The Recording Academy recently announced that, starting with the 68th Grammy Awards, there will be a “Best Album Cover” category. But what if this category had always existed? Fela Kuti’s politically charged “Original Suffer Head” could have clinched the prize, as could have Lady Donli’s “Enjoy Your Life.” Likewise, rapper A-Reece’s “Today’s Tragedy, Tomorrow’s Memory,” The Cavemen’s “Roots,” and Thandiswa’s sci-fi influenced cover art for her 2009 project “Ibokwe.” The cover of Angelique Kidjo’s 2014 project “Eve” also makes an appearance, as does Seyi Vibez’s “Thy Kingdom Come,” The Lijadu Sisters’ “Horizon Unlimited,” Hugh Masekela’s “Trumpet Africaine,” and Sauti Sol’s “African Sauce.” More than just artwork, these covers are cultural statements. Each one fuses local traditions with global influences, offering a vivid lens into Africa’s sonic and visual evolution.
OkayAfrica
