Over the years, Afrobeat has evolved—giving rise to subgenres like Afrojazz, Afrofusion, Afrofunk, and Afrohouse—resonating across the globe. But its influence extends beyond music, shaping fashion, dance, and, most notably, visual art.
Across Africa and the diaspora, artists draw inspiration from Afrobeat, translating its energy, storytelling, and activism into paintings, murals, digital art, and performance pieces. This fusion transforms sound into visual expression, creating a multi-sensory experience for both art lovers and music fans.
Afrobeat’s Visual Expression in Ghana
In Ghana, the synergy between Afrobeat and visual art thrives in festivals, exhibitions, and street murals. The Chale Wote Street Art Festival, Ghana’s premier art event, embodies this fusion, where Afrobeat fuels live art performances, mural paintings, and experimental visual storytelling; encapsulating how music and visual art intersect.
Similarly, the Tsadidi Street Art Festival in the Volta Region merges graffiti, installations, and music, highlighting Afrobeat’s cultural depth and visual impact. From Accra to Kumasi and beyond, artists are reimagining Afrobeat’s rhythms into visual masterpieces, proving that the genre is not just heard—it’s seen, felt, and experienced.
The Cultural Synergy of Afrobeat and Visual Art
Afrobeat, pioneered by Fela Kuti in the late 1960s, blends highlife, jazz, funk, and African rhythms. While its roots lie in Nigeria, Ghana’s highlife sound was instrumental in shaping its identity. More than music, Afrobeat has always been a cultural force—challenging corruption, celebrating African identity, and amplifying social change.
Visual artists mirror these themes, using color, form, and movement to capture Afrobeat’s dynamism. Whether through abstract paintings that echo its rhythms or murals depicting iconic musicians, this artistic intersection in Ghana is undeniable.
Afrobeat-Inspired Visual Art Forms in Ghana
Afrobeat-Inspired Digital and Political Art
Bright Ackwerh, a leading Ghanaian contemporary artist, is known for his satirical and politically charged work. Much like Afrobeat, his art critiques societal structures, often spotlighting influential figures like Sarkodie and their impact on public discourse.
His bold illustrations and digital paintings reflect Afrobeat’s core messages—activism, identity, and resistance. Ackwerh’s work is a visual extension of the music’s revolutionary spirit, making art a powerful tool for storytelling and change.
Paintings & Mixed Media: Capturing the Rhythm on Canvas
Serge Attukwei Clottey, renowned for his use of yellow plastic jerrycans (“Kufuor gallons”), transforms discarded materials into striking tapestries and sculptures. His concept, “Afrogallonism,” mirrors Afrobeat’s essence—taking raw, everyday elements and turning them into cultural statements.
His works explore themes of consumption, waste, and socio-economic realities, much like Afrobeat’s commentary on African life. Through mixed media, Clottey bridges visual art and music, turning Afrobeat’s essence into a tangible, visual experience.
Live Art and Stage Design: Bringing Afrobeat to Life
The AfroFuture Festival (formerly Afrochella) blends music, fashion, and art into a single, immersive celebration of Afrobeat culture. Live artists paint in real-time as musicians perform, creating a seamless dialogue between sound and sight.
The 2019 edition showcased colorful stage designs and live art installations, reinforcing how visual art can elevate the Afrobeat experience beyond music.
Music-Inspired Fantasy Coffins: Honoring Afrobeat Through Art
Renowned coffin artist Paa Joe has crafted elaborate music-themed fantasy coffins shaped like guitars and drums, honoring Afrobeat’s lasting influence. His work symbolizes how Afrobeat’s legacy extends beyond sound, finding permanence in Ghanaian artistic traditions.
Afrobeat and Contemporary Art Trends
As Afrobeat’s global reach expands, Ghanaian artists are gaining international recognition. Afrobeat-themed exhibitions now feature in galleries across Europe and the U.S., showcasing African identity and artistic innovation.
Fashion brands like Off-White and Louis Vuitton have drawn inspiration from Afrobeat’s aesthetic, incorporating Kente patterns and bold African visuals into their designs. Kente’s appearance in Vogue Magazine, influenced by Ghanaian artisans like Kwasi Asare, further underscores the fusion of traditional Ghanaian artistry with modern Afrobeat culture.
A New Era of Afrobeat & Visual Storytelling
From murals to digital art, Ghanaian artists are turning Afrobeat’s rhythms into vivid visual narratives—proving that the genre is more than music. It’s a cultural movement, a bridge between sound and sight, and a testament to the boundless creativity of African artistry.
As this fusion deepens, one thing is clear: Afrobeat is no longer just something we listen to. It’s something we see, feel, and experience in every form of art.
