'Data Design Activist' - that's a new one lol. Disseminating information, in whatever format, is where I find the most value. Independent of the label, my work is concerned with helping people know a little bit more about 'important' data on African prosperity and efforts. I was happy to share my thoughts on what it means to Reimagine a Just and Resilient Democracy in Africa [ @ayvnews in Sierra Leone under the delegation of @au_ecosocc ]
As an artist and cultural producer, it means the world to be able to birth artworks/programs that contribute to advancing my continent, reaching young people, and participating in progress. I believe this matters. Creatives have a role to play. Grateful to know that some of my own efforts encourage other artists to reimagine their positionality as cultural practioners/engineers. Let's keep trying.
| Excerpts from the MACIS 2026 report
It was a pleasure to accept this invitation, and to speak amongst esteemed international speakers including Meagan Kelly Horsman (Christieโs Middle East), Faith Manthi (UNESCO), Pam Mutembei (HEVA Fund) and Nadia Samdani (Samdani Art Foundation).
Over several days, investors, policymakers, artists, cultural institutions, and leaders of the creative economy gathered to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping this dynamic sector. Through high-level panel discussions and networking exchanges, participants gained valuable market insights, forge new partnerships, and access practical strategies to harness the transformative role of art and culture for economic growth, social cohesion, and innovation.
Key themes included building a sustainable art market for African narratives, transforming the cultural landscape of the Indian Ocean, and utilizing art as a catalyst for social impact.
Source: voya-g
Pleased to have contributed to ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฆ๐๐บ๐บ๐ถ๐ 2026 as a panellist.
Panel discussion title: โ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ณ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ก๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐.โ
It explored how Africaโs cultural and artistic narratives can be strengthened through sustainable market structures, international collaboration, and greater visibility for African artists on the global stage. The discussion focused on building an ecosystem that supports artists, collectors, institutions, and cultural entrepreneurs while preserving the authenticity and diversity of African storytelling through art.
Sharing sentiments with some of the artists in the room, it is useful to expand our understanding of art and its positionality in the wider economic system. Beyond white-cubed spaces, artists can be leveraged across sectors as non-traditional partners capable of adding value to developmental agendas. It was a practical note to end the conversation on.
An Artchive of Fela Kuti - 2022 | 6 Remaining โจ๏ธ
Link in BIO
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This was the artwork that started everything. I DM'd it to Lemi Ghariokwu. I love feedback- and Lemi's portfolio was a great inspiration. He replied, saying he'd already seen it and that he had actually already liked the Instagram post. We laughed. My heart exploded. Fast forward a couple of years, and you'll be watching me putting together an exhibition co-exhibiting this artwork alongside the legend's handpainted Fela Kuti album cover originals. O Fortuna.
WCEArchives: @freetheyouth_ghana [Kelly Kurlz and Joey Lit] and @wcedoesart at the Resisting Forgetfulness Exhibition - Dec 2025 - at Citizen Projects.
A bit of nostalgia:
I participated in my first exhibition in April 2024 at The Mix, in Osu (s/o to zahra_faye__ for curating and willyprospero for the warm welcome to Ghana's art scene). In the room was a generous gathering of creatives, corporate folks, trade sector workers, and entrepreneurs. Everyone was happy to be there, and they were all actively present. Since then, I have grown a deep appreciation for the capacity of exhibitions to invite and include the most diverse audiences. What a brilliant host art is...
Thanks for coming along with the FTY family @kellykurlz
And WE SEE THE SHOES! @joey_lit
๐ง Produced by @wcedoesart
WCEArchives: Showdemcamp [Wale Davies (Tec) and Olumide Ayeni (Ghost)] at the Resisting Forgetfulness Exhibition Oroko Closing Party
We closed off this chapter of the #WCEHostsLemiInGhana activation with something special for the culture: a Showdemcamp Afrika Magik album listening session. This addition reinforced the exhibited synergies between art and music.
Sending all the love @kingxdavies@pen_wizard_esq
S/o to @_kikelomo_ for facilitating this resonant session
Exhibition hosted at @citizenprojectspace
Exhibition curated by @wcedoesart
WCEArchives: On the 9th of January, Resisting Forgetfulness: The Aesthetics of Afrobeat(s) Exhibition presented by Citizen Projects and WCE came to a close.
Huge thanks to the 200+ amazing individuals who came through for the Resisting Forgetfulness @Orokoradio Closing Event! From inviting the gallery to host this exhibition in August 2025 to wrapping up a successful multi-stakeholder project by January 2026. It's one thing to create a vision that resonates culturally, but it's an entirely different level of magic when stakeholders lock in. @aidaesi , founder of @citizenprojectspace , I'm grateful for your collaboration. @trance.gh , your consistency since day one has been invaluable. Thanks for being reliable partners. @cocoacreativehouse_ , bringing @lemighariokwu to us in Accra was incredible - cheers. @new.comma , @trybeafrica , @accraartweek , I appreciate you for amplifying our work on your socials. @djsangabriel , you showed up and showed out for us- thanks for the support. @staplestudios01 these images are sickkk
And extra special shoutout to @showdemcamp and @jonbasiltequila for an unforgettable closing night! Wrapping up this collaborative project between music and art with a surprise Afrika Magik listening session was an absolute gift ๐
We would like to thank everyone who attended the closing event of CITIZEN PROJECTS and WCE present: Resisting Forgetfulness, held in collaboration @orokoradio .
The exhibition, curated by @wcedoesart of @wcehosts , concluded with an evening bringing together the exhibition, music, and community.
Our thanks to @showdemcamp for presenting a listening session of their critically acclaimed album AFRIKA MAGIK, and to the DJs from the Oroko Radio Collective for the closing program @alexritaa@kxzxxmx@dede.__@errol.and
Powered by @trance.gh
Libations provided by @jonbasiltequila
Citizen Projects and WCE present: Resisting Forgetfulness - Oroko Radio Closing Party. Celebrate the closing of the exhibition curated by Whitney C Ernest [@WCEdoesart ]
A sub-program in @wcedoesart 's WCEHosts Lemi In Ghana cultural activation, this group exhibition closes with leading Hip Hop duo Show Dem Camp [@showdemcamp ]. Join us for a listening session of their critically acclaimed album โAFRIKA MAGIKโ as well as a lineup of exciting DJ's from the @OrokoRadio Collective.
Special shout-out to @citizenprojectspace for hosting our exhibition!
This event is powered by @Trance.gh and Libations powered by @JonBasilTequila
Artwork by @realreez
Strictly by RSVP
Limited Edition Signed Prints Available
Ghs 1000 each โข DM to Purchase
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Resisting Forgetfulness: The Aesthetics of Afrobeat(s) continues a year-long cultural activation of veteran Afrobeat sleeve design, @lemighariokwu produced by @wcedoesart
This group exhibition puts contemporary artists in conversation with the legend to explore the powerful synergy between African visual artists and the contemporary music scene. By transcending generational and geographical barriers, we highlight how painters, illustrators, and digital creators have shaped the dynamic visual language of one of Africaโs most influential cultural exports. From protest art and political satire to data-informed visual storytelling, the works insist on remembrance, accountability, and hope - amplify the realities that inform todayโs sounds.
WCEArchives: Kayode Yajuar and Whitney C Ernest
HUGE LEMI FANS!! #CocoaChocolateHouse
@WCEdoesart x @Blacktycoone at Lemi Ghariokwu's Group Exhibition, Resisting Forgetfulness: The Aesthetics of Afrobeat(s) Opening Event.
๐ง Produced by @wcedoesart
โณ๏ธ 3rd January 2025 ๐ Citizen Projects, Osu