans of Past and Present

While acknowledging the monumental contributions of pioneers like King Sunny Ade, Chief Ebenezer Obey, and Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Lemi noted a distinct difference in the scale of modern success. He pointed out that while the legends of Juju and Fuji music commanded immense local and diaspora followership, contemporary artistes have managed to break into elite international performance spaces that were previously inaccessible. This expansion has transformed Nigerian music from a niche cultural export into a formidable player in the global contemporary music market.

Granting Flowers to the New Guard

The list of artistes receiving praise from the veteran illustrator includes global heavyweights such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, as well as rising stars like Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr. Lemi emphasized that these musicians deserve their "flowers" for creating a unified brand name in Afrobeats, a feat that had not been achieved in previous decades. He believes that the formalization of this genre identity has provided a clearer path for Nigerian sounds to be recognized and consumed by a diverse international audience.