“I’ve been working on a series that looks at Nigerian music from the 1950s till the 1990s, reimagining old album covers as posters. It’s been a way for me to reconnect with artists I’d heard about growing up but never really got into. I’ve always been drawn to the design of those covers, so putting my own spin on them has been a fun way to reflect my experience of the music. Onyeka Onwenu, in particular, has been a huge inspiration—her powerful voice, the way she expressed herself in her music, and her boldness in speaking out politically really stands out to me. It’s always motivating to see how women before me used their craft to make a statement.”
Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu commemorates the life and legacy of Onyeka Onwenu, an iconic figure in Nigerian music, culture, and activism. Known as the “Elegant Stallion”, Onyeka championed causes close to the hearts of everyday Nigerians, making a significant impact through her music and activism.
Yadi created this graphic in 2022 to celebrate Onyeka’s contributions and positive influence.
Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu is an experimental artist and graphic designer based in Lagos. Check out more of her work on @studio_yadi