Lemi Abiodun Ghariokwu, born Emmanuel Sunday on December 26, 1955, in Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a self-taught visual artist, illustrator, and designer renowned for his vibrant, politically expressive album covers. Though originally from Agbor, Delta State, Lemi spent his entire life in Lagos, growing up in Igbobi, Fadeyi. His father wanted him to become a mechanical engineer, leading him... View more

Lemi Abiodun Ghariokwu, born Emmanuel Sunday on December 26, 1955, in Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a self-taught visual artist, illustrator, and designer renowned for his vibrant, politically expressive album covers. Though originally from Agbor, Delta State, Lemi spent his entire life in Lagos, growing up in Igbobi, Fadeyi. His father wanted him to become a mechanical engineer, leading him to attend Yaba College of Technology Secondary School, where he studied science and technical subjects. However, his passion for art prevailed, and he chose to develop his craft independently, educating himself through books, music, and cultural exploration.
In 1974, through journalist Babatunde Harrison, Lemi met Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti after Harrison discovered one of his art pieces in a local pub. Impressed by his illustration of Roforofo Fight, Fela invited Lemi into the Kalakuta Republic, marking the start of a remarkable artistic partnership. Fela gave him total creative freedom, resulting in 26 iconic album covers that visually narrated Fela's bold political and social messages.
Over the years, Ghariokwu's work, known for its rich colors, symbolism, and witty social commentary, has graced over 2,000 album covers for artists including Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Miriam Makeba, 2Face, Lagbaja, and Falz. He served as consulting designer for Polygram Records for 11 years and later worked extensively with Kennis Music. His work has been featured globally, including in Area 2 by Phaidon Press, and one of his paintings, Anoda Sistem, is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Beyond music, Lemi designed major visual projects like the FELA-BUS for the Broadway musical Fela! in New York and Pop Central's 70 Years of Music in Nigeria in 2024. Married with four children, Lemi Ghariokwu remains a living legend and cultural icon whose art continues to inspire creativity, activism, and African pride. View less