Ekomo, by Minika Ohobu and Hakeem Salaam, sheds light on some of these instruments, their journeys, the transitions they undergo, the people they meet, and the sounds they produce around the African continent. Ekomo means “DRUM” in Efik, a native language in Nigeria, West Africa.
A.S: What would be the themes and main points attendees should look forward to during the exhibition?
M.O: The Ekomo Art Exhibition is a journey through the vibrant musical heritage of Africa. It spotlights the diverse musical traditions found across the continent. Attendees will experience the rich cultural and musical legacy of Africa as this exhibition showcases how various factors such as trade, religion, migrations, cultural beliefs, and politics, have shaped the unique and different regions of the continent. We have also highlighted the fact that these instruments are not just for making music; they also serve as conduits for communication, conveying messages of various nature, connecting people and spirits while staying strongly embedded in their daily life experiences.
Image courtesy of HSP Images
A.S: What is one memorable moment you have experienced while creating this body of work?
M.O: This project has led me to a whole new world of discovery that I can describe as humbling for me as an artist and very gratifying for me as an African. I have learnt about various cultures and their uniqueness and diversity. One memorable moment was when I discovered that my mom, during her years in the University of Ibadan, had chosen and carried out research on African music instruments as part of her course work. I found that rather interesting and fascinating.
A.S: If there was one piece of advice you would give to your younger self, what would it be?
H.S: Be genuinely yourself and unapologetic about decisions to go after your dreams. Stay curious and open to learning.
A.S: What are 3 words you would use to describe your work being showcased in this exhibition?
H.S: I will borrow words from people who have either bought art from me or have attended my exhibitions. They say: “your works are painterly, absolutely gorgeous masterpieces”. In this exhibition, we are carrying on with the tradition of artistic excellence that has become a part of us.
Image courtesy of HSP Images
A.S: As an artist what’s the most inspiring piece of art you’ve come across?
H.S: When it comes to inspiring art, one is inclined to look at the usual suspects, the Caravaggios, the Rembrandts, the Monets, Gaugins, Vincent van Gough etc whose works have held the art word spell bound for centuries and recently African contemporary artists like Enwonwu, Yinka Shonibare have held their own space. Young, up and coming artists who create contemporary works of amazing quality are equally inspiring.
A.S: How do you make your art relatable, as a black man to a wider audience?
H.S: This body of work is about African musical instruments and the emotions they invoke. Music speaks to everyone in a variety of ways, religion, spiritual or even entertainment. Through chant, poetry or spoken words, the message of music is related universally without racial or language barriers. Embedded in the work is a vocal message of purity that would resonate with wider global audience.
A.S: If you could have any artist, dead or alive, to have a conversation with who would it be and why?
M.O: I would simply ask Leonardo da Vinci to explain Mona Lisa’s expressions lol.
H.S: Ben Enwonwu. Loads of questions on his inspiration and work ethics.
Image courtesy of HSP Images
A.S: How did you discover your style as an artist?
M.O: Growing up in a deeply rooted Efik cultural home exposed me to lots of flamboyant experiences with daily discoveries on different aspects of our culture and history. I believe this greatly influenced my style as an artist. I would try my hands on different things like drawing, colouring and weaving. My family members were unfortunate subjects in my unending adventure in the art space. While discovering my personal style, I realized that our cultural and moral foundations are ingrained within us, regardless of our origins. These aspects remain evident even when we relocate to different environments.
H.S: I have been a naturally adventurous person and the photographic medium aligns with this personality trait in a manner that is difficult to describe. Art for me is an integral part of our being which we honed through learning and doing. Learning was deliberate and hugely influenced by my environment, what I see, hear, read or feel. Doing on the other hand, was experimental and consistent with observations of phenomena occurring around me.
Ekomo runs from 6th to 20th October 2023. The venue is, Waterstone’s Shop Front, The O2 Center, 255 Finchley Road, London, NW3 6LU.
