EKOMO
Overview
Welcome to "Ekomo," a rhythmic journey through the heart of Africa's musical heritage at Nomadic Art Gallery, opening March 23rd, 2024.
This is a duo exhibition by Minika and Hakeem Salaam. It is a testament to their shared passion for exploring the global impact of African music and art. In the Efik language, "Ekomo" translates to "Drum", setting the stage for an exhibition that pulsates with the beats of Jùjú, Afrobeat, Highlife, Kwaito, etc. As you navigate the gallery, discover the intricate threads that bind Africa's musical beauty, shaped by cultural interactions, migrations, beliefs, and political dynamics.
"Ekomo" unveils the craftsmanship behind African musical instruments, showcasing drums, slit gongs, and harps. Explore the resilience of a heritage passed down through generations, thriving orally and embodying tradition.
Minika's art is deeply rooted in her Nigerian heritage and it transforms the human body into a canvas, while Hakeem Salaam's lens known for documentary, travel, portrait, and fashion photography, captures the essence of Africa's musical journey.
"Ekomo" not only celebrates the roots of African music but also recognizes its global influence, resonating from the shores of the Caribbean to the rhythms of Latin America, shaping genres like jazz, blues, salsa, and hip hop.
"Ekomo" invites you to witness the interplay of tradition and modernity, echoing through time and space. It is a celebration of the vibrant sounds, instruments, and artisans that enrich the cultural fabric of Africa.
LOCATION
Nomadic Art Gallery
22 Adetokunbo Ademola Road,
Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
FEATURED ARTISTS
Minika
Hakeem Salaam
EXHIBITION DATES
23rd March - 13th April, 2024
Exhibiting Artists
Minika
BIO
A visual artist and expressionist, Minika grew up surrounded by nature and its many elements. Driven by passion and innovation, her artistic and cultural upbringing inspires her work and are heavy influences on her creative expressions which features a lot of play with lights and shadows.
Growing up in Calabar, a society rich in colourful and flamboyant cultural experiences, was indeed a great influence. She started exploring art from an early age and fell in love with that form of expression.
Discovering more about art drew her into the beauty industry where she rose to become one of Nigeria’s top makeup artists, her style of make-up ranging from soft to expressive looks.
Minika is constantly exploring life’s journey and sharing it through various media. She considers the human body as one of her canvases to share these stories. Her art is bold, colourful and reflective of her rich African heritage.
Hakeem Salaam
BIO
One of the most imaginative minds working the camera in Nigeria today, Hakeem Salaam began making images in his mind as a child, and started capturing them in 1989 when he bought his first camera, a Pentax point-and-shoot Obscura.
The fascination with still images grew, but he remained in his dark room making private photographs until 2001, when he began shooting real people with a Pentax SLR.
Hakeem, a widely published photographer who is interested in documentary, travel and landscape, portrait and fashion photography, is the recipient of the Fashion Photographer of The Year Award. His most recent work was at 2019 Ake Festival held at the Mike Adenuga Center, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Hakeem is widely travelled and has been involved in various photography projects chief of which are : Coffee Table Book on Abuja, Vitiligo Portraits, Beautiful Nigeria (ongoing), Foreigners on Long Street, Cape Town, South Africa. He is a Canon Influencer and trainer.
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